Director, Business Development - AI Partnerships

Qualcomm • San Diego, CA

2d • $211,200 - $316,800 • Onsite

About The Position

Qualcomm is seeking a Director of AI Partnerships to develop and grow strategic AI ecosystem relationships across North America. The role identifies, shapes, and advances partnerships that accelerate adoption of Qualcomm AI solutions, strengthen Qualcomm’s position across the AI ecosystem, and create measurable value across compute, edge AI, cloud, software, and emerging AI application domains.

The position manages a portfolio of AI partners, including AI startups, cloud providers, software companies, PC ecosystem participants, and strategic industry stakeholders. It works closely with Business Development, Marketing, Product Management, Sales, and internal AI teams to turn ecosystem opportunities into joint plans, go-to-market initiatives, commercial proposals, executive engagement, and long-term partnership outcomes. The role supports Qualcomm’s Compute business by working with AI software providers, PC ecosystem partners, and other stakeholders to accelerate AI adoption across next-generation Windows and enterprise computing platforms.

The position is U.S.-based and may be located in Qualcomm’s Santa Clara or San Diego offices. It is expected to comply with the company’s onsite work policy and is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of Sales, Business Development, or related work experience; or Associate’s degree and 12+ years; or high school diploma or equivalent and 14+ years.
• Completed advanced degrees in a relevant field may substitute for up to two years of work experience: a Master’s degree for one year and a Doctorate for two years.
• This U.S.-based role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
• Comply with Qualcomm’s onsite work policy at the Santa Clara or San Diego office location.
• Strong business acumen and ability to identify partnership opportunities and translate them into measurable business outcomes.
• Excellent communication, presentation, executive presence, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to influence and coordinate cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Strategic thinking and ability to balance long-term partnership objectives with day-to-day execution.
• Self-starter with strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• 12+ years of experience in business development, strategic partnerships, alliance management, account management, product marketing, or related technology-industry roles.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience working with AI, cloud, software, semiconductor, PC compute, or technology ecosystem partners.
• Experience managing strategic partner accounts, building executive-level relationships, and driving cross-functional account plans.
• Familiarity with AI platforms, models, developer ecosystems, software applications, enterprise AI adoption, and emerging market trends.
• Experience collaborating with product marketing, partner marketing, business development, sales, and go-to-market teams on joint business initiatives.
• Experience negotiating partnership agreements and managing complex stakeholder relationships.
• Experience with the PC software ecosystem, including AI applications, productivity software, developer platforms, enterprise software vendors, or Windows-based computing environments; familiarity with AI deployment in the PC market is highly desirable.
• Experience with major AI platform providers, cloud service providers, leading AI software companies, semiconductor, mobile, edge AI, or enterprise technology ecosystems.
• MBA or equivalent business experience.
• Experience leading global or multi-regional partner and/or marketing relationships.
• Strong AI and PC Compute marketing experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an AI partnership strategy aligned with Qualcomm’s business objectives and expansion of its AI startup, software, cloud, and compute ecosystem.
• Build, manage, and grow relationships with AI companies, cloud providers, software partners, PC ecosystem stakeholders, and other key industry participants.
• Lead a portfolio of AI partner accounts, including engagement cadence, joint planning, opportunity development, and long-term account success.
• Identify and develop partnership opportunities that create value for customers, partners, and Qualcomm business units.
• Coordinate with Business Development, Marketing, Product Management, Sales, and internal AI teams to align partnership initiatives with company priorities.
• Develop joint marketing programs, industry events, partner communications, and go-to-market initiatives with AI and marketing teams.
• Use market intelligence and partner feedback to inform AI product positioning, messaging, competitive insights, and ecosystem priorities.
• Support commercial negotiations, partnership frameworks, and legal agreements.
• Represent Qualcomm at industry events, customer meetings, and partner engagements.
• Track AI industry trends, competitive developments, partner announcements, and ecosystem dynamics to identify opportunities.
• Drive AI partnership initiatives supporting Qualcomm’s Compute business and accelerate AI adoption across next-generation Windows and enterprise computing platforms.

Benefits

• Competitive annual discretionary bonus program, subject to the stated exclusion for employees on sales-incentive plans.
• Opportunity for annual RSU grants.
• Competitive benefits package designed to support employees at work, at home, and at play.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director