Group Director, AI Enablement

Position Summary

We believe in the power of media to reshape our industry and orchestrate a brand’s entire consumer experience, by balancing both what unites people and what makes them different. When brands unite people in culture, they build Fame, and when brands connect individuals to their unique journeys, they build customer Flow. Initiative builds Fame & Flow for brands like Nike, Amazon, Merck, and T‑Mobile.

Media responsibility is at the forefront of everything we do, whether it’s creating media plans that reflect the diversity of our communities, promote brand safety, and foster sustainability. Our agency celebrates diversity in an inclusive environment where all of our 6,000+ strong talent across 90+ markets feel seen, heard, and valued. Our vision is to create not only a better media company, but also a better media industry, and maybe even a better world.

We make a promise to our people that we double down on seeing, celebrating & elevating all the things that make you, uniquely you. And just as we do for our brands and clients, we connect our people to the journeys that matter in building a meaningful career.

There are four I’s in Initiative and these represent our core values and behaviors.

• INDIVIDALITY – you bring your genuine and unique self to and into the work, every day.
• INSTINCT – you’re tuned in and armed with intelligence; you have a bias for action – shit happens when you’re around.
• IMPACT! – you care deeply about the impact you have on our clients, their customers, our community, the media landscape and our world at large.
• IMAGINATION – your ability to imagine and bring to life the ideas, solutions, and the future of Initiative, makes us THE create media agency in the world.

This role will be instrumental in bringing our AI vision to life, with core responsibilities including:

• 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.
• 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.

• 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.

• 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…