Chief AI Officer Job Description Template

Overview

Hiring a Chief AI Officer? The role is new enough that you probably don't have a template to start from—and generic executive job descriptions don't capture what makes the CAIO role unique. You need someone who combines strategic vision with operational excellence, technical understanding with business acumen, and governance discipline with innovation enablement.

This template provides a professional, comprehensive job description for the CAIO role. It's designed to attract qualified candidates while setting clear expectations for the position.

What's Inside

• Position Summary: Clear articulation of the CAIO role combining strategy, governance, and implementation
• Key Responsibilities:
  • Strategic Leadership: AI strategy development, use case prioritization, executive advising, change management
  • AI Governance & Risk Management: Governance committee leadership, policy development, risk assessment oversight, incident response
  • Regulatory Compliance: Regulatory monitoring, cross-functional coordination, audit preparation, regulatory engagement
  • Operational Excellence: Project intake processes, vendor management, performance monitoring, budget management
  • Culture & Enablement: Responsible AI culture, training programs, internal/external communications, industry representation
• Required Qualifications:
  • Education & Experience: Degree requirements, years of experience, leadership experience, industry background
  • Technical Knowledge: AI/ML understanding, frameworks and tools, data and security principles
  • Business & Leadership Skills: Executive communication, team building, strategic thinking, change leadership
• Preferred Qualifications: Governance framework experience, industry-specific background, thought leadership, certifications
• Compensation Guidance: Salary range formatting, bonus and equity considerations
• Benefits & Culture Section: Template for communicating what you offer
• Application Instructions: How to structure candidate requirements for cover letters

Who This Is For

• CEOs/Boards creating CAIO positions
• HR/Talent Acquisition recruiting CAIO candidates
• Executive Search Firms filling CAIO roles
• Aspiring CAIOs understanding role expectations
• Current AI Leaders formalizing their role

Why This Resource

Most organizations creating CAIO roles are doing it for the first time. This template captures best practices for CAIO responsibilities and qualifications, ensuring you attract candidates who can succeed in the role and setting clear expectations from day one.

The comprehensive responsibility coverage helps align stakeholders on what the CAIO will do—preventing scope confusion or missed expectations.

FAQ

Q: Where should the CAIO report?

A: The template includes options: CEO (strategic importance), CTO (technical alignment), or Board (governance emphasis). The right choice depends on your organization's priorities and structure.

Q: What salary range is appropriate?

A: CAIO compensation varies significantly by organization size, industry, and location. The template provides formatting for salary ranges; typical ranges for mid-to-large enterprises are $250K-$450K base plus bonus and equity.

Q: What distinguishes CAIO from CTO or CDO?

A: The CAIO focuses specifically on AI strategy and governance, while CTO has broader technology scope and CDO focuses on data. The position summary and responsibilities help clarify CAIO's unique role.