Director, Platform & Operations

New York Life•New York, NY

4d•$119,000 - $170,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Head of New York Life Ventures (NYLV), the Director, Platform & Operations plays a central role in advancing the strategy, operations, communications, and community that enable NYLV to grow its impact across New York Life and the broader venture ecosystem. This role will lead initiatives spanning platform strategy, brand and communications, community engagement, executive reporting, and operational effectiveness. Working across NYLV’s network of startups, founders, investors, and internal business partners, the Director will design and execute programs that strengthen relationships, translate insights into compelling narratives, and create long-term strategic value. The successful candidate will combine strategic thinking with disciplined execution and exceptional communication skills. They will be comfortable moving between executive-level priorities and operational details, independently driving complex initiatives while anticipating organizational needs and adapting quickly as priorities evolve.

Requirements

7–10 years of experience in strategy, venture capital, innovation, consulting, operations, Chief of Staff, communications, platform, or a related role, with demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional initiatives from strategy through execution.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop compelling narratives across formats ranging from executive communications and presentations to research briefs, thought leadership, and external or founder-facing content.
Strong business and analytical acumen, including demonstrated experience translating data and complex inputs into meaningful insights, metrics, dashboards, reporting, and decision-ready recommendations for senior stakeholders.
Proven relationship-building and influencing skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across organizational levels and with founders, investors, business leaders, and other external partners without relying on formal authority.
Demonstrated ability to improve operational processes, governance models, and planning frameworks while independently managing multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment that requires sound judgment, adaptability, attention to detail, and follow-through.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, along with technological fluency and a demonstrated interest in venture capital, emerging technology, startups, and innovation.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in a platform leadership, Chief of Staff, communications leadership, or strategy and operations role supporting senior executives, particularly within venture capital, corporate innovation, or a technology-focused organization.
Experience managing brand, communications, or external presence within a large regulated organization, including collaboration with corporate communications, legal, compliance, and other control functions.
Familiarity with venture capital operations, portfolio reporting, fund mechanics, corporate innovation programs, or the broader startup and investment ecosystem.
Experience designing founder, investor, or innovation-focused events and community engagement programs, including familiarity with CRM and content management tools; data management, data modeling, or design capabilities are also beneficial.

Responsibilities

Own NYLV’s communications and brand strategy, including executive communications, internal and external messaging, thought leadership, digital and social content, and event strategy; translate complex information and emerging themes into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
Build, evolve, and scale NYLV’s platform and community strategy by designing programs, convenings, and engagement models that deepen relationships with founders, portfolio companies, venture partners, internal stakeholders, and the broader innovation ecosystem and convert those relationships into strategic value.
Develop decision-ready insights and executive reporting through dashboards, metrics, thematic briefs, presentations, and other materials that synthesize complex inputs and communicate NYLV’s priorities, performance, ecosystem intelligence, and impact to senior stakeholders.
Lead execution of strategic and operational initiatives across NYLV, coordinating cross-functional stakeholders, establishing plans and governance, managing competing priorities, and driving initiatives from initial framing through successful delivery.
Strengthen organizational effectiveness and scale by anticipating emerging needs, identifying opportunities to improve processes and collaboration, and implementing practical solutions that enable the team to operate efficiently as NYLV’s platform, partnerships, and community continue to grow.