AI Accelerator Training Program

As one of the world’s leading independent communications agencies, Ruder Finn fosters a What’s Next mindset — with an emphasis on curiosity and future thinking and a team that pushes boundaries, drives innovation, and operates as early adopters. Ruder Finn is a communications agency with a tech-company mindset, meaning we use all AI and other new technology tools not to replace human intelligence but to enhance each of our potential, and we provide the training and knowledge sharing to help all our staff adopt this mindset. Our culture built on curiosity, creative thinking, and a hunger for knowledge. 

In 2026, Ruder Finn formally launched its AI Accelerator, making AI a core competency and growth engine of the agency. Ruder Finn’s AI Accelerator Training (AT) Program provides recent graduates a unique opportunity to join a fast-paced, future-focused environment and learn from peers and leaders across the agency while developing the skills that are sure to redefine the future of communications. This new program is for next-generation, AI-native talent focused on building, testing, and scaling AI-powered tools used across client work and agency operations. This is not to say that this program is only for people with existing AI skills, if you have a genuine interest in learning about and focusing on new technologies and building new AI-driven solutions, and if you have a particular angle for why you’d be a good fit for this, we’re interested.

The AT Program is a full-time, 16-week, paid opportunity that runs alongside the agency’s ET (Executive Trainee) Program which has been running continuously since 1978. AI Accelerator Trainees will gain hands-on experience as integral members of the team, working alongside technologists, strategists, and client teams to help turn emerging AI capabilities into practical, repeatable solutions.

Throughout the program, you’ll also be part of the ET/AT cohort, engage in lunch & learn sessions, workshops and hands-on agency work, gaining invaluable next-generation communications expertise and future-ready skills.

Ruder Finn is a collaborative and energetic group of professionals who place a high priority on strategic thinking, ingenuity, imagination and the ability to solve complex problems that deliver measurable business results.

The program will run approximately from early/mid-June through the end of September and requires in-person attendance at least once a week for our lunch & learn sessions at our New York office. The first week of the program will require mandatory in-person attendance for onboarding sessions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (by start of program)

• Excellent written and verbal communication

• Fundamental research, writing, and critical-thinking skills

• Proactive mindset with ability to work independently and in a team setting

• Flexibility and enthusiasm to adapt to shifting priorities

• Meticulous attention to detail with the ability to juggle multiple assignments

• Team player with strong interpersonal skills

• Foundational understanding of public relations, communications, or marketing OR interest in the communications field as a career, with specialized interest in how data, AI, and emerging technologies influence integrated communications and storytelling

• Experience working with data, software, and/or AI systems a plus

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (including Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

• Prior internship experience preferred, but not required

Additional Information

• ATs must be available to work full-time, 40 hours/week

• The anticipated compensation range for this position, at the time of posting, is $18.00-22.00/hour with eligibility for overtime. This range is an estimate based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, internal equity, geography, relevant years of experience, certifications, skills, abilities of the selected applicant, and other job-related qualifications

• ATs may have advancement opportunities upon completion of the program, including potential full-time roles based on performance and business needs

Application Requirements

To apply, please submit your resume and a written response of no more than one page on your experience with and interest in artificial intelligence as it applies to the communications industry. Portfolio samples are also encouraged if available.

Please note: The application deadline is March 20, 2026.

Ruder Finn provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Ruder Finn will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Ruder Finn believes that diversity and inclusion among our employees is critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.