Sr Director, Responsible AI Assurance & Validation - Remote

Senior Director, Responsible AI Assurance & Validation UnitedHealth Group is a health care and well-being company that's dedicated to improving the health outcomes of millions around the world. We are comprised of two distinct and complementary businesses, UnitedHealthcare and Optum, working to build a better health system for all. Here, your contributions matter as they will help transform health care for years to come. Make an impact with a team that shares your passion for helping others. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.This role is part of UnitedHealth Group's Responsible AI Program. The Senior Director, Responsible AI Assurance & Validation will provide technical and strategic leadership for a team of data scientists focused on advancing responsible, ethical, and compliant AI solutions across healthcare applications.This position combines deep expertise in data science with healthcare innovation, AI ethics, and regulatory compliance. The Senior Director, Responsible AI Assurance & Validation will set the technical direction for responsible AI testing and validation methodologies, oversee model risk evaluation practices, and ensure scalable, repeatable governance processes across AI use cases-including Generative AI and traditional machine learning systems.In this role, you will partner closely with Legal, Compliance, Information Security, Business, and AI Engineering teams to proactively identify and mitigate risk. You will lead the development of robust testing frameworks and champion best practices that shape the future of ethical AI in healthcare.This leader will manage and mentor a team of data scientists, fostering technical excellence, continuous learning, and a solid culture of accountability and innovation.You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week.Primary Responsibilities:Define and execute the technical vision and roadmap for responsible AI testing and validation across AI/ML systemsEstablish scalable evaluation frameworks for traditional ML and Generative AI systems, including LLM-based applicationsEvaluate and prioritize AI risks based on business impact, regulatory exposure, patient/member safety, and reputational considerationsDistinguish between critical risks requiring remediation and manageable risks addressable through mitigation strategies and monitoring controlsLead structured risk review discussions and provide clear recommendationsSupport the design and implementation of automated testing pipelines and validation methodologiesEnsure comprehensive documentation of testing protocols, validation findings, and risk assessmentsServe as a subject matter expert on responsible AI principles and regulatory considerationsCommunicate complex technical findings in practical, business-relevant terms to executive and non-technical audiencesDemonstrate executive presence and sound judgment when advising on high-visibility or sensitive AI deploymentsRepresent the Responsible AI team in cross-functional working groups and leadership forums.Stay abreast of the latest developments in AI/ML research and incorporate relevant findings into workProvide mentorship and guidance to colleagues, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvementYou'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.Required Qualifications:10+ years of experience in computer science, applied mathematics, applied statistics, or related quantitative fieldsDemonstrated expertise in AI ethics, fairness evaluation, and model risk managementProven sound analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skillsExperience within healthcare systems, including, for example, claims processing, call centers, clinical workflows, and healthcare operationsExperience managing high-performing, experienced data scientists, setting team vision and prioritizing work across multiple concurrent initiativesPreferred Qualifications:Demonstrated familiarity with regulatory frameworks impacting AI in healthcare (e.g., HIPAA, CMS guidelines, emerging AI regulations)Experience with conversational AI systems, prompt engineering, adversarial testing, and red teamingDemonstrated understanding of information security principles as applied to AI systemsExperience translating complex business needs into scalable technical solutionsProven ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive enterprise-wide adoption of best practicesPay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). The salary for this role will range from $159,300 to $273,200 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.