AI Connect : Associate Director Sales - Hyperscalers

verizon; Basking Ridge (NJ); Remote; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Verizon is seeking an AI Connect Sales Leader to drive strategic direction and sales performance for the Dark Fiber portfolio. You will lead high-performance teams, build strategic partnerships with hyperscalers, and steer the GTM plan to accelerate AI-enabled connectivity adoption.

This role bridges physical fiber assets with AI business outcomes at scale. You will cultivate executive relationships, align cross-functional teams, and help Verizon remain the preferred partner for AI-forward

Qualifications

• Eight or more years of relevant experience in sales leadership roles.
• Expertise in Dark Fiber infrastructure and high-capacity networking.
• Proven track record leading teams in fast-paced, tech-focused sales.
• Strategic thinking for integrating physical fiber into AI connectivity.
• Experience shaping GTM strategies with hyperscalers and AI vendors.
• Strong ability to manage senior, cross-functional stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-performance sales teams focused on Dark Fiber and AI-driven connectivity.
• Build and manage client relationships centered on AI transformation.
• Execute the GTM strategy for the AI Connect portfolio.
• Cultivate partnerships with hyperscalers, data centers and AI firms.
• Drive revenue growth and adoption of AI-forward product sets.
• Coordinate with core account teams for positioning AI Connect.
• Mentor and motivate a high-performing team with collaboration and agility.

Skills

Sales Leadership

Strategic Partnerships

Go-To-Market strategy

Team Building

Cross-functional collaboration

Executive communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or 4+ years experience

Tools

Dark Fiber infrastructure

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 Sales Leader is responsible for driving the strategic direction and sales performance of Verizon's AI Connect portfolio, with a specific focus on the mission-critical role of Dark Fiber infrastructure. This role leads high-performance sales teams to accelerate the adoption of high-capacity, dedicated physical network assets and AI-enabled connectivity solutions. You will foster deep, strategic partnerships with hyperscalers, data center and AI focused firms 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:

• Lead high-performance sales teams focused on the strategic deployment of Dark Fiber infrastructure and AI-driven connectivity solutions.
• Build and manage client 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 the AI tech ecosystem, including hyperscalers and specialized AI vendors.
• Drive profitable revenue growth and accelerate the adoption of high-margin, AI-forward product sets.
• Work closely with Verizon Business Hyperscaler/SI core account 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 sales environments with a focus on emerging technologies.
• Significant experience managing and developing sales leadership teams.
• Strategic vision for integrating physical fiber architecture into core AI connectivity frameworks and enterprise network modernization.
• Proven track record of building and scaling sales organizations, with a focus on organizational culture and talent development.
• Ability to navigate complex matrix environments and drive cross-functional sales operations to streamline processes and maximize efficiency.

Even better if you have:

• Experience with solution selling to C-Level Executives in the Fortune 500 and Global Market, with a strong preference for experience with solution selling to large, sophisticated tech companies.
• Experience working with the Global Systems Integrators and/or Hyperscaler companies in a senior sales role, including alliance management, selling, or senior executive outreach
• Experience working with and selling to at-scale tech alliances, especially alliances with large tech companies
• 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 the 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 a