Senior Vice President, AI & Tech Operations

Zeno Group•New York, NY

About The Position

As our SVP of AI & Tech Operations, you will be an operational catalyst, helping to drive Zeno’s AI transformation while serving as a bridge between Zeno Group and our parent company's initiatives. You will spearhead the integration of AI and technology solutions into our operations and build internal capabilities that position Zeno at the forefront of AI-enabled communications. This role requires a dynamic leader with expertise in generative AI and workflow analysis who can work across disparate teams to concept AI innovations that fit into our strategic framework. This leader must think beyond conventional approaches by identifying opportunities for AI- and technology-enabled workflows that propel both our internal efficiency and our clients' businesses forward. Our ideal candidate is entrepreneurial and proactive, with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to translate possibilities into measurable outcomes, while fostering a culture of AI adoption across the organization. About the job: Strategic AI Leadership & Partnership Management Act as the primary liaison between Zeno and our sister companies for AI-related initiatives, ensuring seamless communication of AI strategies Partner with the Head of AI and Innovation to identify and execute high-visibility AI projects that demonstrate impact across the organization Regularly communicate updates, progress, and insights from sister company activities to internal teams while highlighting Zeno's unique needs and priorities Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with AI technology providers, research institutions, and innovation partners to enhance our capabilities Technology Stack Strategy & Procurement Build consensus among practice teams on platform selection and tech stack decisions Assess competing products and solutions to make informed recommendations that serve agency-wide needs Collaborate with leadership to ensure strategic alignment on technology investments Workflow Design & Process Optimization Analyze existing business processes and workflows to identify high-impact opportunities for AI-driven improvements and automation Concept AI workflows that enhance operational efficiency, from automating repetitive tasks to revolutionizing data analysis pipelines Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure AI tools are integrated into daily operations without disrupting client service excellence AI Excellence & Innovation Stay informed about generative AI advancements, flagging notable emerging tools and techniques for potential business use Assist with the organization's approach to generative AI tools, helping teams get maximum value from AI across content creation, analysis, and strategic planning AI Enablement & Culture Development Support practice leads in developing playbooks, best practices, and training programs that drive AI adoption and improve the employee experience with AI tools, with consideration for how these capabilities can enhance client service Host training sessions and knowledge-sharing initiatives to upskill employees on AI tools and emerging workflows Monitor AI adoption across the organization, celebrating successes and identifying opportunities for continued growth and improvement Governance, Risk Management & Compliance Support robust AI governance by ensuring AI tools and workflows comply with company policies, ethical guidelines, and data privacy regulations Support client teams in navigating AI-related conversations, including SOW review and guidance on appropriate AI usage in client deliverables Partner with sister and parent companies, Business Affairs, and Contracts, to ensure all client-facing AI applications meet approved usage standards About You: Leadership & Strategic Experience 13+ years in technology or operations roles, with at 2 years leading AI, automation, or digital transformation initiatives Experience driving organizational change in fast-paced environments AI Expertise Familiarity with generative AI platforms (OpenAI, Anthropic, MidJourney, etc) and their practical applications in business contexts Communication & Stakeholder Management Exceptional communication skills with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences Proven ability to build relationships and influence across organizational boundaries, including senior leadership and external partners Experience presenting initiatives and outcomes to executive stakeholders and board-level audiences Project Management & Execution Excellence Demonstrated expertise in managing multiple initiatives simultaneously while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines Strong organizational and prioritization skills with experience in project management Industry Understanding & Cultural Fit Understanding of the communications, marketing, or media agency model, and the unique challenges of client service businesses Commitment to pushing boundaries in pursuit of innovative solutions Passion for leveraging AI and technology as a whole to drive operational and creative excellence Preferred Qualifications: Experience in PR, communications, marketing, or related client-service industries Background in change management or organizational development to drive cultural adoption of new tools and methods Familiarity with AI ethics and responsible AI practices Preferred Qualifications Experience in PR, communications, marketing, or related client-service industries Background in change management or organizational development to drive cultural adoption of new tools and methods Familiarity with AI ethics and responsible AI practices

