Marketing AI and Innovation Leader

Extreme Networks•Raleigh, NC

About The Position

The Marketing AI Transformation Leader will serve as the driving force behind the adoption and scaling of AI technologies across the marketing organization. This individual will serve as a bridge between senior leadership, marketing teams, and cross-functional stakeholders, ensuring AI tools and strategies align with the company's broader business objectives. By identifying high-impact use cases, fostering a culture of AI literacy, and championing responsible AI practices, this leader will position the company to achieve operational excellence and innovation in marketing. In addition to leading adoption efforts, this role will establish and chair a cross-functional Marketing AI Council. The Council will act as a guiding coalition, bringing together key stakeholders from all functions of marketing, as well as representatives from IT and legal to ensure the responsible, strategic, and cohesive implementation of AI within marketing.

Requirements

10+ years in marketing, with experience across multiple functions such as content creation, demand generation, analytics, and brand strategy.
At least 5 years in a management or leadership role with a focus on change management and cross-functional collaboration.
Familiarity with AI tools like generative AI platforms, marketing automation systems, and data analytics tools.
Understanding of the AI adoption curve and best practices for scaling AI in large organizations.
Proven ability to lead initiatives without direct authority by influencing across organizational levels and functions.
Experience in founding or leading councils, task forces, or similar collaborative bodies to drive strategic initiatives.
Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, or a related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred).

Nice To Haves

Deep Curiosity and Enthusiasm for AI: The ideal candidate has a forward-thinking mindset and passion for exploring how AI can transform marketing’s impact on the business. They stay ahead of industry trends, proactively seek opportunities to apply AI in impactful ways, and inspire their teams to embrace innovation with confidence.
Exceptional Communication Skills: With the ability to articulate complex AI concepts in simple, compelling terms, this leader can effectively engage diverse audiences, from technical teams to senior executives. They excel in presenting ideas, facilitating discussions, and securing alignment across stakeholders to ensure a shared vision for AI adoption.
Strong Organizational Skills: Managing multiple pilot programs, strategic initiatives, and cross-functional collaborations requires exceptional organizational capabilities. This individual is adept at prioritizing tasks, allocating resources, and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within scope, even in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Proven Leadership and Influence: The candidate leads by example, fostering trust and collaboration across teams and levels of the organization. They thrive in environments where they must influence without direct authority, rallying support for AI initiatives through persuasive storytelling, data-backed insights, and consistent engagement.
Strategic and Results-Oriented: Balancing a strategic mindset with a focus on execution, this leader excels at identifying high-impact use cases that align with business objectives. They are committed to delivering measurable outcomes, whether through cost savings, time efficiencies, or improved campaign performance.
High Adaptability and Resilience: This individual demonstrates flexibility and resilience. They can navigate ambiguity, pivot when necessary, and stay motivated in the face of challenges, continuously driving the organization toward its transformation goals.
Commitment to Ethical AI Practices: A champion of responsible AI, the candidate ensures that AI adoption aligns with ethical guidelines, safeguarding brand reputation and promoting trust. They actively address concerns related to privacy, security, and fairness, fostering an environment of accountability and transparency.
Collaborative Team Builder: The ideal leader is skilled at assembling and nurturing cross-functional teams, such as a Marketing AI Council. They recognize and amplify diverse perspectives, creating a culture where experimentation, innovation, and knowledge-sharing thrive.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with CMOs, VPs, and team leads to identify and prioritize AI-driven marketing use cases that deliver measurable business value.
Pilot initiatives that demonstrate the potential of generative AI in improving efficiency, personalization, and ROI across marketing campaigns.
Establish and lead a Marketing AI Council composed of cross-functional leaders and contributors to guide the marketing team’s AI strategy.
Ensure the Council operates as a hub for ideation, oversight, and alignment on AI adoption efforts, shared learning, facilitating discussions, and documenting outcomes.
Develop AI governance frameworks and usage guidelines in collaboration with the Council to address ethical, operational, and security considerations as it relates to marketing usage.
Represent marketing’s best interest on the corporate IT-led AI Council and share best practices and learnings across the organization.
Lead the development of AI literacy programs, including training for marketers at all levels on tools, ethical considerations, and best practices.
Work with the Council to establish and communicate AI usage guidelines across the organization.
Drive cultural and behavioral change by inspiring teams to embrace AI as a tool for creativity and efficiency.
Create a robust communication plan to share wins, lessons learned, and insights from pilot projects.
Act as an influencer and thought leader, working with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to build buy-in for AI adoption.
Foster relationships with key executives and managers to overcome resistance and address concerns.
Develop and track KPIs to measure the impact of AI tools on marketing performance, such as cost savings, time-to-market, and content quality.
Regularly present updates and insights to the CMO and other senior leaders.