VP, Technology & AI

The VP, Technology & AI (T&AI) is a newly created leadership position at Woodruff. We’re looking for a transparent, innovative and results-driven leader with a diverse background to lead our technology vision and delivery capabilities within our T&AI core strength. This role is responsible for advancing how technology, with an emphasis on AI, enhances both client outcomes and agency operations. By combining deep technical expertise with a forward-looking perspective on emerging technologies, this role ensures the agency remains at the forefront of digital experience development, automation, integration, quality assurance and AI-driven innovation. This leader plays a key role in evaluating and implementing AI initiatives that improve efficiency, expand service offerings and create competitive advantage. The ideal candidate will partner closely with other agency leadership and cross-functional teams to shape future capabilities, establish best practices and foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning. The VP of technology & AI will be a member of Woodruff’s leadership team, working closely with them to drive forward-thinking strategies and impactful technology solutions in order to achieve our goals and build a strong business and culture of trust. This person will also be responsible for building, mentoring and developing high-performing technology teams, ensuring technology strengths continue to evolve and drive long-term agency success. This person must be located in the Kansas City or Columbia, MO, area. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Technology & AI Leadership Define and lead the agency's technology and AI vision and roadmap, ensuring investments align with client needs and future growth opportunities Establish and champion the agency's AI strategy, identifying where and how AI can create value across internal operations, client work, workflows and service offerings Lead a disciplined approach to AI adoption by focusing investments in high-impact opportunities with clear outcomes Pilot and implement emerging technologies, AI platforms and other technical solutions that improve efficiency, enhance capabilities and create competitive advantage Develop and oversee AI governance, policies and best practices to ensure responsible, effective and secure adoption across the organization Define the agency's vision for search in the AI era by integrating SEO, AI optimization (AIO), structured data and generative search best practices into client strategies while mentoring teams on emerging technologies and evolving search behavior Serve as the agency's technology and AI thought leader, staying ahead of emerging technologies, evolving AI legislation, regulatory requirements and industry best practices while educating teams, guiding responsible AI adoption and driving the implementation of innovative tools and approaches that deliver measurable business value Oversee our internal technology needs and external IT services, collaborating with our operations team. Technical Strategy & Executional Leadership Advise internal teams and clients on technology and AI opportunities, helping shape strategies that improve business outcomes, customer experiences and operational effectiveness Alongside our technical architect, provide deep technical expertise and practical guidance to ensure the successful execution of complex digital and technology initiatives Alongside our technical architect, consult on the development, implementation, QA and maintenance of websites, digital platforms, applications, marketing technology solutions and integrated technology ecosystems Roll up your sleeves to support critical initiatives, using hands-on execution as a vehicle for coaching, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement. Partner with agency leadership and cross-functional teams to assess and evolve technology and AI capabilities that support agency growth Foster interconnected ways of working across core strengths, ensuring technology and AI considerations are integrated throughout project life cycles Establish and improve documentation standards, workflows and operational processes that strengthen collaboration across disciplines and create greater visibility into how systems, tools, teams and technologies work together Support business development, scoping and estimation efforts by providing technical expertise and strategic guidance during planning and proposal development. Team Development Build, mentor and develop high-performing technology teams while cultivating a culture of innovation and continuous learning Continuously assess the performance, structure and maturity of the Technology & AI core strength, making recommendations that strengthen capabilities, improve delivery and support long-term agency success. Expectation setting, including working with your direct report on new staff orientation, training and work assignment Departmental responsibilities, including working with your direct report on policy enforcements, OOO requests and adhering to hiring criteria Regular communication, including one-on-ones, conflict resolution, philosophy guidance and ongoing coaching and mentoring Employee enrichment, including working with your direct report on goal setting, timely performance reviews and ongoing feedback. Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrated success leading technology and AI strategy within an agency, consulting firm or complex marketing organization Deep understanding of web technologies, marketing technology ecosystems systems integration and digital platforms Experience evaluating and implementing AI technologies that drive measurable business outcomes Strong understanding of SEO, AI optimization (AIO), generative search and the evolving search landscape Proven ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical business solutions Experience leading cross-functional teams and mentoring technical professionals Working knowledge of AI governance, privacy, security and the evolving regulatory landscape Working knowledge of current web technologies Working knowledge of CMS platforms such as WordPress, Drupal and/or Hubspot Working knowledge of email marketing or CRM platforms such as SalesForce and/or Campaign Monitor Happy to build relationships and trust, connect the dots, find a better way to solve existing problems Ability to identify simpler ways to solve problems Ability to embrace our core value of freedom — to be bold, to experiment, to challenge, to act and to celebrate — and a history of doing so throughout their career. Leader Behaviors: Open-minded and active listener Continually grows people and business Truthful and transparent Decisive and accountable Forward-thinking Proactive and communicates in a positive manner Education/Experience/Certification(s): 12+ years of relevant experience in a technology and AI field Both agency and non-agency experience is applicable Experience in leading a cross-functional team Woodruff’s Perks That Support Growth and Flexibility: We offer a range of benefits designed to support your work-life balance and empower you to stay creative, curious and courageous: Flexible work setup — choose hybrid work, or join us in our Kansas City or Columbia, MO, offices "Freedom Fridays" — no meetings on Friday mornings/Friday afternoons to use as you see fit Diverse, meaningful work — contribute to projects across a wide range of industries Collaborative, growth-focused culture — work with a supportive team that helps you build new skills And more — from wellness support to peer recognition, we value and invest in our people. #J-18808-Ljbffr We Are Woodruff