AI Program Manager
About the company
This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration, in the Chief Technology Office (JZ) organization in the Chief Information Office (J). A successful candidate in the AI Program Manager position will serve as the AI Program Manager and principal advisor on all matters related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).
Your tasks
As an AI Program Manager, you will: Serve as the bureau-wide principal advisor and program manager for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), defining and executing the strategic vision, adoption roadmap, and key performance indicators in close alignment with Chief Technology Office (JZ) leadership. Establish operational plans, pattern, and reference architectures across both Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) environments, ensuring all initiatives advance bureau mission goals while bridging high-level federal mandates with utility delivery. Collaborate with policy, legal, and planning stakeholders to institute and enforce a comprehensive governance framework ensuring secure, responsible, transparent, and compliant AI deployment throughout the organization. Act as the designated executive and technical authority supporting the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) for evaluating and approving the operational deployment of high-impact AI systems-including applications corporate/back-office functions, transmission grid planning and operations, regional hydro planning, and NERC-CIP-protected control room and field cyber assets. Collaborate with the Chief Data Officer (CDO) to establish data readiness criteria, governance policies, and quality guardrails for model ingestion and training pipelines. Direct enterprise enablement initiatives by establishing secure access to pre-approved foundation models, managing sandbox environments, creating reusable design patterns, and evaluating Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) / SaaS AI products to enforce data privacy and non-training clauses on Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Serve as the primary strategic liaison between technical teams, operational business units, enterprise architects, and external entities. This position is located in Portland, OR which boasts huge spans of amazing trees, foliage, landscape, and everywhere you look you can appreciate beautiful greenery! Portland is the one place where you will find lively festivals, energetic music, and mouthwatering food! There is always something new to experience in this eco-friendly town!
1) managing an enterprise level program or portfolio of projects to pilot and adopt AI solutions including governance, standards, design, and implementation;
2) collaborating across multidisciplinary teams, including IT, data management, operational business units, and external stakeholders, to vet, prioritize, and integrate AI use cases into existing enterprise architecture or operational workflows; AND
3) evaluating emerging AI technologies and potential transformational solutions (including AI) to establish roadmaps, standards, and playbooks for deployment and operations.
Requirements
BASIC REQUIREMENT: Experience must be IT related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate. For all positions individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below. The employing agency is responsible for identifying the specific level of proficiency required for each competency at each grade level based on the requirements of the position being filled.
- Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
- Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
- Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
- Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
To meet this requirement you must demonstrate proficiency in each of the four competencies listed above as follows:
GS-14: Advanced - You can perform the actions associated with each of these competencies without assistance. You are recognized within your immediate organization as "a person to ask" when difficult questions arise regarding each of these competencies. Focus is on broad organizational/professional issues; You have consistently provided practical/relevant ideas and perspectives on process or practice improvements which may easily be implemented; You are capable of coaching others in the application of each of these competencies by translating complex nuances relating to each competency into easy to understand terms; You participate in senior level discussions regarding these competencies; You assist in the development of reference and resource materials in these competencies.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level [GS-13] in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as:
"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position.
In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answer to these questions is not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration When you apply you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility for employment and your qualification for this position specifically. You must answer all of these questions completely and truthfully.
Other
Key Requirements
- You must be a United States Citizen.
- This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
- Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements.
- You will be required to report in person to the official duty location.
Conditions of Employment
- Selectee will be required to complete the Office of Government Ethics Standard of Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OFGE450e) within 30 days of employment and annually.
- This position has been designated as requiring a PUBLIC TRUST background.
- A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work.
- Current Federal employees or other individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check.
- Position may be required to participate in scheduled or ad hoc on call duties, including after hours, weekends, and holidays at management's discretion to support mission needs.