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, balancing what unites people with what makes them different. Initiative builds Fame and Flow for brands like Nike, Amazon, Merck, and T-Mobile, focusing on diverse, safety-conscious, and sustainable media plans. Our agency celebrates diversity in an inclusive environment where 6,000+ talent across 90+ markets feel seen, heard, and valued.

We double down on seeing, celebrating, and elevating all the things that make you uniquely you, connecting our people to journeys that matter in building meaningful careers.

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 accelerates the agency's transformation, enhances client outcomes, and empowers teams through intelligent automation and insights. This leader will drive innovation while ensuring practical, ethical, and impactful AI deployment aligned 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

• 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 AI adoption, driving a bias for action to accelerate integration into daily workflows and strategic decision-making.
- Ensure AI efforts align with Initiative's strategic goals and client needs, delivering tangible business value.

• Building Scalable, Standardized AI-Assisted Workflows:
- Design, develop, and champion scalable, standardized AI-assisted workflows and platforms that optimize efficiency, enhance creativity, and deliver superior results for clients.
- Apply the Invent and Simplify principle to streamline complex processes and make AI accessible globally.
- Insist on the Highest Standards in the creation and deployment of workflows, ensuring reliability, performance, and user-friendliness.

• 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.
- Continuously explore emerging AI technologies (e.g., generative AI, advanced analytics, predictive modeling) and translate 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.

• Ensuring Safe, Compliant, and Effective AI Usage:
- Establish and enforce governance frameworks, policies, and best practices for ethical, safe, compliant, and effective AI use.
- 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 high standards of integrity and accountability.

• Upskilling & Empowering Teams:
- Develop and lead 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, mentoring, and creating pathways for employees to leverage AI as a strategic asset.
- Inspire confidence and capability across the agency, ensuring teams thrive in an AI-powered future.

• Client & Thought Leadership:
- Collaborate with client teams to identify AI-driven solutions that address challenges, unlock value, and drive customer obsession.
- Serve as an internal and external thought leader and evangelist for AI, inspiring innovation and a future-forward mindset across the agency and partners.

Required Skills & Experience

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in technology strategy, product management, or technical enablement, with a significant focus on AI adoption and innovation,…