Associate Director, AI & Intelligence

APCO • Washington, DC

36d • $90,000 - $120,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Associate Director, AI & Intelligence Location: Chicago, Raleigh, Washington, D.C., or New York City (Hybrid) Department: Intelligence & AI Are you a visionary data scientist or digital analyst with a passion for AI and a talent for translating complex concepts into meaningful impact? APCO Insight is seeking an Associate Director, Intelligence & AI to lead cutting-edge, client-facing AI initiatives that shape the future of communications, reputation building and public affairs activities at top organizations. In this role, you’ll be at the forefront of innovation—guiding AI implementation projects, mentoring junior data scientists, and collaborating with our global team of engineers and developers based in Dubai. You’ll work directly with clients and senior members of APCO to design custom AI solutions, integrating proprietary platforms and delivering strategic insights that drive real-world outcomes. The ideal candidate is a data scientist with exceptional client-facing skills who is eager to lead research projects, drive new business opportunities, and contribute to the growth of our AI & intelligence group. This individual will thrive in a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment, where creativity and innovation are highly valued.

Requirements

• 5–7 years of experience in AI, data science, or related fields, ideally within communications, public affairs, or consulting.
• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in computer science, data science, engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency in Python, R, and ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Hugging Face, OpenAI APIs).
• Experience with digital and social media analytics tools (e.g., Talkwalker, Brandwatch, Meltwater).
• Strong understanding of AI/ML concepts including LLMs, NLP, supervised/unsupervised learning, and model deployment.
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams or projects, and deliver complex technical projects.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation and impact.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Insight Generation: Use structured and unstructured data to uncover trends, predict audience behavior, and inform communications strategy.
• Team Management: Oversee data scientists and analysts, fostering a culture of experimentation, excellence, and continuous learning.
• Lead AI Implementation Projects: Architect and execute end-to-end AI solutions, including NLP, predictive modeling, generative AI, and custom client integrations.
• Hands-On Technical Leadership: Write and review code, build models, and elevate the technical output of junior team members through mentorship and collaboration.
• Global Team Collaboration: Act as a thought partner to a team of engineers and developers in Dubai, ensuring seamless execution and innovation.
• Product Development: Customize and scale proprietary APCO platforms to meet client needs, integrating AI capabilities into new and existing offerings.
• Thought Leadership: Serve as an evangelist for AI within APCO and the broader industry, contributing to business planning and innovation strategy.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees