Wells Fargo

Executive Director, AI Architect and Strategist

Wells Fargo$185K — $300K *
Enterprise Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of experience in Artificial Intelligence Solutions or related fields.
  • 7+ years of experience in AI, machine learning, software architecture, or data platforms.
  • Expertise in agentic AI, AI governance, platforms, data architecture, or capital markets technology.
  • Proven ability to define technical strategy and influence architecture decisions.
  • Hands-on experience in building prototypes and proof-of-concepts.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with clarity for both technical and executive audiences.
  • Experience in regulated environments preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Define and evolve architectural frameworks and standards for AI systems.
  • Develop thought leadership and strategic recommendations for enterprise AI.
  • Create working prototypes to test new technologies and architectural patterns.
  • Assess industry trends to identify strategic opportunities in AI.
  • Collaborate with various teams to guide AI solution design.
  • Establish best practices for governance, security, and operational excellence.
  • Advise on architecture decisions and technology roadmaps.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health benefits.
  • 401(k) Plan with company match.
  • Paid time off for vacations and personal needs.
  • Disability benefits for protection against income loss.
  • Life, critical illness, and accident insurance options.
  • Parental leave for new parents.
  • Critical caregiving leave to support family needs.
  • Employee discounts and savings programs.
  • Commuter benefits to assist with travel costs.
  • Tuition reimbursement for continuing education.
  • Scholarships available for dependent children.
  • Adoption reimbursement to support family expansion.
Full Job Description

About this role:

Wells Fargo is seeking an Executive Director, AI Architect and Strategist to help define the future of agentic AI across Commercial Banking and Corporate & Investment Banking. These are individual contributor roles focused on shaping strategy, architecture, standards, frameworks, and working prototypes that guide the development of AI-powered products and agentic systems across the organization.

Successful candidates will combine deep technical expertise with strategic thinking, helping establish the point of view, reference architectures, governance models, and implementation patterns that enable the responsible adoption of agentic AI in a highly regulated environment.


In this role, you will:

  • Define and evolve architectural frameworks, reference patterns, and standards for AI and agentic systems

  • Develop and communicate thought leadership, position papers, and strategic recommendations that shape enterprise AI direction

  • Build working prototypes and reference implementations to validate emerging technologies, patterns, and architectural approaches

  • Evaluate industry trends, technologies, and market developments to identify durable capabilities and strategic opportunities

  • Partner with business, product, data, technology, risk, compliance, and innovation teams to guide AI solution design and implementation

  • Establish best practices for scalability, reliability, governance, observability, security, and operational excellence

  • Advise stakeholders on architecture decisions, platform strategy, build-versus-buy considerations, and technology roadmaps

  • Translate complex technical concepts into clear recommendations for senior business and technology leaders

  • Influence large-scale initiatives through expertise and thought leadership rather than formal authority

  • Help ensure AI capabilities are implemented responsibly, effectively, and in alignment


Required Qualifications:

  • 7+ years of Artificial Intelligence Solutions experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education


Desired Qualifications:

  • 7+ years of experience in AI, software architecture, machine learning, data platforms, or related technology disciplines

  • Recognized expertise in one or more areas including agentic AI, AI architecture, AI governance, retrieval and knowledge systems, AI platforms, data architecture, or capital markets technology

  • Demonstrated ability to define technical strategy and influence enterprise-level architecture decisions

  • Strong hands-on technical capabilities, including building prototypes, proof-of-concepts, and reference implementations

  • Experience developing frameworks, standards, patterns, or architectural guidance that others adopt and scale

  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to articulate complex concepts to both technical and executive audiences

  • Experience operating in highly regulated environments is preferred

  • Ability to influence across diverse stakeholder groups without direct management authority

Job Expectations:

  • This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship

  • Specific compliance policies may apply regarding outside activities or personal investing; affected employees will be expected to provide information to the Wells Fargo Personal Account Dealing Team and abide by applicable policy requirements if hired. Information will be shared about expectations during the recruitment process

  • Ability to travel up to 30% of the time

This position offers a hybrid work schedulefrom one of the following locations:

