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

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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.