Director, AI Data Acquisition and Operations

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. 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. 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, with particular focus on post-training domains Support data operations across human data vendors, including tracking 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 3+ 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 4+ years strategy or finance, data operations, program/technical program management, procurement, or finance integration, OR equivalent experience. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree AND 6+ 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 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.