Director of AI Automation

WHO WE ARE The PR industry hasn't really changed in fifty years. Relationships, lunches, luck, and a clip report at the end of the month. Interdependence is rebuilding it from the ground up. Interviewed, our proprietary platform, analyzes 300,000+ stories every day across a network of 250,000 journalists. We turn earned media into something measurable, repeatable, and worth paying for — and apply the same data and discipline across paid, social, content, and brand. Integrated marketing run by one team, on one system, accountable to one result. Forbes named us one of America's Best PR Agencies. Our 100+ person team works with brands, CMOs, founders, and entrepreneurs across consumer, healthcare, tech, B2B, travel and entertainment. We move fast. The best argument wins. We hire for sharp thinking, real craft, and ownership from day one. If you want comfortable, this isn't the place. If you want to win, build with us. THE ROLE The Director of AI Automation leads the development and implementation of AI-driven automation systems for brands led by one of Interdependence’s portfolio companies. This role focuses on operationalizing AI by designing scalable workflows, implementing automation solutions, and overseeing development pods responsible for deploying AI-enabled systems that improve efficiency, productivity, and business outcomes. The Director will translate strategic objectives into practical AI automation initiatives, ensuring systems are implemented effectively across internal developer operations and client-facing solutions. This role requires strong operational leadership, technical fluency in modern AI tools and automation frameworks, and experience managing small teams (pods) responsible for building and deploying AI-driven workflows. Working closely with senior leadership, the Director of AI Automation will help build and scale Interdependence’s AI automation brand by developing repeatable systems, guiding implementation efforts, and ensuring automation initiatives deliver measurable operational impact. The ideal candidate is both technical and operational, someone who understands AI capabilities, has experience implementing automation systems, and can lead teams responsible for delivering AI-powered operational solutions. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Lead the design, implementation, and scaling of AI-driven automation systems for brands Translate strategic objectives into practical automation workflows that improve operational efficiency and scalability Manage and oversee small development teams (pods) responsible for building, deploying, and maintaining AI-enabled automation systems Identify opportunities across client operations where AI automation can reduce manual work, accelerate processes, and increase organizational leverage Design and implement automation frameworks using modern AI tools, agentic systems, APIs, and workflow orchestration platforms Establish best practices for AI implementation, automation governance, and operational reliability Oversee the development of repeatable automation solutions that can be deployed across multiple projects or organizations Stay current on emerging AI technologies, tools, and implementation strategies to continuously improve automation capabilities QUALIFICATIONS 10+ years of experience in technology, AI implementation, automation engineering, or operational systems development Demonstrated experience implementing AI automation systems within operational environments Experience managing technical teams or pods responsible for building automation workflows or AI-enabled systems Strong understanding of modern AI tools, APIs, agent-based systems, and workflow automation platforms Proven ability to translate technical capabilities into practical operational solutions Strong project management and operational leadership skills Excellent problem-solving and systems-thinking abilities Strong written and verbal communication skills Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to operate in a fast-moving, innovation-driven environment We look for team members who are “learning machines” and that each day actively seek out new knowledge