AI Connect : Associate Director Business Development - Verizon Partner Solutions / Public Sector

Verizon•Washington, DC

2d•$132,000 - $230,000

About The Position

The AI Connect Business Development Leader for Verizon Partner Solutions (VPS) and Public Sector is responsible for driving the business development and performance of Verizon’s AI Connect portfolio, with a specific focus on Dark Fiber infrastructure. The role leads a business development team to accelerate adoption of high-capacity, dedicated physical network assets and AI-enabled connectivity solutions. It develops strategic partnerships with VPS sales teams and service/communication provider clients, as well as Verizon Public Sector sales teams and Federal and SLED clients, connecting high-capacity physical infrastructure with AI business outcomes. The position executes the go-to-market strategy for the AI Connect portfolio, prioritizing Dark Fiber as a foundation for AI workloads. It drives profitable revenue growth and adoption of AI-forward products while building client relationships, developing partnerships, and leading a collaborative, high-performing team. This is a mobile role, primarily based at customer or field locations, with occasional visits to a Verizon location for training and meetings.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or four or more years of work experience.
Eight or more years of relevant experience, demonstrated through work and/or military experience or specialized training.
Expertise in Dark Fiber infrastructure, high-capacity networking, and the relationship between physical assets and AI/ML digital transformation.
Proven leadership in complex, fast-paced business development environments focused on emerging technologies.
Significant experience managing and developing business development teams.
Strategic vision for integrating physical fiber architecture into AI connectivity frameworks and enterprise network modernization.
Proven ability to build and scale business development organizations, with a focus on organizational culture and talent development.
Ability to navigate complex matrix environments and drive cross-functional operations to streamline processes and maximize efficiency.

Nice To Haves

Experience solution-selling to C-level executives in large service/communication provider organizations and government clients.
Senior business development experience with large service/communication providers and/or government entities, including alliance management, selling, or senior executive outreach.
Ability to work successfully in a fast-paced, matrixed organization while balancing multiple priorities.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, including comfort presenting to senior executives.
Experience collaborating with executive communities to maximize executive briefing value for VBG.
Ability to unlock strategic synergies across complex client relationships.
Experience aligning 360-degree ecosystems across key internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to streamline customization of products, contracts, and processes to match customer environments.
Audacity for ideation, planning, and execution of “big bets.”

Responsibilities

Lead a high-performance business development team focused on deploying Dark Fiber infrastructure and AI-driven connectivity solutions.
Build and manage C-suite relationships focused on AI transformation and the need for dedicated, high-capacity fiber foundations.
Execute the go-to-market strategy for the AI Connect portfolio, prioritizing Dark Fiber as an enabler for AI workloads.
Cultivate and expand partnerships in service/communication provider and public sector ecosystems.
Drive profitable revenue growth and adoption of high-margin, AI-forward product sets.
Work with Verizon Business Partner Solution and Public Sector sales teams to position AI Connect.
Build, mentor, and motivate a high-performing team, fostering collaboration, agility, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
Basic and supplemental life insurance and AD&D insurance.
Identity theft protection.
Pet insurance and group home and auto insurance.
Matched 401(k) savings plan.
Up to 8 company-paid holidays per year and up to 6 personal days per year.
Paid parental leave.
Adoption assistance.
Tuition assistance.
Potential premium pay, such as overtime, shift differential, holiday pay, and allowances, depending on the role.
Up to 15 days of vacation per year for newly hired employees, increasing with additional service.
Commission-based compensation with the potential to earn more.