Chief of Staff, AI & Data Operations

Mastercard•Arlington, VA

4d•$164,000 - $271,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Mastercard’s enterprise AI & Data function sets the company’s AI and data vision, accelerates responsible AI adoption, supports the development of data and AI applications, and strengthens Mastercard’s leadership in responsible AI and data. The AI & Data Operations team seeks a strategic, analytical, and execution-oriented Chief of Staff to serve as a trusted partner to the EVP, AI & Data Operations. The role translates strategic priorities into action, strengthens alignment across complex initiatives, and helps the organization operate with speed, focus, and discipline. It is based in Arlington, Virginia, with regular onsite presence under Mastercard’s hybrid working model. Reporting directly to the EVP, AI & Data Operations, the Chief of Staff works with senior leadership to drive high-impact initiatives, strengthen execution, and enable effective decision-making. The position spans strategic planning and hands-on execution, including cross-functional project leadership, operating cadence and KPI reporting, executive-level communications, and internal and external engagement. It also applies practical AI knowledge to improve strategies, workflows, and operating processes. The role requires experience in technology-driven environments and enterprise AI and data, strong executive partnership and communication skills, sound judgment, analytical ability, and the capacity to influence stakeholders across functions and levels. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future without employer sponsorship.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of and experience in a technology-driven environment across initiatives such as AI adoption, cloud, automation, data strategy, and technology governance.
Direct experience working with AI and data in an enterprise environment.
Practical experience building, implementing, or automating AI-enabled workflows, tools, or processes.
Experience partnering with senior executives and supporting complex, high-visibility initiatives.
Ability to move between strategic thinking and hands-on execution.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to develop clear recommendations from complex information.
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Sound judgment and comfort operating in a dynamic environment with evolving priorities.
Strong executive presence and ability to communicate succinctly and credibly with senior stakeholders.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to build relationships and influence across functions and levels.
Excellent written communication, storytelling, and presentation-development skills.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future without employer sponsorship.
Must be based in Arlington, Virginia and attend onsite regularly in accordance with Mastercard’s hybrid working model.

Nice To Haves

Management consulting, chief of staff, strategic operations, or similar experience is strongly preferred.
Academic or professional experience in data science, statistics, AI, data management, technology, strategy, or a related discipline.
Intellectual curiosity, resourcefulness, a results-oriented approach, and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Flexibility and creativity, with the ability to adapt as priorities and business needs evolve.

Responsibilities

Support execution of strategic priorities in partnership with the EVP, AI & Data Operations and leaders across the team.
Translate strategic priorities into clear plans, actions, and measurable outcomes.
Lead high-priority initiatives requiring coordination across teams and functions, including opportunities related to AI agents, copilots, and enterprise AI adoption.
Manage cross-functional projects from definition through execution, scaling oversight as needed.
Anticipate emerging needs, identify opportunities, and maintain momentum on key priorities.
Develop recommendations and decision frameworks for complex business and organizational matters.
Apply practical AI knowledge to identify opportunities to improve strategies, workflows, and operating processes.
Manage the team’s operating cadence, including monthly team calls, leadership meetings, strategic reviews, and executive updates.
Set agendas, clarify decisions, and track actions and commitments through completion.
Establish and manage KPI and reporting cadence across AI & Data Operations, consolidate trends, and share updates with stakeholders.
Oversee executive-level reporting, including priority tracking, progress updates, and strategic review preparation.
Lead development of thought leadership and support creation of strategic presentations.
Strengthen operating practices that enable coordinated execution across the team.
Maintain accuracy, responsiveness, and follow-through on executive-level deliverables.
Serve as a trusted thought partner to the EVP, AI & Data Operations.
Support internal and external partner engagement by participating in and leading meetings, setting agendas and priorities, and ensuring follow-through.
Represent the EVP in selected meetings and maintain continuity and alignment across discussions and decisions.
Prepare executive briefings, talking points, and supporting materials for key engagements.
Develop executive presentations and messaging for internal and external audiences.
Shape clear, evidence-based narratives using analytical thinking and AI and data domain knowledge.
Build productive relationships and influence stakeholders across functions and levels without direct authority.

Benefits

Insurance coverage including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
Flexible spending account and health savings account.
Paid leaves, including 16 weeks of new parent leave and up to 20 days of bereavement leave.
80 hours of Paid Sick and Safe Time.
25 days of vacation time and 5 personal days, prorated based on date of hire.
10 annual paid U.S. observed holidays.
401(k) with a company match.
Deferred compensation for eligible roles.
Fitness reimbursement or on-site fitness facilities.
Tuition reimbursement eligibility.