Head of Emerging Technology & Innovation

Head of Emerging Technologies and Innovation 

As our Head of Emerging Technologies and Innovation, you will be an imaginative leader and builder, guiding the organization in identifying emerging trends, and evaluating their potential impact on our clients and Agency. You will drive transformative initiatives to enhance internal efficiencies, grow and expand Client Relationships, and develop/introduce novel, client-facing solutions into the market. 

This role requires a dynamic leader with expertise in AI and emerging technologies (GAI, digital tools and frameworks, etc) who can work across disparate teams including Data + Intelligence, Digital and Creative to integrate innovative ideas into our strategic framework and market solutions. This leader must think beyond the conventional by developing cutting-edge technology-driven ideas and initiatives; and compelling partnerships to propel our clients' businesses forward. 

Our ideal candidate is entrepreneurial, proactive, and resourceful, with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to bring the possibilities of emerging tech to life in measurable forms. 

About the Job:

• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies impacting products, services, and operations. 
• Develop and execute strategies for integrating Generative AI into operations, enhancing processes and client deliverables. 
• Lead the ideation and implementation of ownable/differentiating products addressing current market needs and anticipating future trends. 
• Build and mentor a high-performing team, fostering a culture of creativity and excellence. 
• Conduct market research to identify trends in Generative AI and other technologies. 
• Conduct feasibility studies, cost-benefit analyses, and risk assessments to gauge the impact of emerging technologies. 
• Manage a diverse team to explore, prototype, and implement innovative solutions driving business growth. 
• Effectively communicate the vision and progress of innovation initiatives to executive leadership and stakeholders. 
• Adopt AI solutions, design and optimize AI automations, and revolutionize business operations for efficiency and effectiveness. 
• Educate and inspire others about AI, support team members in using AI/ChatGPT, and explain AI tools' capabilities and limitations to improve efficiency and business opportunities. 
• Assess emerging AI technologies for viability and impact on operations and conduct enterprise readiness assessments to understand current AI capabilities, identify gaps, and determine opportunities for value addition and stakeholder readiness. 
• Collaborate with stakeholders to create a comprehensive AI roadmap and stay informed about the AI landscape, including legal and ethical considerations, to guide strategy and decision-making. 
• Guide and recommend KPIs to measure AI initiative success, and understand client needs to provide actionable AI solutions while forecasting long-term impacts. 
• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with external organizations such as, research institutions, and technology companies to enhance capabilities and stay at the forefront of industry advancements. 

About You:

• 15+ years in technology disciplines, with at least 5 years in designing technology solutions and leading technology teams.
• Strong understanding of the Communications Agency model.
• Proven track record in leading strategic initiatives and innovation projects. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams. 
• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate ideas into actionable plans. 
• Deep understanding of the technology marketplace and emerging trends. 
• Experience in developing global technology strategies – both establishing a vision and an execution plan - with direct impact on end users. 
• Proven leadership experience, steering programs to completion with meaningful business impact. 
• Expertise in Generative AI applications and innovative technology development. 

ABOUT US

Zeno Group is the fiercely independent and global, integrated communications agency, born from PR. We bring together the boldest and brightest talent to help clients across industries and sectors unleash the power of strategic communications. Guided by our "Fearless Pursuit of the Unexpected," we push the boundaries to achieve real business value and societal impact for clients. Winner of the industry’s most coveted awards including the 2024 PRWeek U.S. Outstanding Large Agency of the Year, 2023 PRWeek Purpose Agency of the Year, 2022 PRWeek Global Agency of the Year, 2022 PRovoke Best Large Agency to Work For in North America and a three-time winner of PRWeek’s Best Places to Work. Zeno has also been previously recognized by the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Zeno is a DJE Holdings Company.

ABOUT OUR BENEFITS

Healthy, happy employees make Zeno better, so we have programs that support physical, mental and financial wellness. Our culture and benefits are designed to promote flexibility, celebrate diversity and support work/life balance. 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. These and other benefits are available to non-temporary employees in the US. 

Zeno Group is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage racially and ethnically diverse people, members of the LGBTQ community, veterans, parents, individuals with disabilities and members of any and all protected classes to apply.