VP, Technology & AI

The VP, Technology & AI (T&AI) is a newly created leadership position ’re looking for a transparent, innovative and results-driven leader with a diverse background to lead our technology vision and delivery capabilities within our T&AI core strength.

This role is responsible for advancing how technology, with an emphasis on AI, enhances both client outcomes and agency operations. By combining deep technical expertise with a forward-looking perspective on emerging technologies, this role ensures the agency remains at the forefront of digital experience development, automation, integration, quality assurance and AI-driven innovation.

This leader plays a key role in evaluating and implementing AI initiatives that improve efficiency, expand service offerings and create competitive advantage. The ideal candidate will partner closely with other agency leadership and cross-functional teams to shape future capabilities, establish best practices and foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning.

The VP of technology & AI will be a member of Woodruff’s leadership team, working closely with them to drive forward-thinking strategies and impactful technology solutions in order to achieve our goals and build a strong business and culture of trust. This person will also be responsible for building, mentoring and developing high-performing technology teams, ensuring technology strengths continue to evolve and drive long-term agency success.

This person must be located in the Kansas City or Columbia, MO, area.

• Define and lead the agency's technology and AI vision and roadmap, ensuring investments align with client needs and future growth opportunities
• Establish and champion the agency's AI strategy, identifying where and how AI can create value across internal operations, client work, workflows and service offerings
• Lead a disciplined approach to AI adoption by focusing investments in high-impact opportunities with clear outcomes
• Pilot and implement emerging technologies, AI platforms and other technical solutions that improve efficiency, enhance capabilities and create competitive advantage
• Develop and oversee AI governance, policies and best practices to ensure responsible, effective and secure adoption across the organization
• Define the agency's vision for search in the AI era by integrating SEO, AI optimization (AIO), structured data and generative search best practices into client strategies while mentoring teams on emerging technologies and evolving search behavior
• Serve as the agency's technology and AI thought leader, staying ahead of emerging technologies, evolving AI legislation, regulatory requirements and industry best practices while educating teams, guiding responsible AI adoption and driving the implementation of innovative tools and approaches that deliver measurable business value
• Oversee our internal technology needs and external IT services, collaborating with our operations team.

• Advise internal teams and clients on technology and AI opportunities, helping shape strategies that improve business outcomes, customer experiences and operational effectiveness
• Alongside our technical architect, provide deep technical expertise and practical guidance to ensure the successful execution of complex digital and technology initiatives
• Alongside our technical architect, consult on the development, implementation, QA and maintenance of websites, digital platforms, applications, marketing technology solutions and integrated technology ecosystems
• Roll up your sleeves to support critical initiatives, using hands-on execution as a vehicle for coaching, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Partner with agency leadership and cross-functional teams to assess and evolve technology and AI capabilities that support agency growth
• Foster interconnected ways of working across core strengths, ensuring technology and AI considerations are integrated throughout project life cycles
• Establish and improve documentation standards, workflows and operational processes that strengthen collaboration across disciplines…