Director, AI & Data Strategy

Mastercard•O'fallon, MO

1d•$156,000 - $305,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director, AI & Data Strategy is an established subject-matter expert responsible for advancing Mastercard’s thinking, frameworks and practices across AI and data strategy. The role applies deep expertise and extensive experience to deliver key strategic initiatives and make significant improvements to new and existing products, services and business processes. The Director leads pioneering research, evaluates emerging AI and data developments, and provides forward-looking guidance on their potential business, regulatory, ethical and societal implications. Working across business, technology, legal, privacy, compliance and risk teams, the role develops responsible AI frameworks, anticipatory guardrails and practical methods that enable innovation while protecting customer trust and Mastercard’s long-term resilience.

Requirements

Recognized subject-matter expertise in AI strategy, data strategy, responsible AI, AI governance, technology policy or a closely related discipline.
Significant experience applying specialist knowledge to complex business, technology, regulatory or societal challenges.
Deep understanding of generative AI, agentic AI, machine learning, advanced analytics and the data foundations required to support these capabilities.
Demonstrated ability to lead research and horizon-scanning activities and translate emerging developments into strategic business implications.
Experience developing advanced governance frameworks, ethical standards, guardrails, assessment models or responsible innovation practices.
Ability to evaluate emerging and hypothetical risks where historical evidence, regulatory direction or established industry practices may be limited.
Strong understanding of privacy, security, transparency, fairness, accountability, data rights, model risk and other responsible AI considerations.
Ability to communicate complex and uncertain topics clearly to senior executives, technical specialists, control functions and business stakeholders.
Demonstrated influence across organisational boundaries, particularly when working with legal, compliance, privacy, risk, technology and product teams.
Strong critical-thinking skills, intellectual curiosity and willingness to challenge assumptions constructively.
Ability to balance innovation, customer value, feasibility, governance and long-term societal considerations.
Experience mentoring colleagues and developing specialist capability through knowledge sharing and practical guidance.
Bachelor’s degree in data science, computer science, engineering, technology, public policy, law, ethics, business or equivalent practical experience. An advanced degree is advantageous but not required.

Nice To Haves

Experience within payments, financial services or another highly regulated and globally distributed industry.
Experience in responsible AI, AI assurance, technology ethics, algorithmic accountability, model governance or technology-policy research.
Familiarity with global AI regulations, governance standards and industry frameworks.
Experience advising senior leaders on emerging technologies, strategic uncertainty and long-term organisational resilience.
Evidence of external or internal thought leadership through research papers, executive publications, conference participation or industry working groups.
Experience translating research and policy developments into operational controls, product-development practices and enterprise governance.

Responsibilities

AI and Analytics Integration: Champion the responsible incorporation of advanced analytics, generative AI, agentic AI and other innovative methodologies into core products, services, processes and decision-making frameworks.
Cross-Functional Governance Partnership: Collaborate with legal, privacy, compliance, risk, technology, data, product and business teams to embed responsible AI and data practices into operational workflows, product-development processes and strategic decisions.
Global Standards and Societal Expectations: Monitor evolving regulatory requirements, industry standards, ethical expectations and societal concerns. Help Mastercard’s frameworks and practices remain responsive to changing global expectations.
Data and AI Literacy: Promote a culture of data literacy, responsible experimentation and informed decision-making. Develop practical guidance that enables technical and non-technical colleagues to understand both the potential and limitations of AI and data-driven approaches.
Methods and Best Practices: Create reusable frameworks, assessment models, research methods, decision tools and best practices that improve the consistency and quality of AI and data strategy across Mastercard.
Capability Development and Mentoring: Mentor colleagues by sharing specialist knowledge, emerging research, innovative techniques and best practices. Build deeper expertise within the team and strengthen Mastercard’s broader community of AI and data practitioners.

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