Chief Data Strategist

About the Role

As the Senior Director of Data Strategy & Technology, you will be a critical executive leader responsible for transforming Verizon’s data organization into an architecture-driven powerhouse. This role will spearhead the transition to a Governed Federated Model, establishing a single source of truth for all strategic and operational data. By championing connected architecture and unified data, you will create the foundation Verizon needs to thrive with high-velocity AI and advanced analytics.

Responsibilities

• Data Strategy & Operating Model Evolution
  • Federated Model Execution: Lead the strategic rollout of the new Governed Federated Model across Verizon, engaging with VPs and SVPs to integrate localized data operations into a centralized framework.
  • Global Team Alignment: Oversee the functional transition of data teams from a legacy mirrored geographic structure to a streamlined, functional model to reduce complexity and foster accountability.
  • Resource Prioritization: Manage strategic demand intake to balance critical Business-As-Usual (BAU) operational deliverables with high-intensity "Transformation Tiger Team" initiatives.
• Data Technology & Platform Rationalization
  • Ecosystem Consolidation: Eliminate massive data duplication across the enterprise by systematically shutting down non-federated spaces.
  • Cross-Platform Data Integration: Expand the Google Cloud single source of truth by integrating critical external data assets—including legacy SQL Servers, Oracle Databases, and third-party systems—into a unified framework.
  • Unified Shared Sandbox: Champion the creation and adoption of a single, authoritative shared data sandbox with automated quality controls and seamless discoverability, replacing over 100+ non-federated sandboxes.
  • Table & Environment Reduction: Drive engineering rigor to collapse and organize a legacy landscape of 300K+ tables into a highly organized, discoverable technical framework.
• Architecture, Engineering Standards & Enablement
  • Enterprise Data Standards: Define technical standards and architectural roadmaps to transition the business to a modern, agile, and secure data infrastructure.
  • Access & Capability Training: Partner with global engineering teams to train federated data engineers on common data standards, ensuring only certified builders deploy within the shared sandbox.
  • AI & Cloud Readiness: Optimize the data ecosystem on Google Cloud to enable and scale enterprise AI applications.
• Data Industrialization
  • State-of-the-Art Architecture: Procure, assemble, and integrate best-in-class technology capabilities to establish a modern, enterprise-grade data engineering ecosystem.
  • Technology Infrastructure for Data: Architect and implement core tech capabilities—including automated quality controls, embedded governance, and full operational observability—for resilient, high-performance data pipelines.
  • Next-Gen Conversational Data Capabilities: Drive the adoption of conversational AI and natural language interfaces for intuitive data discovery, querying, and interaction.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in enterprise data strategy, large-scale cloud data migrations (Google Cloud preferred), or data infrastructure optimization.
• 7+ years in a senior leadership role managing large, distributed teams.
• Mastery of the Modern Data Stack, data fabric/mesh concepts, enterprise architecture, and experience managing hyper-scaled data footprints (hundreds of terabytes to petabytes).
• Exceptional executive presence with a proven track record of influencing cross-functional SVPs, VPs, and technical stakeholders to adopt centralized standards.
• Demonstrated success steering organizations through complex operational turnarounds, reducing legacy technical debt, and managing high-stress transformation teams.
• Ability to develop and execute strategic plans and drive innovation within a complex organizational structure.
• Experience managing budgets and vendor relationships within a large corporate environment.
• Strong business acumen with excellent influencing and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple stakeholders across different business units.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Business Administration or Master’s degree in a technical area of study.
• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in enterprise data strategy, large-scale cloud data migrations (Google Cloud preferred), or data infrastructure optimization.
• Experience within the telecommunications industry.
• Familiarity with Verizon's internal systems and processes.

Schedule

In this hybrid role, you'll have a defined work location that includes working from home and a minimum of three days per week in the office, as set by your manager. Scheduled weekly hours: 40.

Pay

The annual salary range for this full-time position is $176,500.00 - $339,000.00, depending on location and confirmed job-related skills and experience. This is an incentive-based role with the potential to earn additional compensation. For part-time roles, compensation will be adjusted to reflect hours worked.

Benefits

• Health & Wellness: 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.
• Retirement & Savings: Matched 401(k) savings plan.
• Time Off: Up to 8 company-paid holidays per year, up to 6 personal days per year, and up to 15 days of vacation per year (growing with additional service).
• Family & Education: Paid parental leave, adoption assistance, and tuition assistance.
• Additional Incentives: Premium pay opportunities such as overtime, shift differential, and holiday pay, depending on the role.