CHIEF INNOVATION OFFICER - GRAY MEDIA GROUP

Job Summary

The Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) is a strategic executive responsible for driving innovation across the organization with a focus on AI, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and identifying new opportunities for growth and competitive advantage. This role bridges the gap between current operations and future potential, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of industry innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Vision & Leadership

• Develop and communicate a comprehensive innovation strategy aligned with corporate goals and market trends
• Lead the innovation function and oversee cross‑functional innovation initiatives in collaboration with senior executives
• Champion a culture of creativity, experimentation, and calculated risk‑taking throughout the organization

Innovation Development

• Identify emerging technologies, market trends, and disruptive business models relevant to the industry
• Evaluate new business opportunities and potential areas for expansion or diversification
• Oversee the development of new products, services, and business processes from concept to commercialization in concert with senior Gray executives and teams

Organizational Integration

• Collaborate with all departments to embed innovation into existing workflows and decision‑making processes
• Build and lead an innovation team, including researchers, strategists, and project managers
• Work with Gray innovation lab, accelerators, or other mechanisms to foster experimentation
• Create metrics and KPIs to measure innovation success and ROI
• Produce and present a quarterly readout for senior management

External Engagement

• Build strategic partnerships with startups, universities, research institutions, and industry leaders
• Scout for acquisition and investment opportunities that align with innovation strategy
• Cultivate relationships with venture capital firms and innovation ecosystem stakeholders

Change Management

• Drive organizational change initiatives necessary for innovation implementation
• Remove organizational barriers to innovation and advocate for necessary resources
• Train and mentor leaders at all levels in innovation thinking and methodologies
• Manage the transition from traditional business models to innovative new approaches

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, computer science, or related field; advanced degree preferred
• 10+ years of progressive experience in innovation, product development, or strategic business development
• Proven track record of successfully developing and commercializing innovative products or services
• Strong understanding of emerging technologies and market disruption trends
• Experience leading and managing cross‑functional teams in a matrix organization
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem‑solving, and analytical skills
• Strong communication and presentation abilities for all organizational levels
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in ambiguous, fast‑paced environments

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or advanced degree from a top‑tier institution
• Experience in venture capital, private equity, or startup environments
• Background in digital transformation or technology implementation
• Knowledge of design thinking, lean methodologies, and agile processes
• Track record of building and scaling innovation teams
• International business experience

Competencies

• Strategic Thinking & Vision Setting
• Leadership & Team Building
• Entrepreneurial Mindset
• Change Management
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
• Technology Acumen
• Business Acumen & Financial Understanding
• Communication & Influence
• Risk Assessment & Management
• Emotional Intelligence

Gray Media provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Gray Media complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Gray Media expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Gray's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Gray Media is a drug‑free company.

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