Overview

At Microsoft AI, we are on a mission to train the world’s most capable AI frontier models, pushing the boundaries of scale, performance, and product deployment. We’re tackling some of the most challenging problems in deep learning at scale. As a team, we will deliver one of the best foundation models in the world, forming the foundation of many initiatives across Microsoft AI.

We’re seeking a strategic and experienced Director for AI Data Strategy & Operations to manage the business strategy for post-training data collection and data operations, with particular focus on multimodal data. This role will drive vendor selection, contract management, negotiation, and data operations. The ideal candidate will provide strategic oversight and coordination across cross-functional teams, driving operational excellence and enabling scalable data programs.

Starting January 26, 2026, MAI employees are expected to work from a designated Microsoft office at least four days a week if they live within 50 miles (U.S.) or 25 miles (non-U.S., country-specific) of that location. This expectation is subject to local law and may vary by jurisdiction.

Responsibilities

Lead post-training data collection (e.g. human evals, training data), including vendor selection, contract negotiation, and management.
Act as primary data operations POC for key research efforts and pillars, including Multimodality (images, audio, video) and multilingual
Support data operations across human data vendors, including tracking of POs, spend, amortization schedules, and milestone delivery.
Coordinate cross-functional initiatives across Business Development, Procurement, Legal, Compliance, Finance, and Engineering.
Advance the AI frontier responsibly and embody Microsoft’s culture and values.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Master's Degree in Business Administration or related field AND 4+ years strategy or finance, data operations, program/technical program management, procurement, or finance integration,
- OR Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Computer Science, or related field AND 6+ years strategy or finance, data operations, program/technical program management, procurement, or finance integration,
- OR equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree AND 10+ years' experience in technical data operations, procurement program management, or finance systems integration
- OR equivalent experience.
Proven experience in leading large, cross-functional programs and strategically managing AI data vendor relationships.
Expertise in managing data operations for AI research organizations and working closely with scientists on data collections
Demonstrated ability to maintain oversee budget/impact tracking systems and cross-functional programs.
Experience leading large-scale multimodal data programs for AI research organizations

Business Strategy IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $106,400 - $203,600 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $137,600 - $222,600 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

Business Strategy IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $130,900 - $251,900 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $165,600 - $272,300 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

Director, AI Data Strategy and Operations