DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Address: 1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary:  $130k - $135k

Grade: 29

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

We are seeking a forward-thinking leader to spearhead our organization's emerging technology initiatives and shape the future of our digital services. The IT Program Manager (AI Product Manager) leads the planning, development, and ongoing management of artificial intelligence and data-driven solutions that support agency programs and mission goals. This position provides centralized coordination for AI use cases, training, and governance to ensure consistent, secure, and ethical use across programs, while serving as the primary link between business programs, technical teams, and governance partners to deliver measurable public value, reduce duplication of efforts, and strengthen the agency's internal AI capability. This role is essential for an expert ready to champion strategic AI adoption while maintaining high standards of data integrity and ethical governance.

This position is available for remote work on a full-time basis within Arizona (including virtual office arrangements).

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

• Manages the intake and review of proposed AI initiatives in alignment with agency goals. Evaluates business value, data readiness, risk, and ethical considerations to prioritize and approve AI use cases for development.
• Leads the planning, development, and delivery of approved AI solutions. Coordinates with IT teams, vendors, and program staff to ensure successful, secure, and ethical implementation.
• Ensures AI solutions meet privacy, security, legal, records, and ethical AI standards. Supports governance reviews, bias mitigation transparency, and risk assessments.
• Serves as a liaison between technical teams and business programs. Supports communication, training, and user adoption activities, including responsible and ethical AI use.
• Defines performance measures, monitors results, and leads improvements to ensure AI solutions meet business needs.
• Monitors AI trends and helps plan future AI initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position (typically 5% - 10%)

Knowledge

• Comprehensive knowledge of AI concepts, automation, and data analytics, including data quality standards, lifecycle management, and governance.
• Proficient in both theoretical and practical project management, alongside product management and solution lifecycle practices.
• Well-versed in privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance requirements, including state statutes, rules and regulations as they pertain to the Department and section.
• Deep understanding of state government and departmental structures.
• Proficient in researching and compiling complex information. Proficiency of Microsoft Office and G-Suite/Google Workspace.

Skills

• Expert at translating business needs into AI and data solution requirements, evaluating data readiness and risk, and identifying high-value AI use cases.
• Skilled in articulating complex AI concepts in clear, non-technical language through strong verbal and written communication.
• Proficient in gathering facts, performing statistical and abstract analysis, and synthesizing information for informed decision-making.
• Extensive experience in customer service with the ability to interact effectively with a wide range of internal and external customers.
• Highly effective at managing time and resources to meet project milestones and organizational objectives.

Abilities

• Ability to deliver innovative AI solutions while balancing ethics, privacy, and security; analyze complex data risks and coordinating cross-functional teams.
• An organized, analytical professional who works independently with minimal supervision to deliver accurate results and solve problems effectively.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and shifting priorities under pressure, ensuring all deadlines are met with sound judgment.
• Responds to inquiries with tact and diplomacy, providing timely status reports and essential information to stakeholders.
• A dedicated team player who establishes positive and effective relationships with agency staff and the public.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Among the many benefits of a career with the State of Arizona, there are:
· 10 paid holidays per year
· Accrual of sick and annual leave beginning at 12 and 13 days per year respectively for full-time employees
· Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
· A top-ranked retirement program with lifetime pension benefits
· A robust and affordable insurance plan to include medical, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability
· An incentivized commuter club and public transportation subsidy program
· We promote the importance of work/life balance by offering workplace flexibility
· We offer a variety of learning and career development opportunities

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

ASRS Lifetime Benefits

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting HPO@azdeq.gov.

Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.