AI Strategist, SMB

Who We Are:

Tenex is where builders, operators, and problem-solvers come together to help the world’s most ambitious companies tackle their toughest challenges. We work at the intersection of strategy and engineering — embedding dedicated teams directly into organizations to turn complex, high-stakes problems into real, measurable outcomes. We don’t do slide decks and hand-offs; we sit in the trenches alongside our clients and build.

We operate with the speed of a startup and the rigor of the best firms in the world. Our culture is built on intellectual curiosity, radical ownership, and a belief that exceptional work comes from diverse teams who are empowered to challenge assumptions, move fast, and hold each other to a higher standard. If you want to work on projects that actually matter, alongside people who make you better — Tenex is the place to do it.

The Role:

As a Tenex AI Strategist, you are the connective tissue between our clients’ ambitions and real, measurable outcomes. You work directly with executives and operators to uncover bottlenecks, surface high-leverage opportunities, and translate business challenges into practical, AI-powered solutions. From diagnostic audits to product sprints to hands-on implementation, you align stakeholders, drive change, and ensure AI moves from concept to daily workflow—delivering impact in weeks, not quarters.

What You’ll Do:

• AI Strategy Audits – Lead 2–4 week diagnostic engagements to map workflows, quantify pain points, identify data assets, and prioritize the highest-ROI AI opportunities. Deliver executive-ready assessments that rank initiatives by impact and effort, with a clear, phased roadmap for execution.

• Product & Strategy Sprints – When the problem is clear but the solution isn’t, design and run focused sprints that combine customer discovery, data analysis, product strategy, rapid prototyping, and implementation planning—driving decisions in weeks, not quarters.

• Workflow Automation & AI Build – Partner closely with Forward-Deployed Engineers to design and deploy automated and AI-driven workflows using off-the-shelf SaaS tools, low-code platforms, and Tenex’s internal capabilities.

• Change Management & Enablement – Lead training and enablement programs that turn prototypes into daily workflows. Measure adoption, iterate on user experience, and develop internal champions to sustain long-term impact.

• Stakeholder Management – Work directly with C-suite executives, business leaders, and end users to maintain alignment, surface risks early, and ensure measurable value creation throughout the engagement.

• Thought Leadership – Translate field learnings into repeatable playbooks, contribute to Tenex Labs, and represent Tenex externally through writing and speaking—reinforcing our position as the trusted partner for AI transformation.

What You’ll Bring to the Team:

• Exceptional communicator with the instincts of a strategic seller—confident presenter, active listener, and consultative relationship builder

• Combines strong analytical ability with exceptional drive, urgency, and follow-through

• Highly organized and detail-oriented; anticipates issues and solves problems proactively

• Comfortable learning new technologies and managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced startup environment

• Able to translate executive-level business challenges into structured AI solutions with clear, measurable ROI

• Equally effective partnering with executives and engineers — translating fuzzy client demands into actionable technical direction, and distilling engineering jargon into simple "here's what that means for you" communication back to clients

• Execution-focused: thrives in ambiguity, delivers outcomes, and builds repeatable, scalable playbooks
  

We’ve Got You Covered:

• Comprehensive medical coverage (PPO and HSA options), dental, and vision

• HSA, Healthcare FSA, and Commuter Benefits

• 100% employer-paid life insurance + AD&D

• 100% employer-paid long-term disability insurance

• Responsible PTO — take what you need

What we offer:

The base salary for this role is $150,000 - $180,000. In addition to base pay, strategists earn a performance-based discretionary bonus quarterly. When determining compensation, we consider job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Our workplace:

We prioritize in-person work and collaborate from our New York City office five days a week. We believe our best ideas come from working closely together. Being in the same space enables faster collaboration, real-time problem solving, and stronger relationships that elevate how we build and execute as a team.

Our Process:

1. Apply + Video Introduction

2. Situational + Behavioral Interview (30 min)

3. Take-Home Assignment

4. Final Round with Co-Founders (30 min)