  • 2700 S Price Road A Building 6 Chandler, Arizona 85286

  • 333 Market Street 6 San Francisco, California 94105

  • 400 Hamilton Avenue 6 Palo Alto, California 94301

  • 1800 Century Park E 6 Los Angeles, California 90067

  • 333 S Grand Avenue 6 Los Angeles, California 90071

  • 1700 K Street NW Ste 103 6 Washington, DC 20006

  • 1699 Coral Way 6 Miami, Florida 33145

  • 10 S Wacker Drive 6 Chicago, Illinois 60606

  • 125 High Street 6 Boston, Massachusetts

  • 600 S 4th Street 6 Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • 114 N Beaumont Street Bldg D 6 St. Louis, Missouri 63103

  • 550 S Tryon Street 6 Charlotte, North Carolina 28202

  • 100 N 18th Street 6 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103

  • 401 Las Colinas Blvd W 6 Irving, Texas 75039

  • 1000 Louisiana Street 6 Houston, Texas 77002

  • 1021 E Cary Street 6 Richmond, Virginia 23219

  • 999 3rd Avenue 6 Seattle, Washington 98104

#commercialbanking

Pay Range

Reflected is the base pay range offered for this position. Pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to demonstrated examples of prior performance, skills, experience, or work location. Employees may also be eligible for incentive opportunities.

$185,000.00 - $300,000.00

Benefits

Wells Fargo provides eligible employees with a comprehensive set of benefits, many of which are listed below. Visitfor an overview of the following benefit plans and programs offered to employees.

  • Health benefits
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Paid time off
  • Disability benefits
  • Life insurance, critical illness insurance, and accident insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Critical caregiving leave
  • Discounts and savings
  • Commuter benefits
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Scholarships for dependent children
  • Adoption reimbursement

Posting End Date:

23 Jul 2026

*Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

About Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo Careers

Joining Wells Fargo means becoming part of a distinguished financial institution that has been a cornerstone of innovation and leadership in the banking industry. At Wells Fargo, we offer a plethora of job opportunities designed to empower your career growth and development in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Work You’ll Do

At Wells Fargo, you will be part of a team that values diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We are looking for professionals who are eager to drive innovation and lead with integrity. Our employees are our greatest asset, and we invest in their professional growth through comprehensive leadership and diversity training programs that are recognized industry-wide.

Explore a Multitude of Career Paths

Whether you're interested in a position in finance, IT, customer service, or management, Wells Fargo has career opportunities in various fields. Our team members benefit from job stability, competitive benefits, and a culture that values and rewards performance and dedication.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a Wells Fargo internship. Our programs provide invaluable industry exposure, professional skills development, and networking opportunities that often lead to full-time employment offers. Interns at Wells Fargo work on real projects, solve actual challenges, and gain the mentorship of seasoned professionals.

Professional Growth and Development

We believe in nurturing the potential of our employees. Wells Fargo offers robust training programs and resources to help every team member excel in their current roles and prepare for future challenges. Growth at Wells Fargo is not just about climbing the career ladder but expanding your skills and expertise to add value to our team and customers.

Benefits and Rewards

Wells Fargo is committed to the well-being of our team members. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes health care, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. Additionally, we provide unique perks like employee discounts, adoption assistance, and tuition reimbursement.

Join Our Team

Discover the opportunities waiting for you at Wells Fargo by exploring open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for individuals who bring creativity, passion, and a drive to serve our customers.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from Wells Fargo Careers by subscribing to our job alert emails. Tailor your subscription to receive updates that align with your career preferences and get insider tips on crafting the perfect resume and acing your interview.

Networking and Innovation

At Wells Fargo, networking and innovation go hand in hand. We encourage our employees to connect across departments and roles to foster new ideas and strategies that lead to groundbreaking solutions.

Empower Your Career

Step into a role at Wells Fargo where your skills will be honed, your achievements recognized, and your career can flourish. We're not just filling positions; we're building leaders who are equipped to navigate the complexities of the financial world. Join Wells Fargo today and be part of a team that’s redefining the future of banking.
Learn more about Wells Fargo
Size
246,577 employees
Market Cap
$155.2 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.3 billion
Founded
1852
5 Year Trend
-5.9%
NASDAQ

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