We are an early-stage media and live-event startup building infrastructure for scale. We move fast, think long-term, and care deeply about operational leverage. We are looking for a fractional AI R&D Strategist to design and continuously improve our internal AI architecture, workflows, and automation strategy. This is a systems-level role, as opposed to a “prompt engineer,” content, or generic automation VA role. You will audit how we operate, identify costly mistakes before they scale, design AI-assisted workflows, and help us build a secure internal knowledge system that sharpens our edge. You will also guide us regarding how to incorporate AI in the best possible ways into our products in order to give our customers the best possible experience while on our platform. Time Commitment - 2-5 hours per week to start in a fractional role - Fully remote - Async - Long-term potential if value is proven Core Responsibilities - Audit current operational workflows and identify AI leverage points - Design AI-assisted SOP improvements - Build internal GPT structures (prompt libraries, knowledge bases, workflow templates) - Recommend secure architecture for company-wide AI usage - Identify automation opportunities across intake, CRM, community ops, event coordination, and sponsor follow-ups - Quantify time saved or error reduction from implemented improvements - Flag operational blind spots and scaling risks - Propose systems to prevent future inefficiencies - Propose AI solutions we can integrate into our platform and products This role is R&D first, execution second, so you will be evaluated on clarity of thinking, practicality, and measurable improvement, not hype. Ideal Candidate - Systems thinker with startup exposure - Comfortable designing from ambiguity - Understands AI tooling beyond surface-level ChatGPT use - Security-aware and governance-minded - Has implemented AI into real workflows (not just experimented) - Can think strategically while staying practical - Prefers leverage over busywork What This Role Is Not We prefer candidates who understand this is not a social media content, “let’s try every AI tool” theory-heavy without implementation, or over-automation for the sake of automation approach. We want serious applicants who have vision, and ability to predict what future moves we should make to stay relevant and commercially viable in a fast-changing world dominated by AI. Application Instructions Please submit: - A brief explanation of your background and why this role fits you - One real example where you redesigned an operational system using AI - Your weekly availability - Your hourly rate - Any tools you have deeply implemented (not just used casually) Remember, we're looking for operational intelligence rather than surface level buzzwords. If that excites you, please apply.