AI Strategy & Transformation, Director - RQA

About this role BlackRock's purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. Risk & Quantitative Analysis (RQA) is at the center of BlackRock's investment and technology platform. RQA provides independent oversight, risk analytics, portfolio insights, model governance, and strategic risk advisory across the firm's investment and technology activities. As BlackRock accelerates its 2030 strategy, AI transformation and Private Markets growth represent two of the most important strategic priorities for the firm. RQA is playing a central role in both. About the Role We are seeking a highly motivated Director to join RQA's Strategy & AI Transformation team. This individual will act as a senior delivery leader across some of the firm's highest-profile strategic initiatives, spanning AI transformation, Private Markets risk management, operating model redesign, and cross-functional innovation program. The role will partner closely with senior leaders across RQA, Technology & Operations, BlackRock AI Labs, Digital Workplace, Aladdin, PMG Tech, and Private Markets businesses to drive execution of a multi-year transformation agenda. Success in this role requires exceptional organizational leadership, executive presence, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate ambitious ideas into tangible outcomes. This position is based in New York and will work directly with senior leadership across the firm. What We Are Looking For The ideal candidate combines the execution discipline of a world-class program leader with the curiosity and adaptability of a startup operator. They are comfortable navigating ambiguity, building relationships across senior stakeholder groups, and driving complex initiatives from concept through implementation. Most importantly, they are excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of risk management, AI-enabled decision making, and Private Markets at BlackRock. Key Responsibilities Strategic Program Leadership Lead the day-to-day execution of a portfolio of strategic initiatives across AI transformation, operating model redesign, and Private Markets risk management. Drive Program governance, prioritization, milestone management, dependency tracking, issue resolution, and executive reporting across multiple workstreams. Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on program execution risks, resource allocation, and delivery strategy. Coordinate complex initiatives involving stakeholders across RQA, AI Labs, Technology, Aladdin, Private Markets, and corporate functions. AI Transformation Support execution of RQA's AI strategy and flagship transformation initiatives, including the RQA's priority AI projects. Partner with business leaders to identify, prioritize, and scale AI-enabled workflows. Coordinate efforts across AI governance, model validation, AI risk management, technology teams, and business stakeholders. Help establish repeatable operating models, governance frameworks, and adoption strategies for AI solutions across RQA. Track value realization, productivity gains, and business outcomes associated with AI investments. Private Markets Strategy & Innovation Support the evolution of BlackRock's Private Markets risk management operating model. Coordinate strategic initiatives spanning Private Credit, Private Equity, Infrastructure, Real Estate, and related risk functions. Work closely with investment, risk, analytics, and technology teams to drive implementation of new capabilities supporting BlackRock's growth ambitions in private markets. Facilitate collaboration across BlackRock Private Assets teams to accelerate  harmonization efforts. Executive Engagement & Stakeholder Management Develop materials and recommendations for senior leadership forums. Prepare strategic updates, business cases, operating model proposals, investment requests, and executive communications. Influence stakeholders across organizational boundaries without direct authority. Represent the team in senior meetings and act as an extension of leadership when required. Operating Model & Team Development Help design scalable operating models for AI-enabled risk management. Contribute to workforce transformation efforts, including AI adoption, capability development, and organizational effectiveness. Support development of governance frameworks, delivery standards, and best practices across strategic programs. Identify opportunities to improve execution discipline, transparency, and cross-functional collaboration. Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree required. 8+ years of relevant experience in strategy, transformation, program management, consulting, technology, risk management, or related fields. Demonstrated experience leading large-scale cross-functional transformation program. Strong understanding of AI, data, analytics, or digital transformation initiatives. Exceptional project and program management skills. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Ability to engage credibly with senior executives and technical specialists alike. Proven track record of influencing stakeholders without formal authority. Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Ability to operate effectively in highly ambiguous and fast-changing environments. Preferred Experience within financial services, asset management, fintech, or technology. Knowledge of investment management, risk management, or private markets. Experience working with AI, machine learning, data platforms, or enterprise transformation program. MBA or advanced degree preferred. For New York, NY Only the salary range for this position is USD$173,500.00 - USD$270,000.00 . Additionally, employees are eligible for an annual discretiona