Chief of Staff, AI & Data Operations

Mastercard Inc.; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 164,000 - 271,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance benefits

401k match

Paid time off

HSA/FSA

Job summary

Mastercard Inc. in Arlington, VA, seeks a Chief of Staff for the EVP, AI & Data Operations to translate strategy into action and drive high-impact initiatives in a hybrid onsite setting.

You will influence senior stakeholders, manage cross-functional programs and shape AI-enabled workflows, with a focus on speed, discipline and thoughtful execution.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of and experience working in a technology-driven environment.
• Direct experience working with AI and data in an enterprise environment.
• Practical experience building, implementing or automating AI-enabled workflows, tools or processes.
• Experience partnering with senior executives and supporting complex, high-visibility initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Translate strategic priorities into clear plans, actions and measurable outcomes.
• Lead high-priority initiatives with cross-team coordination and AI-related opportunities.
• Manage the team’s operating cadence and ensure timely follow-ups and reporting.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Executive coordination

AI domain knowledge

Project management

Stakeholder management

Job description

Our Purpose Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

Title and Summary Chief of Staff, AI & Data Operations Overview Mastercard has some of the most valuable data assets and innovative AI capabilities in the world. We have been highly successful in using artificial intelligence to create technology and services that deliver meaningful value to the payments ecosystem and our clients. Our enterprise AI & Data function sets the vision for AI and data at Mastercard, accelerates the responsible adoption of AI technologies across the company, supports the development of industry-leading data and AI applications, and strengthens Mastercard’s position as a visible leader in responsible AI and data. The AI & Data Operations team is seeking a highly strategic, analytical and execution-oriented Chief of Staff to serve as a trusted partner to the EVP, AI & Data Operations. The Chief of Staff will translate strategic priorities into action, strengthen alignment across complex initiatives, and help the organization operate with continued speed, focus and discipline. This role must be based in Arlington, Virginia, and requires regular onsite presence in accordance with Mastercard’s hybrid working model. The successful candidate will move seamlessly between strategy and execution, exercise sound judgment in a dynamic environment, and influence senior stakeholders across the organization. This role requires strong executive presence, exceptional attention to detail, and practical experience applying AI to improve strategies, workflows and operating processes.

Role

In this role, you will report directly to the EVP, AI & Data Operations and work closely with senior leadership to drive high-impact initiatives, strengthen execution and enable effective decision-making.

Strategic Initiatives and Project Management

• Support the execution of strategic priorities by collaborating closely with the EVP, AI & Data Operations and leaders across the team.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear plans, actions and measurable outcomes.
• Lead high-priority initiatives that require coordination across teams and functions, including emerging opportunities related to AI agents, copilots and enterprise AI adoption.
• Manage cross-functional projects from initial definition through execution, scaling oversight as needed.
• Anticipate emerging needs, identify opportunities and maintain momentum across key priorities.
• Develop clear recommendations and decision frameworks for complex business and organizational matters.
• Apply practical AI knowledge to identify opportunities to improve strategies, workflows and operating processes.

Team Operations and Leadership

• Manage the team’s core operating cadence, including monthly team calls, recurring leadership meetings, strategic reviews and executive updates.
• Set agendas, clarify decisions and ensure actions and commitments are tracked through completion.
• Establish and manage a KPI and reporting cadence across AI & Data Operations, consolidating trends and sharing key updates with stakeholders.
• Oversee executive-level reporting, including priorities tracking, progress updates and preparation for strategic reviews.
• Lead the development of thought leadership and support the creation of strategic presentations.
• Strengthen operating practices that enable coordinated execution across the team.
• Maintain a high standard of accuracy, responsiveness and follow-through across executive-level deliverables.

Executive Partnership and External Engagement

• Serve as a trusted thought partner to the EVP, AI & Data Operations.
• Support engagement with internal and external partners by participating in and leading key meetings, establishing agendas and priorities, and ensuring effective follow-through.
• Represent the EVP in selected meetings, maintaining continuity and alignment across discussions and decisions.
• Prepare executive briefings, talking points and supporting materials for key engagements.
• Develop executive presentations and messaging for internal and external audiences.
• Shape clear, evidence-based narratives supported by strong analytical thinking and AI and data domain knowledge.
• Build productive relationships and influence stakeholders across functions and levels without relying on direct authority.

All About You

• Strong knowledge of and experience working in a technology-driven environment across initiatives such as AI adoption, cloud, automation, data strategy and technology governance.
• Direct experience working with AI and data in an enterprise environment.
• Practical experience building, implementing or automating AI-enabled workflows, tools or processes.
• Experience partnering with senior executives and supporting complex, high-visibility initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to move fluidly between strategic thinking and hands-on execution.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop clear recommendations from complex information.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Sound judgment and comfort operating in a dynamic environment with evolving priorities.
• Strong executive presence and the ability to communicate succinctly and credibly with senior stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence individuals across functions and levels.
• Intellectually curious, resourceful and results-oriented, with an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Flexible and creative, with the ability to adapt and thrive as priorities and business needs evolve.
• Excellent written communication, storytelling and presentation-development skills.
• Management consulting, chief of staff, strategic operations or similar experience is strongly preferred.
• Academic or professional experience in data science, statistics, AI, data management, technology, strategy or a related discipline.

This role is not eligible for Mastercard-sponsored work authorization. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future without employer sponsorship.

Mastercard is a merit-based, inclusive, equal opportunity employer that considers applicants without regard to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disabled or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We hire the most qualified candidate for the role.

In the US or Canada, if you require accommodations or assistance to complete the online application process or during the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail] and identify the type of accommodation or assistance you are requesting. Do not include any medical or health information in this email. The Reasonable Accommodations team will respond to your email promptly.

Corporate Security Responsibility

• Abide by Mastercard’s security policies and practices
• Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed
• Report any suspected information security violation or breach, and Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard’s guidelines

In line with Mastercard's total compensation philosophy and assuming that the job will be performed in the US, the successful candidate will be offered a competitive base salary and may be eligible for an annual bonus or commissions depending on the role. The base salary offered may vary depending on multiple factors, including but not limited to location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Mastercard benefits for full time (and certain part time) employees generally include:

• insurance (including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, disability, life insurance)
• flexible spending account and health savings account
• paid leaves (including 16 weeks of new parent leave and up to 20 days of bereavement leave)
• 80 hours of Paid Sick and Safe Time, 25 days of vacation time and 5 personal days, pro-rated based on date of hire
• 10 annual paid U.S. observed holidays
• 401k with a best-in-class company match
• deferred compensation for eligible roles
• fitness reimbursement or on-site fitness facilities
• eligibility for tuition reimbursement
• many more

Mastercard benefits for interns generally include:

• 56 hours of Paid Sick and Safe Time
• jury duty leave
• on-site fitness facilities in some locations

THIS POSTING RELECTS ONE OR MORE CURRENT VACANCIES ON OUR TEAM, AND MASTERCARD INTENDS TO FILL THIS POSITION BY 01/17/2027. If the fill date has passed, Mastercard intends to fill this position as soon as possible.

Pay Ranges Arlington, Virginia: $164,000 - $271,000 USD

Everyone wants easier ways to pay; we invent them. Checkout lines are slow; we speed them along. Merchants want more sales; we give them data and insights. People need financial access; we connect them. Corporate purchasing is complicated; we make it simple. Commuters are busy; we speed them on their way. Governments need greater efficiencies; we help create them. Small businesses are virtual; we give them access to a world of buyers. Retailers want to fight fraud; we provide the tools.