Director, AI Advertising Acceleration

Microsoft Advertising is a worldwide Sales, Marketing and Services organization on the cutting edge of the digital advertising industry. Microsoft Advertising offers a compelling portfolio of advertising products, innovative solutions and the opportunity to engage with some of the brightest minds in the digital space. Microsoft Advertising is the destination for experienced, collaborative, and passionate digital advertising professionals seeking a rewarding career and lifestyle. Microsoft Advertising is part of the Microsoft AI (MAI) division and has a clear vision for MSA FY25 and beyond: we aim to own the market position for how Microsoft AI is changing the way consumers engage with advertising. 

Who We’re Looking For 

We are seeking a dynamic and innovative leader to join our team as the Director of AI Ads Acceleration. In this role, you will be responsible for accelerating the adoption of Microsoft's AI Advertising products with advertisers (clients and agencies). You will leverage our AI offerings to deepen and expand client relationships, drive short-term revenue for AI-related initiatives, and infuse critical feedback from our advertisers into our AI product development.  

This role requires close collaboration with Field Sales (GMS), the Microsoft commercial team, Ads Engineering, Marketing, Product Marketing, and our Business Planning Teams. We are looking for a skilled collaborator and builder who thrives in navigating highly ambiguous situations. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of driving adoption of AI solutions, building strong client relationships, and delivering revenue growth. You should be adept at working across multiple teams and functions and have excellent communication and leadership skills. Experience in the advertising industry and a deep understanding of AI technologies are essential. 

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond. 

• Sales Leadership & AI Acceleration: Accelerate the adoption of Microsoft's AI Advertising solutions with clients and agencies by developing and executing strategic plans that showcase the value and capabilities of our AI offerings. Partner with sales account teams to identify opportunities where our AI solutions can deepen and expand client relationships, demonstrating how these solutions can drive business outcomes and revenue.  
• Scaled Sales Enablement and Cross-Group Collaboration: Ensure that the Global Agency team and broader Field Sale(GMS) is enabled to deliver our evolving AI narrative, identify opportunities and pull in right resources to deliver AI solutions across our Microsoft Advertising portfolio (via client workshops, QBR’s, industry engagements). Collaborate closely with Field Sales (GMS), the Microsoft commercial team, Ads Engineering, Marketing, Product Marketing, and Business Planning Teams to align on goals, share insights, and drive coordinated efforts that maximize the impact of our AI advertising solutions. Navigate and succeed in highly ambiguous situations, providing clear direction and leadership to cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of innovation and agility to adapt to changing market conditions and client needs. 
• Customer Engagement: Serve as the “voice of the customer” for Microsoft Advertising AI offerings and the “chief dot connector” for AI customer inputs. Gather and analyze customer feedback to drive data-driven decision-making and improve AI product offerings. This involves working closely with product, sales and marketing teams, participating in existing advertising forums, and using data analytics to identify trends and insights. Ensure that client needs and pain points are addressed in future product developments and enhancements. 
• Strategic Planning and Sales Leadership: Prioritize key accounts, being proactive in identifying opportunities, and planning effectively to bring AI solutions to market. Develop and implement strategic sales plans across our client base globally, setting clear goals and objectives, and ensuring alignment with AI leadership, GMS and overall business strategy. 
• Copilot Ads GTM Planning: Provide critical input into the GTM process to ensure a smooth AI Ads product launches generate excitement in the advertising community and are iterative, pulling in voice of the buyer. Use the established GTM processes and/or drive changes to those processes that may be required for our new AI offerings. 
• Senior Client & Industry Leadership: Influence senior-level advertisers and agencies across the advertising industry by telling our AI story and showcasing the value of our AI-driven advertising solutions. This includes participating in industry events, EBC’s, leveraging existing/building relationships with key stakeholders, and positioning Microsoft as a thought leader in AI for advertising. 
• Growth Mindset & Culture Leadership: demonstrate leadership in an inclusive and accountable culture built on adopting growth mindset and continuous improvement (ie – blameless retrospectives). Encourage open and diverse conversations that lead to a culture of trust and growth, celebrate accomplishments, and promote fun. Model a commitment to giving and receiving feedback as a part of growth, reflection, and progress for the people and the business. Act as a leadership voice and active ally to / participant in our MSA and MAI Communities.