Director – Generative AI Enablement

Hearst Technology Services is hiring a Director, Generative AI Enablement to help our organization achieve its technology vision. In this role, you will develop and deliver AI “as-a-service” capabilities that empower our 360+ business brands on an opt-in basis. As the Director, Generative AI Enablement, you will work in a fast-paced environment and be responsible for both guiding a team of technical specialists and performing hands-on work to build AI solutions that drive productivity, efficiencies, and revenue growth across our businesses. You will have strong opinions and thought leadership on AI best practices and remain focused on serving the needs of our central IT department and operating companies.

Key Responsibilities:

• AI Service Development: Build and manage a portfolio of AI services and platforms (e.g. generative AI models, automation tools) that business units can opt into. Ensure these services are easily accessible, scalable, and secure, allowing our companies to leverage AI on demand for their specific and diverse needs.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead agile teams (pods/squads of data scientists, engineers, and business analysts) to design, develop, and deploy AI solutions from concept to production. Work collaboratively with business unit stakeholders in an iterative process to ensure solutions address real-world problems and are adopted successfully.
• Generative & Agentic AI Expertise: Provide technical direction in cutting-edge AI areas, including large language models (GPT), retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and autonomous AI “agents.” Guide the team in selecting the right approaches and tools for each project, and contribute hands-on to model development, validation, and integration when needed.
• Partner Integration: Collaborate with external service providers and vendors to augment our capabilities. Evaluate and onboard third-party AI solutions or consulting partners where appropriate, managing these relationships to complement internal efforts and accelerate delivery of AI initiatives.
• Governance & Best Practices: Implement AI governance and best practices across projects. This includes establishing guidelines for responsible and ethical AI usage (managing risks, bias, and accuracy), defining operational and support processes for AI solutions post-deployment, and ensuring compliance with data privacy and security standards.
• Operational & Engagement Models: Define clear engagement processes for business units to access AI services. Develop chargeback or funding models for central AI offerings, ensuring transparency of costs. Continuously refine how the central AI team works with divisions (e.g. consulting, joint development, or self-service models) to maximize value and satisfaction.
• Performance Measurement: Monitor and report on the impact of AI solutions. Track key success metrics such as efficiency gains, error reduction, revenue uplift, and user satisfaction. Use these insights to improve services and demonstrate the business value of AI initiatives.
• Stakeholder Communication: Act as the primary liaison for AI initiatives between Hearst Technology Services and business unit leaders. Communicate progress, gather feedback, and ensure alignment with each unit’s goals. Champion an AI-driven innovation mindset while always prioritizing the needs and strategies of the businesses we serve.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: 10+ years of experience in technology roles with at least 5 years in AI/ML or data science leadership. Proven track record of delivering AI/ML solutions in production (experience with Generative AI projects highly desired). 5+ years of managing teams or projects in a complex, cross-functional environment.
• Technical Skills: Deep knowledge of AI/ML techniques, including natural language processing, machine learning frameworks, and cloud-based AI services. Hands-on experience with GPT or other large language models, and familiarity with RPA and other automation technologies. Strong understanding of MLOps, data pipelines, and deploying models at scale.
• Business Acumen: Demonstrated ability to identify business process improvements and translate them into AI opportunities. Consulting mindset with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to ensure AI initiatives have clear ROI and fit business objectives.
• Leadership & Communication: Strong leadership and team-building skills. Ability to manage and mentor a technical team, while also effectively communicating with non-technical stakeholders. Excellent presentation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus across diverse teams.
• Service-Oriented Mindset: Passion for enabling and supporting internal “customers.” High level of empathy and a collaborative approach to working with different business units. Ability to balance assertive recommendations with a flexible, listening attitude to meet each stakeholder’s needs.
• Innovation & Adaptability: Stay up-to-date with the latest AI trends and technologies. Creative thinker who can introduce new ideas and adapt strategies based on emerging best practices in AI and feedback from the business.

IIn accordance with applicable law, Hearst is required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role if hired in New York City.  The reasonable estimate, if hired in New York City, is $225,000 - $250,000.  Please note this information is specific to those hired in New York City.  If this role is open to candidates outside of New York City, the salary range would be aligned to that specific location.  A final decision on the successful candidate’s starting salary will be based on a number of permissible, non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to skills and experience, training, certifications, and education.  Hearst provides a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, 401(k), paid holidays and paid time off, employee assistance programs, and more.