AI Strategic Partnerships, Director
About The Position
Mastercard is seeking a strategic and highly connected AI partnerships leader to identify, structure, and execute partnerships with the organizations defining the future of AI. This role will engage frontier AI companies, research organizations and startups to identify technologies, partnerships and commercial opportunities for Mastercard. As part of the Growth Partnerships Team, and in close partnership with the AI & Data organization, this individual will serve as a bridge between external AI partners and internal business priorities. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in artificial intelligence, a strong network across the AI community, and a proven ability to translate emerging technologies into strategic business opportunities. This role sits at the intersection of partnerships, product strategy, and emerging technology.
Requirements
- 10+ years of experience in strategic partnerships, business development, strategy, venture ecosystems, emerging technologies, or related fields.
- Proven track record sourcing, negotiating, structuring, and executing complex partnership agreements with AI companies, startups, technology platforms, and enterprise-scale partners.
- Strong understanding of AI technologies, market trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging business models.
- Proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives involving business, product, technology, and legal stakeholders.
- Excellent relationship-building, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong analytical capabilities with the ability to synthesize market intelligence into strategic recommendations.
- Established network of relationships across the AI, startup, venture capital, and technology ecosystem is highly desirable.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to senior executives.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and highly collaborative environment.
Nice To Haves
- MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
- Strategic mindset with the ability to identify emerging opportunities and translate them into tangible business outcomes.
- Passion for innovation and emerging technologies.
- Strong executive presence and influencing skills.
- Commercial acumen and experience turning partnership opportunities into measurable business value.
- Ability to navigate ambiguity and drive results across multiple stakeholders and workstreams.
- Curiosity, adaptability, and a deep interest in the future of AI and its impact on commerce and technology.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and execution of strategic partnerships with leading AI companies, startups, venture-backed innovators, and technology providers.
- Structure, negotiate, and execute partnership agreements from sourcing through signature.
- Serve as the primary owner for exploratory engagements, pilot programs, and proof-of-concept initiatives with AI partners.
- Own partner onboarding and operationalization, working across Product, Engineering, Legal, and Business to bring partnerships live.
- Identify, evaluate, and advance partnership opportunities that align with Mastercard's strategic priorities and AI roadmap.
- Drive cross-functional alignment across product, engineering, legal, strategy, and business stakeholders to successfully execute complex partnership initiatives.
- Collaborate with product and business leaders across Mastercard to uncover high-impact opportunities for AI-enabled innovation.
- Support engagement with Mastercard Start Path participants and other startup partners to identify opportunities aligned with Mastercard's strategic priorities.
- Monitor and analyze AI market developments, competitive dynamics, startup activity, and emerging technology trends to generate actionable insights.
- Develop executive-level recommendations on partnership opportunities, market trends, and emerging technologies.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective AI partners.
Benefits
- insurance (including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, disability, life insurance)
- flexible spending account and health savings account
- 16 weeks of new parent leave
- up to 20 days of bereavement leave
- 80 hours of Paid Sick and Safe Time
- 25 days of vacation time
- 5 personal days
- 10 annual paid U.S. observed holidays
- 401k with a best-in-class company match
- deferred compensation for eligible roles
- fitness reimbursement or on-site fitness facilities
- eligibility for tuition reimbursement
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
