Director of Applied AI Strategy

WHY DEPT®?

We are pioneers at heart. What this means, is that we are always leaning forward, thinking of what we can create tomorrow that does not exist today. We were born digital and we are a new model of agency, with a deep skillset in tech and marketing. That’s why we hire curious, self-driven, talented people who never stop innovating.

Our culture is big enough to cope and small enough to care. Meaning, that with people across 20+ countries, we’re big enough to provide you with the best tools, global opportunities, and benefits that help you thrive. While acting small by investing in you, your growth, your team, and giving you the autonomy to solve our clients' problems, no matter where you are in the world. 

This is a hybrid role with the expectation that you will need to go into the office 3 days week. You must be located within 50 miles of our Chicago, IL office located at: One South Wacker, 1 S Wacker Dr #2250, Chicago, IL 60606

ABOUT YOU:

Like us, you are passionate about both marketing and technology. You understand the art of media and see the promise of enhancing craft with AI solutions. You believe that AI is about more than efficiency and will ultimately drive innovation. You are devoted to keeping humans in the loop. With both hands-on media planning/activation experience and AI strategy experience, you have the ability to work with clients and internal teams to help forge solutions that will take media strategy, planning, placement, and production to the next level. You do not need to have engineering experience, but you have a deep understanding of how AI agents work and can be trained. Working knowledge of the key LLMs, platforms and AI solutions in the space is essential - as is a commitment to staying atune to continual developments.

This role is equal parts agency transformation as well as strategic client consulting. This person will join us as a key member of the AI team who will collaborate with our media team to ensure they are powered by the best AI solutions possible. Additionally, they will  provide clients with strategic consulting services focused primarily on AI solutions for media, but may also provide applied AI strategy for branding, user experience, creative and workflow focused projects. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to shape what a best in class AI enhanced media team looks like.  You’ll also work closely with the business development, client partner, creative, experience, and data teams to retain clients and win new ones. Ideally you have worked on nationally and internationally known, iconic brands, dealing with junior and senior level clients as well as internal and external stakeholders. 

YOU'LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR

Internal Transformation

• Work closely with the media team to determine how AI can best enhance their workflows and products - including overall strategy, tooling recommendations, gathering customization requirements and flow mapping
• Stay on top of key AI solutions for media, attend demos as needed and pursue relevant partnerships
• Provide ongoing AI education to the media team 
• Help envision innovative solutions that will set DEPT apart 
• Serve as a liaison between DEPT AI and DEPT media team when proprietary solutions are being developed (Greenhouse)

Client Consulting 

• Lead AI strategy engagements, primarily focused on media planning/activation but also digital experience, workflow and creative 
• Champion the work by having a deep understanding of our partners business and what makes them tick
• Identify business growth opportunities and develop strategic recommendations to support the growth of client relationships
• Work along a range of cross-discipline teams both within the agency and client’s team alike, building a collaborative and trusting relationship along the way

Growth & Thought Leadership

• Participate in new business development and other growth opportunities
• Participate in conferences, PR, and other thought leadership opportunities 

YOU'LL NEED TO HAVE

• 2+ years of applied AI consulting/strategy experience in the media or marketing space
• 5+ years of leading strategic engagements - AI, tech, digital or other relevant industry
• 4+ years of hands-on experience in omni-channel media strategy, planning & activation inclusive of all digital channels
• Extensive knowledge of AI solutions for media strategy, planning, buying, creative, production and measurement
• Experience creating strategic briefs, tooling recommendations and implementation roadmaps for AI solutions 
• A strong POV on where AI makes sense - and where it doesn’t 
• In depth knowledge of paid, earned, social and display media processes 
• Experience working with nationally / globally recognized brands
• B2C and B2B experience 
• Excellent communication and presentations skills 
• Able to understand clients visible and invisible needs
• Strong collaboration, client relationship, and leadership skills
• Experience navigating cross-functional teams and dynamics
• Flexibility to travel for work meetings and events
• Curiosity, creativity and rigor

WHAT DO WE OFFER?

We are a collaborative, open-door, best-idea-wins environment that fosters personal and company growth and has fun doing it. Here is a snapshot of our  benefits package:

• Healthcare, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 401k plan, plus matching
• PTO
• Paid Company Holidays
• Parental Leave

The anticipated salary range for this position is $137,000 - $198,000. Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, expertise, physical location, and organizational impact. This is based on a 40-hour workweek and leveling. Keep in mind, we're flexible. 

WE SUPPORT YOU BEING YOU: 

DEPT® is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We believe our work is its best when our people feel safe and free to be themselves. We’re committed to an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection process and workplace, regardless of anyone’s lived experience, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information. So tell us about any accommodations you need. It’s totally confidential and only used to make sure you feel fully supported at every step.

DEPT® participates in E-Verify, meaning your Form I-9 information will be sent to the federal government to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S. 

We are a B Corp-certified company passionate about purpose-driven work.  Our hope is that you can feel good about the contributions DEPT® is making to the world and we always have an open door for your ideas in making the world a better place. 

DEPT® is a pioneering technology and marketing services company that creates integrated end-to-end digital experiences for brands such as Google, KFC, Philips, Audi, Twitch, Patagonia, eBay and more. Its team of 2,500+ digital specialists across 30+ locations on 5 continents delivers pioneering work on a global scale with a boutique culture. 

Learn more about DEPT®

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION

At DEPT®, we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives.

Not sure you meet all qualifications? Apply, and let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs when they think they may not meet every requirement, when in fact they do. We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to shine. 

We also encourage you  to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us.

Want to know more about our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Check out our efforts here.

#LI-Hybrid