Group Director, AI Enablement

IPG Mediabrands•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.

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