Director, Innovation

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Ohio.

📋 Description

• Define the AI vision and strategy alongside the EVP of Innovation, determining what OuterBox will develop, acquire, or forgo.

• Recognize market opportunities and translate them into services, delivery specifications, and engineering initiatives.

• Oversee internal AI projects from intake and development through pilot testing, launch, and adoption.

• Transform successful projects into client AI services and consulting offerings, such as AI Development Services and GEO and LLM Optimization.

• Establish scope, pricing, delivery responsibilities, and sales strategies for AI offerings aimed at mid-market clients.

• Transition AI services towards outcome-based and unit pricing models.

• Manage production deployments that support client accounts and partner relationships.

• Direct the Anthropic program, including certified practitioners, production deployments, client case studies, and quarterly performance assessments.

• Assist the EVP with the AI components of Google and Microsoft initiatives.

• Convert best practices into reusable agent capabilities and workflows.

• Present to directors, clients, leadership, and the board, articulating technical trade-offs in accessible terms.

• Facilitate AI adoption through partnerships, training, and certification pathways, while participating in AI-focused sales discussions.

• Mentor, coach, and develop the technical team; conduct one-on-one meetings, annual reviews, and set priorities.

• Collaborate with the Technology team on security, cloud governance, and reliability matters.

• Define initiative KPIs and report on costs, adoption rates, delivery enhancements, and AI services revenue.

• Evaluate new models and tools, recommending either adoption or discontinuation.

• Undertake additional responsibilities as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years in AI, machine learning, or applied AI and automation, with at least 3 years of experience leading technical teams.

• Proven track record of identifying market gaps and developing them into profitable services, products, or platforms.

• Experience managing internal AI projects as well as client-facing AI services or consulting, including transforming an internal playbook into a marketable offer with defined scope, pricing, and delivery.

• Hands-on experience with advanced AI models, including over 1 year with Anthropic Claude.

• Familiarity with agent technology, tool usage, MCP, retrieval, prompt and context design, and evaluation processes.

• Proficient in Python or JavaScript/TypeScript and SQL.

• Capable of reading code and evaluating architecture with engineers, discerning high-quality work from average work.

• Experience with cloud platforms (preferably Google Cloud), Git, and CI/CD practices.

• Demonstrated ability to propose AI initiatives and assess results against costs, ensuring defensible ROI.

• Working knowledge of digital marketing agency service delivery, ideally in areas such as paid media, SEO, and analytics.

• Comfort with outcome-based and unit pricing models, steering teams away from hours-based compensation.

• Excellent presentation skills for engaging with executives, clients, and engineers.

• Experience in building AI adoption, training, or certification programs.

• Experience with partner programs from Anthropic, Google, or Microsoft is an advantage.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field; equivalent work experience may be accepted in lieu of a formal degree.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

• Flexible work environment and remote work options.

• Collaborative and innovative team culture.