Strategic Leader, AI & Data Strategy

Mastercard; Missouri; On-site; USD 156,000 - 265,000; Full time

Job summary

Mastercard seeks a Director, AI & Data Strategy to advance thinking and frameworks across AI and data strategy, delivering strategic initiatives and improving products and processes. The role leads horizon-scanning, develops responsible AI frameworks and guides governance in collaboration with legal, privacy, compliance and risk teams.

The candidate will mentor colleagues, translate emerging developments into business implications, and promote data literacy while ensuring responsible innovation

Qualifications

• Recognized subject-matter expertise in AI strategy, data strategy, responsible AI, AI governance, technology policy or a closely related discipline.
• Significant experience applying specialist knowledge to complex business, technology, regulatory or societal challenges.
• Deep understanding of generative AI, agentic AI, machine learning, advanced analytics and the data foundations required to support these capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead research and horizon-scanning activities and translate emerging developments into strategic business implications.
• Experience developing advanced governance frameworks, ethical standards, guardrails, assessment models or responsible innovation practices.
• Ability to evaluate emerging and hypothetical risks where historical evidence, regulatory direction or established industry practices may be limited.
• Strong understanding of privacy, security, transparency, fairness, accountability, data rights, model risk and other responsible AI considerations.
• Ability to communicate complex and uncertain topics clearly to senior executives, technical specialists, control functions and business stakeholders.
• Demonstrated influence across organisational boundaries, particularly when working with legal, compliance, privacy, risk, technology and product teams.
• Strong critical-thinking skills, intellectual curiosity and willingness to challenge assumptions constructively.
• Ability to balance innovation, customer value, feasibility, governance and long-term societal considerations.
• Experience mentoring colleagues and developing specialist capability through knowledge sharing and practical guidance.
• Bachelor’s degree in data science, computer science, engineering, technology, public policy, law, ethics, business or equivalent practical experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of AI and data strategy and influence cross-functional governance.
• Advance Mastercard’s thinking, frameworks and practices across AI and data strategy.
• Develop responsible AI frameworks, guardrails and practical methods for innovation with trust.
• Mentor colleagues and build expertise within the AI/data practitioner community.
• Translate research and policy developments into actionable guidance for executives and teams.

Skills

AI strategy

Data strategy

Responsible AI

AI governance

Technology policy

Privacy

Security

Model risk

Executive communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in data science, computer science, engineering, technology, public policy, law, ethics, business or equivalent

Job description

Mastercard seeks a Director, AI & Data Strategy to advance thinking and frameworks across AI and data strategy, delivering strategic initiatives and improving products and processes. The role leads horizon-scanning, develops responsible AI frameworks and guides governance in collaboration with legal, privacy, compliance and risk teams.

The candidate will mentor colleagues, translate emerging developments into business implications, and promote data literacy while ensuring responsible innovation