Head of Data & AI

Employment Type: Full-time

Location: New York, NY

Work Site Type: Hybrid

Building a Brand starts with a Story

FIRST is a leading global brand experience agency serving clients in various industries, including financial services, technology, new & traditional media, aerospace, healthcare, and professional services. FIRST has received numerous accolades, including being listed among the 2025 Most Innovative Marketing Agencies of the Year by Chief Marketer, named Top Agency of the Year 2024 by Event Marketer, highlighted as a Global Agency of the Year, over 100 Employees by C&IT, and listed among the "200 Top Marketing Agencies" in 2024, 2023, & 2022 by Chief Marketer.

Learn more at www.firstagency.com

What You Would Get To Do

FIRST is seeking a Head of Data & AI  for a new business unit, designed to transform FIRST's operating model through AI and data capabilities. This strategic enterprise initiative addresses dual imperatives: enhancing productivity whilst creating differentiated client value through AI-powered brand experiences.

This role represents a strategically important leadership position within FIRST, responsible for driving enterprise-wide AI adoption and commercialisation.

This role reports directly to the FIRST CEO and leads this new, transformative business unit with P&L responsibility. The Head will be accountable for delivering on the ambitious Vision 2028, which aims to generate significant benefits through productivity improvements, efficiency gains, enhanced brand experiences, and new, differentiated products and services. This role will also serve as an advisor to the CEO and Executive Leadership on AI, data, and innovation strategy across all FIRST business lines.

Your Contributions

Strategic Leadership

  • Lead delivery of the AI roadmap and achievement of Vision 2028 targets.
  • Oversee strategic prioritisation of AI investments and resource allocation.
  • Executive Consult on strategic direction for the AI Taskforce, a cross-functional group focused on cultivating an AI- Native workforce
  • Own P&L, strategy, client relationships, and Board reporting.
  • Position FIRST as a market leader in AI-powered brand experiences and data-driven client partnerships.
  • Create defensible advantages through data and AI capabilities.
  • Work closely with the Learning and Development team to embed AI throughout the organisation.

Team Leadership and Development

  • Build and manage the new business unit’s team and lead the two core function areas: AI Solutions and Innovation, and Business Intelligence and Data Analytics.
  • Lead the integrated AI, data, and BI strategy in alignment with business priorities; identify and prioritize AI and BI use cases based on ROI and strategic impact
  • Drive cross-functional stakeholder management and change leadership.
  • Foster an innovative, collaborative culture that attracts and retains top talent in AI, data science and analytics.

Business Transformation and Commercialisation

  • Lead the commercialisation of new AI-powered products and services to achieve target client adoption rates.
  • Lead transformation to deliver event delivery productivity improvements.
  • Drive the transformation of FIRST's Shared Services operations to deliver productivity improvements.  
  • Generate new revenue via intelligence-based products and AI-powered innovation in brand experiences.
  • Work closely with  Communications and Learning and Development to drive change, communications and AI literacy programs across the organisation.
  • Collaborate with Marketing on the strategy for go-to-market product opportunities.
  • Act as an internal evangelist at FIRST  for AI-enabled creativity and efficiency.
  • Lead the integrated AI, data, and BI strategy in alignment with business priorities.
  • Identify and prioritize AI and BI use cases based on ROI and strategic impact.

Governance and Compliance

  • Ensure AI ethics, data governance, and regulatory compliance, and work with the appropriate body governing ethics.
  • Oversee compliance, data quality standards, and security protocols.
  • Develop incident response approaches with defined escalation protocols.
  • Own the Risk Register; ensure mitigation and report to the Steering Committee quarterly.

Key Performance Indicators

Your success will be measured by financial benchmarks (KPIS) and benchmarks tied to our 3-year plan, which will demonstrate the business unit’s ability to:

  • Enhance brand experiences and client and customer experience via AI-powered initiatives and innovations.
  • Deliver productivity savings in event delivery and in Shared Services.
  • Drive new revenue streams from new intelligence-based products and AI-powered innovation.
  • Position FIRST as the AI-enhanced partner of choice for its sophisticated clients.

What We Are Looking For

  • Master's Degree or Doctorate/ PHD preferred
  • At least 15 years of experience

Essential

  • Proven track record of senior leadership in a data/AI-driven business transformation role.
  • Experience building and scaling a data and AI function.
  •  Experience in commercialising AI-powered services and embedding them into client delivery models.
  • Strong commercial acumen with P&L management experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex stakeholder relationships.
  • Experience in implementing AI solutions that deliver measurable business impact.
  • Strategic vision combined with practical implementation skills.
  • Strong understanding of data governance, AI ethics, and regulatory compliance.

Desirable

  • Experience with AI-powered products and services in client-facing environments.
  • Background in establishing AI governance structures and managing associated risks.
  • Experience designing multi-vendor ecosystems and managing vendor risk and interoperability

Key Competencies and Attributes

  • Visionary leadership with the ability to inspire and drive change.
  • Strong stakeholder management and change leadership skills.
  • Commercial mindset with focus on driving measurable business outcomes.
  • Strategic thinking combined with execution excellence.
  • Data-driven decision-making approach.
  • Ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences.
  • Innovative problem-solver who can identify opportunities for AI application.
  • Strong communication skills
  • Collaborative team builder who can unite diverse functions toward common goals.

At FIRST, we believe that our success is driven by the passion, creativity, and commitment of our teams. That's why we offer a range of benefits and perks to support your personal and professional growth

  • Medical, Dental & Vision, which includes the option of a high deductible health plan (HDHP) with a health savings account (HSA)
  • 401 (k) 
  • Five Flexible Spending Accounts Options
  • Generous Paid Time Off Allowance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Life, Disability & Pet Coverages
  • Wellness Stipend
  • Mobile Phone Allowance
  • Complimentary access to Headspace, Teladoc, Maven, Rocket Lawyer, Mobilo & more
  • Aura Identity Theft Protection
  • Discretionary Bonus Structure
  • Global Opportunities: With a presence in 7 countries worldwide, including headquarters in London, New York, and Singapore, you may have the opportunity to work on exciting projects across different locations.

United States Residents: The base pay for this position ranges from $295,000 to $340,000. This role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

Please note that the national salary range listed in the job posting reflects the new hire salary range across various U.S. locations that would be applicable to the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

#LI-TS1 #LI-Hybrid

FIRST is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. FIRST is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We stand firm: FIRST will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. If any candidate feels that they are unable to meet the requirements of the role, please get in touch to discuss adjustments or other suitable roles.