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

Verizon; Richmond (VA); Remote; USD 132,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) matching

Parental leave

Tuition assistance

Paid holidays

Personal days

Adoption assistance

Job summary

Verizon is seeking an AI Connect Business Development Leader for VPS and Public Sector to drive Dark Fiber infrastructure adoption and AI-enabled connectivity solutions. Lead a team, build C-suite partnerships, and execute GTM strategies, shaping AI-forward offerings across government and enterprise clients.

You will bridge physical fiber assets with AI outcomes, work with cross-functional teams, and guide strategic initiatives in a fast-paced environment, with field-based responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or four or more years of work experience.
• Eight or more years of relevant experience.
• Expertise in Dark Fiber infrastructure and high-capacity networking.
• Leadership in complex, fast-paced BD environments.
• Experience building and scaling business development teams.
• Strategic vision for integrating physical fiber architecture into AI connectivity.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performance BD team focused on Dark Fiber deployment and AI-driven connectivity.
• Build and manage C-suite relationships centered on AI transformation and dedicated fiber foundations.
• Execute the GTM strategy for the AI Connect portfolio, prioritizing Dark Fiber for AI workloads.
• Cultivate partnerships within service/provider and public sector ecosystems.
• Drive profitable revenue growth for AI-forward product sets.
• Collaborate with Verizon Business Partner Solutions and Public Sector teams on AI Connect positioning.
• Mentor and motivate a high-performing team with a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

GTM strategy

Strategic partnerships

AI/ML awareness

Executive communication

Team building

Dark Fiber expertise

Education

Bachelor's degree

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) 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.

You'll need to have:

• 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.

Even better if you have:

• 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. From health and wellness benefit options including: medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, basic life insurance, supplemental life insurance, AD&D insurance, identity theft protection, pet insurance and group home & auto insurance. We also offer a matched 401(k) savings plan, up to 8 company paid holidays per year and up to 6 personal days per year, paid parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition assistance, plus other incentives, we've got you covered with our award-winning total rewards package. Depending on the role, employees have the opportunity to receive compensation in the form of premium pay such as overtime, shift differential, holiday pay, allowances, etc. Newly hired employees receive up to 15 days of vacation per year, which grows with additional service. For part-timers, your coverage will vary as you may be eligible for some of these benefits depending on your individual circumstances.

The salary will vary depending on your location and confirmed job-related skills and experience. This is a commission based position with the potential to earn more. For part-time roles, your compensation will be adjusted to reflect your hours.The annual salary range for the location(s) listed on this job requisition based on a full-time schedule is: $132,000.00 - $230,000.00.