AI, Data Strategy and Integration Lead

As the agency’s senior global AI data architect, you will play a crucial role in developing and implementing Golin's long-term data strategy. Your primary focus will be leveraging data to power future proprietary AI-driven solutions, products, and services, giving Golin a competitive edge in the PR industry. Reporting to the Chief AI Officer (CAIO), you will also work closely with the firm’s AI technology leader, craft community leaders, and other key stakeholders to build the data backbone that will enable Golin's AI transformation. 

Join Golin on our journey to become the first fully AI-integrated global communications agency. As our AI Data Architect / Data Lead, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of PR through innovative data strategies and AI-powered solutions. 

Key Responsibilities 

Data Strategy Development:

• Develop a comprehensive, long-term data strategy aligned with Golin's AI transformation goals and objectives. 

• Assess current data assets and identify data needs for next-generation PR work and AI-powered solutions. 

• Create a roadmap for data acquisition, management, and application across the agency. 

Data Lake Creation and Management:

• Design, implement, and maintain Golin's proprietary data lake to support AI-powered tools and services. 

• Establish data governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and industry best practices. 

• Develop processes for integrating various data sources, including internal data, client data, and third-party data. 

Data Acquisition and Partnerships:

• Identify and evaluate potential data sources, including IPG partners, external third-party providers, and data brokers. 

• Collaborate with clients to secure necessary data for powering AI solutions while ensuring data privacy and confidentiality. 

• Negotiate data partnerships and manage relationships with data providers. 

• Provide budget forecasts for annual data acquisition and maintenance investments 

AI and Machine Learning Integration: 

• Work closely with the AI technology leader to ensure seamless integration between the data lake and AI-powered tools and platforms. 

• Stay current on advancements in large and small foundation models, and identify opportunities to leverage these models in Golin's work. 

• Collaborate with Golin’s craft community leaders to understand specific data needs for AI-driven solutions in areas such as strategy, creative, engagement, and analytics. 

• Partner with practice leaders including consumer, healthcare, corporate, tech and digital to leverage data to power unique solutions delivered by the agency’s practice group specialist teams. 

Data-Driven Innovation:

• Identify opportunities to create unique insights and new capabilities using AI and data analytics. 

• Support the development of custom AI-powered agents and tools that leverage the agency's data assets. 

• Contribute to the creation of new IP and data-driven products that differentiate Golin in the market. 

Data Enablement and Education:

• Work with the agency’s global AI Learning and Development leader to create training programs that help employees understand and leverage data assets effectively. 

• Develop guidelines and best practices for data usage across the agency. 

• Act as a subject matter expert on data-related topics, providing guidance to teams across the organization. 

Performance Measurement and Optimization:

• Establish KPIs to measure the impact and ROI of data initiatives. 

• Continuously monitor and optimize data strategies and infrastructure to ensure maximum value creation. 

• Provide regular reports on data initiatives' progress and impact to the CAIO and other leadership team members. 

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, or a related field; Master's degree preferred. 

• 10+ years of experience in data architecture, data engineering, or related roles, preferably in marketing, advertising, or PR industries. 

• Strong understanding of data modeling, data warehousing, and data lake architectures. 

• Expertise in big data technologies and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud). 

• Proficiency in data manipulation and analysis using languages such as SQL, Python, or R. 

• Experience with machine learning and AI technologies, including working knowledge of large language models and other foundation models. 

• Familiarity with data visualization tools and techniques. 

• Strong understanding of data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) and data security best practices. 

• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously. 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences. 

• Experience working in fast-paced, transformative environments. 

• Knowledge of the PR and communications industry is a plus. 

Key Competencies: 

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills 

• Innovative mindset with a passion for leveraging data and AI to drive business transformation 

• Strong leadership and collaboration abilities 

• Adaptability and willingness to learn in a rapidly evolving technological landscape 

• Attention to detail and commitment to data quality and integrity 

• Ethical approach to data management and AI implementation 

About Golin:

Golin is a progressive public relations agency designed to reach a profoundly diverse global market. Our ambition is to not only adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape of AI but to lead the charge. We are committed to upskilling our workforce and integrating AI into our daily work to maximize the value we deliver to our clients.

Together, we discover powerful human truths that bind us, create with bravery, and collaborate inclusively and obsessively. Golin’s 1700 global employees operate across 50+ offices worldwide, allowing us to provide our clients with comprehensive solutions for multi-market, regional and global communications programs. 

Recently named 2024 PRWeek’s Agency of the Year, we tend to Go All In, in everything we do. We’re especially committed to going all in for our people. We challenge our employees to be courageously happy and have empowered them to do so by offering our LifeTime benefits program. LifeTime offers flexible time off, enhanced family care, generous health and wellness benefits, workplace hybrid flexibility, and a monthly LifeTime stipend for the gym or hobbies. 

Our expertise ranges from brand-building and cutting-edge digital content to corporate reputation, healthcare advocacy and measurement. Golin aligns earned-first, data-driven creative with the customer journey through our collaborative G4 Model to deliver maximum impact for clients. Our roster includes many of the largest CPG, retail, food, healthcare technology and consumer service companies in the world.  

Salary range: $150,000 - $175,000

Golin has included the base salary range or hourly rate for this role. Actual compensation offered within the range will depend upon, among other factors: a candidate’s skills, qualifications, and experience; actual ranges for current or former employees in the role; and market considerations.

Any request to schedule an interview and any legitimate offer of employment will only come from an authorized representative of Golin. We will never require an applicant to provide sensitive personally identifiable information in order to conduct an interview.

Golin is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

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