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 programs. The role will partner closely with senior leaders across RQA, Technology & Operations, BlackRock AI Labs, BLK Next, 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 firm's "Big Rocks" program. Partner with business leaders to identify, prioritise, 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 realisation, 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 legacy BlackRock and HPS and GIP teams to accelerate integration and harmonisation efforts. Executive Engagement & Stakeholder Management Develop materials and recommendations for senior leadership forums, including ExCo and GEC-level discussions. Prepare strategic updates, business cases, operating model proposals, investment requests, and executive communications. Influence stakeholders across organisational 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 organisational 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. 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 programs. 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 programs. 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 discretionary bonus, and benefits including healthcare, leave benefits, and retirement benefits. BlackRock operates a pay-for-performance compensation philosophy and your total compensation may vary based on role, location, and firm, department and individual performance. Our benefits To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including a strong retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive healthcare, support for working parents and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about. Our hybrid work model BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock. Guidance on AI use for candidates At BlackRock, AI has long been part of how we work – enhancing decision-making, improving operations, and helping us deliver better outcomes for clients. We encourage candidates to use AI thoughtfully to learn, prepare, and work more effectively; but during our interview process, we want to focus on getting to know you through your own experiences, thinking, and judgment. To support you, we’ve provided guidance on when and how to use AI during our hiring process so you can approach each step with confidence and showcase your best self. About BlackRock At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being. Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress. This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive. To learn more about BlackRock, please visit . We also encourage you to get to know us on LinkedIn , Instagram , YouTube , X , and TikTok . BlackRock is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity to all applicants and existing employees, and we evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity/expression), sexual orientation, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, political affiliation, religion, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. View the EEOC’s Know Your Rights poster and its supplement and the pay transparency statement . BlackRock is committed to full inclusion of all qualified individuals and to providing reasonable accommodations or job modifications for individuals with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation/adjustments are needed throughout the employment process, please email . All requests are treated in line with our privacy policy . BlackRock will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in a manner consistent with the requirements of the law, including any applicable fair chance law.