NRG is a leading global insights and strategy firm at the confluence of content, culture, and technology.  We stay ahead of what’s next, providing fresh insights to spark new ideas. We’re a trusted partner to our clients, working behind the scenes to bring imagination, depth, and clarity to their biggest challenges—in entertainment, technology, lifestyle, sports, and gaming.  Together, we create with confidence. 

We’re proud of our company’s values – these values guide us as we navigate sunny days, gray skies and everything in between:    

• Do what you love. With conviction. 

• Where discovery lives. And impact drives. 

• Celebrate difference. Cultivate belonging. 

• Big thinking. Collectively inspired. 

• Embrace the journey. Be human. 

We are looking for an AI Director to join NRG to shape and execute the practical application of artificial intelligence across the organization.  This will be a hands-on role that will drive AI adoption by identifying high-impact opportunities, rapidly building and deploying solutions from concept to MVP, and embedding them into daily workflows to deliver tangible value to the business.  This role will be responsible for rigorous testing and evaluation of emerging AI models and capabilities, ensuring we leverage the most relevant and effective advancements.   If you are passionate about turning the latest AI tools into practical, business-driving solutions, this is the role for you!    

• Collaborate with teams across the business to identify high-impact AI use cases and translate those needs into technical requirements 

• Develop AI solutions using SaaS platforms (e.g. Custom GPTs, Gemini Apps, Claude Workflows) when native functionality is sufficient  

• Rapidly prototype AI tools and applications (Python, VBA, low-code) from concept to MVP, typically within weeks  

• Automate cross-functional workflows using tools like Zapier or Make to reduce manual effort and improve efficiency 

• Research, test and benchmark emerging AI models, platforms and capabilities to assess performance and suitability  

• Partner with our Engineering team for solutions requiring advanced scale, security, or system integration beyond MVP scope  

• Provide technical assessments for third-party AI tools to support ROI analysis and procurement decisions  

• Supply technical information and insights for AI solution documentation managed by our Business Transformation team in our Central AI Hub 

• Train and empower teams to build their own AI solutions by creating enablement content, leading trainings and office hours  

• Stay current with AI advancements, continuously test capabilities against benchmarks and propose roadmap updates  

• Strong consultative and communication skills; simplifying complex concepts for non-technical stakeholders. 

• Internally-motivated self-starter who strives to get things done and is not deterred by challenges. 

• Critical thinker, able to understand and respond to complex questions or issues that may arise. 

• Successfully manages time and competing priorities in order to ensure deadlines are met. 

• Team player and strong collaborator with a focus on detail that can initiate and drive projects to completion with minimal oversight and a passion for quality. 

• Excellent problem solving, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills. 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) or equivalent experience 

• 4–7 years in a technical analyst, automation, data engineering, or operational role with a strong track record of building usable tools. 

• Demonstrated ability to design and deploy solutions using AI platforms like ChatGPT (Custom GPTs), Gemini, Claude, etc. 

• Proficient in Python (pandas, basic web frameworks), Excel/VBA; working SQL knowledge. 

• Fluency in prompt engineering techniques for various large language models. 

• Experience in designing and executing test plans for software or AI model capabilities. 

• Hands-on experience with workflow automation tools (Zapier, Make, or similar). 

• Proven ability to independently manage the full lifecycle of AI solution development: from requirements gathering and design to building, testing, and initial deployment. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience in market research, media, or analytics consulting environments. 

• Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field 

• Exposure to BI tools (Power BI, Tableau) and API-based integrations. 

• Familiarity with DevOps, MLOps, or data security standards (SOC 2, ISO 27001). 

• Familiarity with version control (Git) and Google Cloud Platform (GCP); experience with other major cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) is beneficial. 

This is a full-time, exempt position. 

We embrace the current era of work and what it means to be a best-in-class employer. We understand the flexibility that is required to recruit and retain incredible talent, whether it’s empowering you to do your best work from the comfort of your home or supporting you if you need to take a mental health day for self-care and rest. Below is a unique blend of benefits tailored to meeting the ever-changing professional landscape.  

• Flexible/Remote work with optional usage of our great offices in Playa Vista or New York  

• Unlimited PTO, volunteer days and a generous number of recharge days including a full office closure during the week of Christmas and New Year’s  

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Plans  

• 401K with company match 

• Generous paid Parental Leave (baby bonding) 

• Regular performance evaluations with opportunities for promotions and merit increases  

• Educational and training reimbursement plan and other training and professional development opportunities 

• Employee perks program (includes discounts on travel, hotels, cars, fitness, movie tickets and more) 

• Resources available for mental health, inclusive care and family building 

• NRGratitude – our company-wide employee recognition program 

• Regular team/company events and activities including annual summer and holiday parties. 

• Pet friendly headquarters and pet insurance options.  

Diversity, equity, and inclusion is at the center of all our practices to ensure that NRG is a place where people from all identities and backgrounds can thrive. NRG is committed to recruiting and retaining diverse talent by supporting their growth through learning programs, internal mobility, affinity group participation, and leadership development. Our differences make us a stronger workforce and enhance our creativity and innovation. We are proud to be an inclusive workplace for all and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.   

To comply with equal pay and salary transparency laws in various locations, we believe the target range of base compensation in all locations within the United States for this role is $130,000-$180,000. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and location.