Director of AI and Automation

JOB TITLE: Director of AI and Automation

DEPARTMENT: Intelligence

REPORTS TO: EVP Strategy & Insight

LOCATION: Remote (U.S.-based, All Time Zones Acceptable) *see footer for eligible states

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a Director of AI and Automation to lead the development, deployment, and optimization of AI systems and automation across our business, with a focus on research applications. You will work hands-on with a cross-functional team, including a developer, to design and implement solutions across business operations and product development, specifically leveraging AI to turn business and research challenges into novel solutions.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Design and implement AI-driven products, tools, and automation pipelines that support our research stack and business models.
• Develop agentic AI models to perform a range of tasks, including, but not limited to, project management, research management, active research scraping, and knowledge bases.
• Work with various teams and departments to identify ways to integrate AI into workflows, processes, and deliverables to gain efficiency and scale.
• Evaluate and select AI/ML frameworks, large language models (LLMs), and automation platforms; manage vendor and partner relationships, and serve as the go-to expert for AI within the business.
• Oversee data quality, security, and ethical standards for all AI initiatives.
• Track and test new technologies, piloting those that fit our objectives.
• Develop and monitor metrics to assess the impact of AI and automation on business results, research outcomes, and the quality of insights, sharing findings with leadership.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• 5+ years of experience in AI/ML, automation, or related technical leadership roles (startup or high-growth environment preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to build and scale AI systems from idea to launch.
• Strong proficiency in Python, cloud-based ML frameworks (AWS, GCP, Azure), and workflow automation tools (e.g., n8n, Airflow).
• Proficiency in key AI and automation data platforms, including (e.g., APIs, vector databases)
• Hands-on experience with LLMs, NLP, agentic AI, and conversation AI platforms.
• Experience working in cross-functional teams; strong communication skills.
• Candidates with less experience but clear evidence of technical impact and leadership in AI/automation are encouraged to apply.
• Naturally curious, asks bold questions, and challenges conventional wisdom.
• Approach problems with ingenuity and practical intuition.
• Strong technical expertise and ability to experiment with new ideas and tools.
• Collaborates effectively with a range of disciplines and perspectives.
• Comfortable with ambiguity, lateral thinking, and fast-changing priorities. 
• Ability to work independently while meeting milestones and deadlines.
• A team player whose qualities and motivations align with our agency’s core values – fearless, integrity, advocacy, impact, ingenuity and foresight.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in market research, polling, or audience segmentation platforms.
• Background in startups and building products from the ground up.
• Familiarity with user-centered design and rapid prototyping in research or SaaS.
  
  

PLEASE NOTE

• We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. If your experience doesn’t check every box, but you believe you could be the right fit for our team, we strongly encourage you to apply.
• We strongly support S.T.A.R. applicants (Skilled Through Alternative Routes). Unless a degree is required explicitly in the job description, a college degree is not necessary to apply for any position.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being.
• Recharge and unwind with