Senior GRC Advisor - Data & AI Governance

Role Overview This role directly reports to and supports the Associate Director of T&O Risk (1B) - Business Risk Advisory and Controls - Testing & Advisory. The candidate will provide independent advisory, oversight, and validation of governance, risk, and control activities that support Enterprise Data Governance and AI Governance. The candidate will also support Product/Service/Process Risk Assessments (PSPRA) and Regulatory Compliance Risk Assessment (RCRA), maintain Process Risk and Control (PRC) libraries and advise on Key Risk Indicators (KRIs), etc. The role works in close collaboration with First Line of Defense (1LOD) and Regulatory Compliance and Risk related Second Line of Defense (2LOD) partners to support and strengthen governance and risk management across the enterprise. Key Responsibilities Governance, Risk & Compliance (Advisory) Maintains a strong understanding of applicable regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internal policy frameworks; monitors changes and provides timely governance, risk, and control insights. Supports PSPRA, RCRA and other risk assessment activities across Data Governance and AI‑related processes from an advisory and challenge perspective. Provides governance and control advisory support to business partners, clarifying expectations and risk considerations without directing operational decision‑making. Applies governance frameworks and control principles to assess alignment of business practices with enterprise standards and risk appetite. Communicates governance, risk, and control considerations clearly to stakeholders, supporting informed decision‑making and consistent application of expectations. Governance Advisory & Enablement Serves as a governance advisor to business and technology stakeholders, providing guidance on risk management practices, control design considerations, and policy interpretation. Supports the development, refinement, and socialization of governance standards, procedures, and guidance related to Data and AI risk management. Facilitates governance forums, working sessions, and stakeholder discussions to promote shared understanding of governance expectations and emerging risks. Reviews governance artifacts, assessments, and documentation prepared by others to provide advisory feedback on completeness, clarity, and alignment with governance and risk standards. Identifies governance gaps, emerging risks, or areas of inconsistency and escalates observations with clear articulation of risk and impact. Prepares governance summaries, advisory materials, and reporting to support leadership oversight and informed risk discussions. Relationship Management & Collaboration Builds and maintains strong working relationships with internal and external partners, particularly across first‑ and second‑line functions. Acts as a trusted governance, risk, and control advisor to stakeholders, balancing effective challenge with collaboration. Develops a deep understanding of end‑to‑end business processes related to data and AI model risk management and lifecycle management to provide relevant and practical guidance. Partners with stakeholders to support governance alignment while respecting ownership and accountability within the first line of defense. General Responsibilities Continuously enhances knowledge and skills in Data and AI governance, compliance, and risk management. Works independently, exercising sound judgment to identify, assess, and escalation governance or control concerns within defined guidelines. May assume additional responsibilities aligned with governance, risk, and control advisory needs. Coaches and mentors junior staff to strengthen governance understanding, consistency, and advisory effectiveness across the team. Qualifications Required Typically, 5 - 7 years of relevant experience in governance, risk, compliance, data governance, AI governance, risk management, audit, or related disciplines, with a strong focus on advisory and oversight activities. Strong knowledge of Data and AI governance risk and regulatory requirements, including data privacy, data quality, model risk, and emerging AI governance considerations. Solid understanding of applicable regulations, industry standards, and control frameworks relevant to enterprise risk management and the data and AI lifecycle. Experience supporting risk assessments (e.g., PSPRA, RCRA, process risk and control assessments), including advising on risk identification, control considerations, and Key Risk Indicators (KRIs). Strong analytical and critical‑thinking skills, with the ability to assess governance and control alignment, identify gaps, and articulate risk implications. Effective communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across first‑ and second‑line functions. Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and appropriately escalation governance or risk concerns. Required professional certifications: CDMP - Certified Data Management Professional (by DAMA) CRISC - Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (by ISACA) OR CGRC - Certified in Governance, Risk and Compliance (by ISC2) Preferred certifications: AIGP – Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional (by IAPP) ISO/IEC 42001 – AI Lead Auditor/Implementer (by ISO) Salary $74,000.00 - $138,000.00 Pay Type Salaried Benefits BMO Financial Group’s total compensation package will vary based on the pay type of the position and may include performance-based incentives, discretionary bonuses, as well as other perks and rewards. BMO also offers health insurance, tuition reimbursement, accident and life insurance, and retirement savings plans. Equal Employment Opportunity BMO is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other legally protected characteristics. We also consider applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Reasonable Accommodations BMO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e‑mail to View email address on click.appcast.io and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. #J-18808-Ljbffr BMO