Group Director, AI Enablement

Business Overview 

We believe in the power of media to reshape our industry and orchestrate a brand’s entire consumer experience, by balancing both what unites people and what makes them different. When brands unite people in culture, they build Fame, and when brands connect individuals to their unique journeys, they build customer Flow. Initiative builds Fame & Flow for brands like Nike, Amazon, Merck, and T-Mobile. Media responsibility is at the forefront of everything we do, whether it’s creating media plans that reflect the diversity of our communities, promote brand safety, and foster sustainability. Our agency celebrates diversity in an inclusive environment where all of our 6,000+ strong talent across 90+ markets feel seen, heard, and valued. Our vision is to create not only a better media company, but also a better media industry, and maybe even a better world.  

We make a promise to our people that we double down on seeing, celebrating & elevating all the things that make you, uniquely you. And just as we do for our brands and clients, we connect our people to the journeys that matter in building a meaningful career.  

There are four I’s in Initiative and these represent our core values and behaviors.  

• INDIVID[YOU]ALITY – you bring your genuine and unique self to and into the work, every day.  
• INSTINCT – you’re tuned in and armed with intelligence; you have a bias for action – shit happens when you’re around.  
• IMPACT! – you care deeply about the impact you have on our clients, their customers, our community, the media landscape and our world at large.  
• IMAGINATION – your ability to imagine and bring to life the ideas, solutions, and the future of Initiative, makes us THE create media agency in the world. 

Position Summary

The Group Director, AI Enablement, will be a pivotal leader responsible for spearheading the strategic adoption and integration of Artificial Intelligence across Initiative's global operations and client programs. This role is crucial in accelerating our agency's transformation, enhancing client outcomes, and empowering our teams through intelligent automation and insights. This leader will drive innovation while ensuring practical, ethical, and impactful AI deployment that aligns with Initiative's vision for the future of media, embodying principles such as Invent and Simplify, Think Big, and a strong Bias for Action.

Responsibilities

This role will be instrumental in bringing our AI vision to life, with core responsibilities including:

1. Driving AI Strategy & Adoption:

   • Lead the overall strategy, development, and implementation of AI agents, tools, and initiatives across all agency functions, from media planning and buying to creative strategy and client servicing.
   • Champion a culture of AI adoption, demonstrating a Bias for Action to accelerate the integration of AI into daily workflows and strategic decision-making.
   • Ensure AI efforts are aligned with Initiative's strategic goals and client needs, delivering tangible business value.

2. Building Scalable, Standardized AI-Assisted Workflows:

   • Design, develop, and champion the adoption of scalable, standardized AI-assisted workflows and platforms that optimize efficiency, enhance creativity, and deliver superior results for our clients.
   • Apply the Invent and Simplify principle to streamline complex processes, making AI accessible and effective for diverse teams globally.
   • Insist on the Highest Standards in the creation and deployment of these workflows, ensuring reliability, performance, and user-friendliness.

3. Translating Emerging AI Tech into High-Value Use Cases:

   • Act as the primary interface between cutting-edge AI research and practical, high-value applications within Initiative.
   • Demonstrate Learn and Be Curious by continuously exploring emerging AI technologies (e.g., generative AI, advanced analytics, predictive modeling) and translating them into actionable, client-centric solutions.
   • Dive Deep into potential applications, prototyping and validating use cases that solve complex business challenges and create new opportunities in media and marketing.

4. Ensuring Safe, Compliant, and Effective AI Usage:

   • Establish and enforce robust governance frameworks, policies, and best practices for the ethical, safe, compliant, and effective use of AI.
   • Earn Trust by ensuring transparency, data privacy, intellectual property protection, and adherence to responsible AI principles in collaboration with legal and compliance teams.
   • Proactively identify and mitigate risks associated with AI deployment, maintaining the highest standards of integrity and accountability.

5. Upskilling & Empowering Teams:

   • Develop and lead comprehensive AI literacy and upskilling programs for Initiative teams globally, fostering a culture of continuous learning and empowerment.
   • Hire and Develop the Best by identifying talent, providing mentorship, and creating pathways for employees to become proficient in leveraging AI as a strategic asset.
   • Inspire confidence and capability across the agency, ensuring our people are equipped to thrive in an AI-powered future.

6. Client & Thought Leadership:

   • Collaborate closely with client teams to identify AI-driven solutions that address specific client challenges, unlock new value, and drive Customer Obsession.
   • Serve as an internal and external thought leader and evangelist for AI, inspiring innovation and driving a future-forward mindset across the agency and with our partners.

Required Skills & Experience

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in technology strategy, product management, or technical enablement, with a significant and demonstrable focus on AI adoption and innovation in recent years. This experience should ideally be within a media, advertising, or technology agency environment, demonstrating a deep understanding of media operations and client needs. Deep understanding of the AI landscape, including machine learning, natural language processing, generative AI, and their practical applications in business.
• Proven track record of successfully driving large-scale AI adoption and transformation initiatives, demonstrating a clear ability to Deliver Results.
• Experience building and leading high-performing, cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business value for diverse audiences, embodying Are Right, A Lot through informed and persuasive communication.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making and a willingness to Dive Deep.
• Demonstrated ability to operate with a Bias for Action and Think Big in a fast-paced, dynamic, and evolving environment.
• Extensive familiarity with media planning, buying, and optimization processes, and the challenges faced by modern marketers.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Experience with AI governance, ethics, and compliance frameworks in a regulated industry.
• A passion for the intersection of technology, creativity, and human behavior, aligning with Initiative's "Fame & Flow" philosophy.

Wage and Benefits

We offer a Total Rewards package that includes medical and dental coverage, 401(k) plans, flex spending, life insurance, disability, employee discount program, employee stock purchase program and paid family benefits to support you and your family. 

The salary range for this position is posted below.  Where an employee or prospective employee is paid within this range will depend on, among other factors, actual ranges for current/former employees in the subject position, market considerations, budgetary considerations, tenure and standing with the Company (applicable to current employees), as well as the employee’s/applicant’s skill set, level of experience, and qualifications.   

Employment Transparency

It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act of 1990. The job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Essential and other job functions are subject to modification. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

For applicants to jobs in the United States: In compliance with the current Americans with Disabilities Act and state and local laws, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with Mediabrands, please email [email protected].