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

Cellco Partnership; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Verizon is seeking an AI Connect Business Development Leader for VPS and Public Sector to drive growth of AI-enabled connectivity through Dark Fiber assets. You will lead a high-performance team, build strategic partnerships, and champion AI transformation initiatives across enterprise and government clients.

Key responsibilities include executing GTM plans, nurturing executive relationships, and aligning physical fiber architecture with AI outcomes to accelerate adoption of high-capacity

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or four or more years of work experience.
• Eight+ years of relevant experience in business development or leadership roles.
• Expertise in Dark Fiber, high-capacity networking, and AI/ML connectivity.
• Proven leadership in fast-paced, matrix environments with complex partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performance BD team focused on Dark Fiber and AI-driven connectivity.
• Build and manage executive relationships around AI transformation and fiber assets.
• Execute GTM strategy for AI Connect portfolio, with Dark Fiber at the core.
• Cultivate partnerships with service providers and public sector ecosystems.
• Drive revenue growth and adoption of AI-forward product sets.
• Collaborate with VP level stakeholders to position AI Connect offerings.

Skills

Dark Fiber

AI/ML connectivity

C-suite relationships

Strategic GTM

Team leadership

Public sector partnerships

Education

Bachelor's degree or 4+ years

Job description

When you join Verizon

You want more out of a career. A place to share your ideas freely - even if they're daring or different. Where the true you can learn, grow, and thrive. At Verizon, we power and empower how people live, work and play by connecting them to what brings them joy. We do what we love - driving innovation, creativity, and impact in the world. Our V Team is a community of people who anticipate, lead, and believe that listening is where learning begins. In crisis and in celebration, we come together - lifting our communities and building trust in how we show up, everywhere & always. Want in? Join the #VTeamLife.

The AI Connect Business Development Leader for Verizon Partner Solutions (VPS) and Public Sector (PS)

The AI Connect Business Development Leader for Verizon Partner Solutions (VPS) and Public Sector (PS) is responsible for driving the business development and performance of Verizon's AI Connect portfolio, with a specific focus on the mission-critical role of Dark Fiber infrastructure. This role leads a high-performance business development team to accelerate the adoption of high-capacity, dedicated physical network assets and AI-enabled connectivity solutions. You will foster deep, strategic partnerships with VPS sales teams and most strategic service/communication provider clients, along with Verizon's PS sales teams and client base (Federal and SLED) to drive transformation through the deployment of robust fiber foundations. As a key leader, you will bridge the gap between high-capacity physical infrastructure and AI business outcomes, ensuring Verizon remains the preferred partner for AI-forward connectivity and foundational Dark Fiber assets.

What you’ll be doing:

• Leading a high-performance business development team focused on the strategic deployment of Dark Fiber infrastructure and AI-driven connectivity solutions.
• Build and manage C-suite relationships centered on AI transformation and the critical need for dedicated high-capacity fiber foundations.
• Execute the Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy for the AI Connect portfolio, prioritizing Dark Fiber as the core enabler for AI workloads.
• Cultivate and expand partnerships within service / communication provider and public sector ecosystems
• Drive profitable revenue growth and accelerate the adoption of high-margin, AI-forward product sets.
• Work closely with Verizon Business Partner Solution and Public Sector sales teams in the positioning of AI Connect
• Build, mentor, and motivate a high-performing team by fostering a culture of collaboration, agility, and continuous improvement.

What we’re looking for:

• Bachelor's degree or four or more years of work experience.
• Eight or more years of relevant experience required, demonstrated through one or a combination of work and/or military experience, or specialized training.
• Expertise in Dark Fiber infrastructure, high-capacity networking, and the intersection of physical assets with AI/ML digital transformation.
• Proven track record of leadership in complex, fast-paced business development environments with a focus on emerging technologies.
• Significant experience managing and developing business development teams.
• Strategic vision for integrating physical fiber architecture into core AI connectivity frameworks and enterprise network modernization.
• Proven track record of building and scaling 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.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with solution selling to C-Level Executives in the large service / communication provider space, along with government clients.
• Experience working with large service/communication providers and/or government entities in a senior business development role, including alliance management, selling, or senior executive outreach.
• Proven ability to successfully work in a fast-paced environment with matrix organizations balancing multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; comfortable with presenting to Sr. level executives.
• Collaborating with Executive community to maximize executive briefing value for VBG.
• Unlocking strategic synergies across complex client relationships
• 360 ecosystem alignment across key internal and external stakeholders.
• Streamlined customization of products, contracts, and processes to match customer environments.
• Audacity for ideation, planning, and execution for "big bets".

Where you'll be working

In this mobile role, you'll primarily work from customer or field location(s), with occasional visits to a Verizon location for in-person training and meetings.

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Equal Employment Opportunity

Verizon is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to veteran status, disability or other legally protected characteristics.

Benefits and Compensation

Our benefits are designed to help you move forward in your career, and in areas of your life outside of Verizon.