Chief Innovation Officer - Gray Media Group

Gray Media•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) is a strategic executive responsible for driving innovation across the organization with a focus on AI, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and identifying new opportunities for growth and competitive advantage. This role bridges the gap between current operations and future potential, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of industry innovation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, computer science, or related field; advanced degree preferred
10+ years of progressive experience in innovation, product development, or strategic business development
Proven track record of successfully developing and commercializing innovative products or services
Strong understanding of emerging technologies and market disruption trends
Experience leading and managing cross-functional teams in a matrix organization
Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills
Strong communication and presentation abilities for all organizational levels
Demonstrated ability to thrive in ambiguous, fast-paced environments

Nice To Haves

MBA or advanced degree from a top-tier institution
Experience in venture capital, private equity, or startup environments
Background in digital transformation or technology implementation
Knowledge of design thinking, lean methodologies, and agile processes
Track record of building and scaling innovation teams
International business experience

Responsibilities

Develop and communicate a comprehensive innovation strategy aligned with corporate goals and market trends
Lead the innovation function and oversee cross-functional innovation initiatives in collaboration with senior executives
Champion a culture of creativity, experimentation, and calculated risk-taking throughout the organization
Identify emerging technologies, market trends, and disruptive business models relevant to the industry
Evaluate new business opportunities and potential areas for expansion or diversification
Oversee the development of new products, services, and business processes from concept to commercialization in concert with senior Gray executives/teams
Collaborate with all departments to embed innovation into existing workflows and decision-making processes
Build and lead an innovation team, including researchers, strategists, and project managers
Work with Gray innovation lab, accelerators, or other mechanisms to foster experimentation
Create metrics and KPIs to measure innovation success and ROI
Produce and present a quarterly readout for senior management
Build strategic partnerships with startups, universities, research institutions, and industry leaders
Scout for acquisition and investment opportunities that align with innovation strategy
Cultivate relationships with venture capital firms and innovation ecosystem stakeholders
Drive organizational change initiatives necessary for innovation implementation
Remove organizational barriers to innovation and advocate for necessary resources
Train and mentor leaders at all levels in innovation thinking and methodologies
Manage the transition from traditional business models to innovative new approaches