Jobs for People with MS: National MS Society

Job Purpose & Scope

This key role offers the unique opportunity to help develop, shape and deliver on a critical enabler of Bank OZK’s vision and strategy: emerging technologies and artificial intelligence. In this role, you will develop and drive implementation strategy to integrate emerging technologies and advance analytics more deeply into Bank OZK’s ecosystem. You will identify and help implement solutions utilizing emerging technologies to improve business efficiency, cost savings, product and service innovations, and deliver differentiated employee/customer experience.

Essential Job Functions

• Develops and leads the bank’s AI strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements.

• Identifies, evaluates, and implements AI-driven solutions to optimize lending, risk assessment, fraud detection, and customer personalization.

• Identifies AI capabilities embedded within third-party technologies current used that can be leverage for business value.

• Partners closely with IT, operations, Information Security, Enterprise Risk, and Compliance teams to ensure responsible AI adoption in banking products and services.

• Drives AI-powered automation and predictive analytics to enhance operational efficiency.

• Monitors emerging fintech trends, AI advancements, and regulatory developments to identify strategic opportunities for the bank.

• Leads pilot programs and proof-of-concept initiatives to test and validate new technologies.

• Builds partnerships with fintech firms, AI vendors, and industry consortiums to accelerate innovation.

• Collaborates with executive leadership to define and communicate the bank’s technology vision and roadmap.

• Educates and influences internal stakeholders on AI, quantitative modeling, and Emerging Technologies trends.

• Develops and oversees a team of AI, data science, and digital transformation specialists in conjunction with a broader collaboration across the IT department and key business partners.

• Provides regular updates and reports to senior leadership and our board on the progress and impact of emerging technology solutions.

• Travels for business purposes, as needed.

• Regularly exercises discretion and judgment in the performance of essential job functions.

• Maintains good punctuality and attendance to work.

• Follows Bank policy, procedures and guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of AI/ML applications in financial services, including risk modeling, fraud detection, and customer analytics.

• Familiarity with AI governance frameworks and regulatory considerations for AI and modeling in banking.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into business value.

• Ability to develop or demonstrate effective working relationships with regulators, compliance teams, and legal departments on AI risk management.

• Ability to develop or demonstrate effective working relationships with fintechs, AI vendors, and industry partners. 

• Ability to demonstrate effective interpersonal skills, work in a team environment and build cross- functional relationships.

• Ability to effectively collaborate with IT, enterprise analytics, and business teams to drive model deployment and automation.

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to interact with a variety of management levels and to shift effectively between a detailed and a big picture focus.

• Ability to lead and mentor others.

• Ability to travel for business purposes.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Proficient skill in Python, R, SQL, and machine learning frameworks.

• Skill in using computers and Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in AI, Data Science, Quantitative Modeling, or a related field, required. Master’s degree or Ph.D., preferred.

• 10+ years of experience in technology strategy, AI adoption, or quantitative modeling, required.

• 5+ years’ management experience, including direct supervision of quantitative teams, required.

• Prior work experience as key leader supporting new technology vision, implementation, and oversight, required.

Job Expectations

Job Expectations: O perate customary equipment and technology used in a business environment, with or without accommodation.

Note: This description is not an exhaustive list of all job functions, duties, skills, and job standards required. Other job functions, duties, skills, and standards may be added. Management reserves the right to add or change the job requirements at any time.

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EEO Statement

Bank OZK is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and local law. Member FDIC.