AI Strategic Partnerships, Director at Mastercard in San Francisco, CA

AI Strategic Partnerships, Director
Location: San Francisco, California
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
AI Strategic Partnerships, Director
Role Overview
Mastercard is seeking a strategic and highly connected AI partnerships leader to identify, structure, and execute partnerships with the organizations defining the future of AI. This role will engage frontier AI companies, research organizations and startups to identify technologies, partnerships and commercial opportunities for Mastercard.
As part of the Growth Partnerships Team, and in close partnership with the AI & Data organization, this individual will serve as a bridge between external AI partners and internal business priorities. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in artificial intelligence, a strong network across the AI community, and a proven ability to translate emerging technologies into strategic business opportunities.
This role sits at the intersection of partnerships, product strategy, and emerging technology.

Key Responsibilities
• Lead the development and execution of strategic partnerships with leading AI companies, startups, venture-backed innovators, and technology providers.
• Structure, negotiate, and execute partnership agreements from sourcing through signature.
• Serve as the primary owner for exploratory engagements, pilot programs, and proof-of-concept initiatives with AI partners.
• Own partner onboarding and operationalization, working across Product, Engineering, Legal, and Business to bring partnerships live.
• Identify, evaluate, and advance partnership opportunities that align with Mastercard's strategic priorities and AI roadmap.
• Drive cross-functional alignment across product, engineering, legal, strategy, and business stakeholders to successfully execute complex partnership initiatives.
• Collaborate with product and business leaders across Mastercard to uncover high-impact opportunities for AI-enabled innovation.
• Support engagement with Mastercard Start Path participants and other startup partners to identify opportunities aligned with Mastercard's strategic priorities.
• Monitor and analyze AI market developments, competitive dynamics, startup activity, and emerging technology trends to generate actionable insights.
• Develop executive-level recommendations on partnership opportunities, market trends, and emerging technologies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective AI partners.

Qualifications
• 10+ years of experience in strategic partnerships, business development, strategy, venture ecosystems, emerging technologies, or related fields.
• Proven track record sourcing, negotiating, structuring, and executing complex partnership agreements with AI companies, startups, technology platforms, and enterprise-scale partners.
• Strong understanding of AI technologies, market trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging business models.
• Proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives involving business, product, technology, and legal stakeholders.
• Excellent relationship-building, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical capabilities with the ability to synthesize market intelligence into strategic recommendations.
• Established network of relationships across the AI, startup, venture capital, and technology ecosystem is highly desirable.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to senior executives.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and highly collaborative environment.
• MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.

What You'll Bring
• Strategic mindset with the ability to identify emerging opportunities and translate them into tangible business outcomes.
• Passion for innovation and emerging technologies.
• Strong executive presence and influencing skills.
• Commercial acumen and experience turning partnership opportunities into measurable business value.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and drive results across multiple stakeholders and workstreams.
• Curiosity, adaptability, and a deep interest in the future of AI and its impact on commerce and technology.
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 reasonable_accommodation@mastercard.com 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; and many more. Mastercard benefits for interns generally include: 56 hours of Paid Sick and Safe Time; jury duty leave; and on-site fitness facilities in some locations.
Pay Ranges
San Francisco, California: $187,000 - $318,000 USD