Requirements

13+ years in technology or operations roles, with at 2 years leading AI, automation, or digital transformation initiatives
Experience driving organizational change in fast-paced environments
Familiarity with generative AI platforms (OpenAI, Anthropic, MidJourney, etc) and their practical applications in business contexts
Exceptional communication skills with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences
Proven ability to build relationships and influence across organizational boundaries, including senior leadership and external partners
Experience presenting initiatives and outcomes to executive stakeholders and board-level audiences
Demonstrated expertise in managing multiple initiatives simultaneously while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines
Strong organizational and prioritization skills with experience in project management
Understanding of the communications, marketing, or media agency model, and the unique challenges of client service businesses
Commitment to pushing boundaries in pursuit of innovative solutions
Passion for leveraging AI and technology as a whole to drive operational and creative excellence

Nice To Haves

Experience in PR, communications, marketing, or related client-service industries
Background in change management or organizational development to drive cultural adoption of new tools and methods
Familiarity with AI ethics and responsible AI practices
Experience in PR, communications, marketing, or related client-service industries
Background in change management or organizational development to drive cultural adoption of new tools and methods
Familiarity with AI ethics and responsible AI practices

Responsibilities

Act as the primary liaison between Zeno and our sister companies for AI-related initiatives, ensuring seamless communication of AI strategies
Partner with the Head of AI and Innovation to identify and execute high-visibility AI projects that demonstrate impact across the organization
Regularly communicate updates, progress, and insights from sister company activities to internal teams while highlighting Zeno's unique needs and priorities
Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with AI technology providers, research institutions, and innovation partners to enhance our capabilities
Build consensus among practice teams on platform selection and tech stack decisions
Assess competing products and solutions to make informed recommendations that serve agency-wide needs
Collaborate with leadership to ensure strategic alignment on technology investments
Analyze existing business processes and workflows to identify high-impact opportunities for AI-driven improvements and automation
Concept AI workflows that enhance operational efficiency, from automating repetitive tasks to revolutionizing data analysis pipelines
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure AI tools are integrated into daily operations without disrupting client service excellence
Stay informed about generative AI advancements, flagging notable emerging tools and techniques for potential business use
Assist with the organization's approach to generative AI tools, helping teams get maximum value from AI across content creation, analysis, and strategic planning
Support practice leads in developing playbooks, best practices, and training programs that drive AI adoption and improve the employee experience with AI tools, with consideration for how these capabilities can enhance client service
Host training sessions and knowledge-sharing initiatives to upskill employees on AI tools and emerging workflows
Monitor AI adoption across the organization, celebrating successes and identifying opportunities for continued growth and improvement
Support robust AI governance by ensuring AI tools and workflows comply with company policies, ethical guidelines, and data privacy regulations
Support client teams in navigating AI-related conversations, including SOW review and guidance on appropriate AI usage in client deliverables
Partner with sister and parent companies, Business Affairs, and Contracts, to ensure all client-facing AI applications meet approved usage standards

Benefits

We offer a variety of medical, dental and vision insurance with prescription plans, as well as short and long-term disability.
Our Be Kind to Your Mind program focuses on mental health, providing a paid subscription to Headspace and access to mental health providers and other services through a best-in-class employee assistance program.
Employees are encouraged to bring their authentic self to Zeno and participate in our employee resource groups which build communities for sharing and support.
And while we love our work, we believe in the restorative power of time off with generous vacation, paid holidays and self-care time.
Employees are supported in their pursuit of financial wellness with a 401(k) plan, pretax flexible spending accounts, tuition assistance, life insurance and free access to a certified financial coach.
And our unique ZenoFit program provides a monthly allowance to fund activities in your personal life that bring you joy and keep you healthy.

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