Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives & Operations

Lumen connects the world. We are igniting business growth by connecting people, data and applications quickly, securely, and effortlessly. Together, we are building a culture and company from the people up committed to teamwork, trust and transparency. People power progress. We're looking for top-tier talent and offer the flexibility you need to thrive and deliver lasting impact. Join us as we digitally connect the world and shape the future.

Role Summary

The Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives & Operations will serve as the strategic right hand to the SVP of Business Development, driving execution that will have a serious impact on the overall success of functional, division, or company operations and other enterprise initiatives. You will lead special projects, shape org design, operationalize business rhythms, and serve as a connective tissue across product, finance, legal, and people leaders. This role is ideal for a high EQ, high IQ leader who thrives in ambiguity, builds from zero, and can translate vision into velocity.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Execution & Executive Enablement

• Partner with SVP BD to define, drive and execute complex organizational initiative, including headcount planning, budget asks, and success metrics
• Own the rhythm of business, including executive prep, decision frameworks, and stakeholder alignment
• Lead cross-functional strike teams to deliver on strategic priorities, including onboarding, commercialization, and customer engagement

Special Projects & Innovation Leadership

• Receive assignments in the form of objectives and determine how to use resources to meet schedules and goals
• Lead beta program design, proof-of-assumption validation, and customer delight initiatives with white-glove experience
• Map customer financial truths and value opportunities against Lumen's emerging tech portfolio and KPIs
• Institute a value validation process with customers over an 18-month horizon
• Regularly engage with senior management or executive levels on matters involving multiple functional areas, divisions, and/or customers. This role requires the ability to influence perspectives, drive change

Org Design & Talent Strategy

• Manage employees performing professional roles at varying levels
• Help shape org structure, titles, levels, and compensation in partnership with HR and Finance
• Drive recruiting sprints and onboarding experience for BD hires, including customized training and 30-60-90 day success plans
• Serve as a mentor and culture carrier, influencing onboarding, engagement, and retention

Business Development & Market Texture

• Act as a commercial partner to qualify and advance strategic opportunities
• Lead market texture reviews, customer need declarations, and beta use case development
• Evangelize vision across internal and external stakeholders

Qualifications

12+ years of experience in strategy, business development, or executive operations. Demonstrates a proven track record of building teams and programs from the ground up. Exhibits strong cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management skills. Thrives in ambiguous situations and excels at driving clarity and achieving outcomes. Experienced in innovation frameworks, commercialization, and customer engagement. Holds authoritative knowledge of the discipline and a deep tactical understanding within business development. Capable of comprehending complex situations holistically and creating unique interpretations and solutions beyond existing standards.

Compensation

This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience, and other relevant factors. Location Based Pay Ranges $171,447 - $228,596 in these states: AL AR AZ FL GA IA ID IN KS KY LA ME MO MS MT ND NE NM OH OK PA SC SD TN UT VT WI WV WY $180,020 - $240,026 in these states: CO HI MI MN NC NH NV OR RI $188,592 - $251,456 in these states: AK CA CT DC DE IL MA MD NJ NY TX VA WA Lumen offers a comprehensive package featuring a broad range of Health, Life, Voluntary Lifestyle benefits and other perks that enhance your physical, mental, emotional, and financial wellbeing.