AI Governance & Security Architect

UMB’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) team is responsible for driving automation, data-driven decision making and software modernization using AI centric tools.  Currently, we leverage machine learning, natural language processing, predictive analytics, and generative AI to enhance customer experience, and improve operational efficiency.  This includes utilizing fraud protection software to ensure regulatory and system availability.

As an AI Governance & Security Architect, you will be responsible for developing and leading enterprise frameworks that ensure the ethical, secure, and compliant adoption of AI within the financial organization. You will bridge cybersecurity, risk management, and AI lifecycle governance to safeguard sensitive data and models against threats, while meeting regulatory obligations. You will also provide strategic leadership across IT, risk, compliance, and business functions to embed responsible AI practices, strengthen resilience against AI-specific risks, and enable innovation in a secure and controlled manner.  This is a subset of the overall responsibilities which will include multiple initiatives as assigned by IT leadership. 

This role is hybrid (Mon through Thu on-site / Fri remote) for candidates in the Kansas City metropolitan area and open to qualified remote candidates outside of the Kansas City area but only within the US.

How you’ll spend your time:

• Define and implement enterprise-wide AI governance frameworks to ensure responsible, ethical, and compliant use of AI in financial operations.
• Develop and enforce AI security standards aligned with regulatory requirements (e.g., FFIEC, OCC, GLBA, GDPR, ISO 42001, NIST AI RMF).
• Partner with risk, compliance, and legal teams to create policies covering AI model lifecycle management, bias detection, explainability, and auditability.
• Oversee secure AI/ML solution deployment in both on-premises and cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP), ensuring robust data protection and encryption practices.
• Conduct AI security risk assessments, threat modeling, and red team testing for generative AI and predictive models.
• Establish monitoring frameworks for AI systems to track drift, anomalies, and adversarial threats.
• Provide architectural guidance on integrating AI platforms with existing banking systems (ACH, RTP, Wires, Core Banking, Payment Hubs).
• Lead AI security incident response and ensure remediation processes meet financial regulatory standards.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for internal stakeholders on AI governance, regulatory compliance, and ethical AI adoption.
• Mentor junior architects and engineers in AI governance and cybersecurity best practices.

We’re excited to talk with you if:

• You have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, or related field and at least 7 years of professional experience in enterprise architecture, information security, or technology governance in financial services, OR equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• You have a proven track record of implementing governance frameworks, risk management strategies, and compliance programs for emerging technologies.
• You have familiarity with financial services regulations and security requirements.
• You have experience collaborating with auditors, regulators, and compliance teams.
• You have strong understanding of AI/ML lifecycle management, including model development, validation, deployment, and monitoring.
• You have knowledge of data governance principles, MDM (Golden Record, Canonical Models), and regulatory compliance in financial services.
• You have proficiency in cloud-native AI/ML platforms (AWS SageMaker, Bedrock, Azure AI, GCP Vertex).
• You have familiarity with security frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001/42001, CIS Controls).
• You’re able to translate complex AI and security concepts into business-friendly language.

Bonus Points If:

• You have a Master’s degree in Information Security, Artificial Intelligence, or related discipline. 
• You have at least 10 years of experience in financial services or regulated industries.
• You have demonstrated leadership in AI governance, cybersecurity, or enterprise architecture initiatives.
• You have certifications such as CISSP, CISM, ISO 42001 Lead Auditor, or Certified AI Governance Professional.
• You have experience presenting to executive leadership and regulators.
• You have hands-on experience with AI observability tools (e.g., Fiddler, Arize, MLflow).
• You have familiarity with secure federated learning, differential privacy, and adversarial ML defenses.
• You have experience leading cross-functional AI security initiatives in regulated industries.
• You have advanced knowledge of cryptography, data anonymization, and AI-driven fraud detection techniques.

Applicants must have legal authority to work in the United States.  Work Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Application Deadline: January 7, 2026

Compensation Range:

The posted compensation range on this listing represents UMB’s standard for this role, but the actual compensation may vary by geographic location, experience level, and other job-related factors. In addition, this range does not encompass the full earning potential for this role. Please see the description of benefits included with this job posting for additional information.

UMB offers competitive and varied benefits to eligible associates, such as Paid Time Off; a 401(k) matching program; annual incentive pay; paid holidays; a comprehensive company sponsored benefit plan including medical, dental, vision, and other insurance coverage; health savings, flexible spending, and dependent care accounts; adoption assistance; an employee assistance program; fitness reimbursement; tuition reimbursement; an associate wellbeing program; an associate emergency fund; and various associate banking benefits. Benefit offerings and eligibility requirements vary.

Are you ready to be part of something more?

You're more than a means to an end—a way to help us meet the bottom line. UMB isn't comprised of workers, but of people who care about their work, one another, and their community. Expect more than the status quo. At UMB, you can expect more heart. You'll be valued for exactly who you are and encouraged to support causes you care about. Expect more trust. We want you to do the right thing, no matter what. And, expect more opportunities. UMBers are known for having multiple careers here and having their voices heard.

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