Director, Data Platform Architecture & Operations

The Team We are seeking a Director of Data Strategy and Governance to join American Tower's Data and Analytics team in IT. The team defines and advances the enterprise data operating model and ensures that the technology architecture, execution framework, and cross-functional alignment are in place to deliver business value at scale. The team focuses on the "how" of data, i.e., the architectural standards, technical enablement frameworks, execution guardrails, and platform governance required to operationalize the enterprise Data and Analytics strategy. The Director partners closely with the existing AI Governance Council (Information Security, Legal, Chief Information Officer, Senior Vice President of Business Enablement) and the Business Enablement Data Governance team, who own policy development, regulatory compliance, and AI/Information governance. Day to day, the Director drives data strategy execution, technical governance, portfolio prioritization, financial transparency, and architectural alignment across Data Engineering, Applied AI, Product, and enterprise stakeholders What You Need to Succeed Bachelor's degree in Business, Information Systems, Engineering, Data Management, or a related field required. Advanced degree (MBA, MIS, MPP, or related) preferred. A minimum of 10 years of data strategy, enterprise architecture, technology governance, program governance, or analytics leadership experience required. Success leading technical governance frameworks, execution models, or architecture-driven programs in large, global, or matrixed organizations. Experience working with or supporting enterprise governance bodies such as Information Security, Legal, Risk, Data Governance, or AI Governance. Strong understanding of enterprise data architecture, platform governance, data lifecycle management, solution architecture patterns, and technical delivery practices. Familiarity with Responsible AI from a technical enablement perspective, including model/agent development standards, safety controls, observability, and engineering guardrails. Strong financial acumen, including cloud economics, financial operations, return on investment/net present value analysis, and vendor contract management. Ability to influence senior technology and business leaders and drive alignment across complex stakeholders. Approximately 10%-20% travel may be required. Strong organization, planning, and project management skills; ability to prioritize tasks for yourself and a team. Ability to work with different functional groups and levels of employees to effectively and professionally achieve results. Strong leadership skills with ability to drive and motivate a team to achieve results. What You Can Offer Us Lead the development and maintenance of the Data and Analytics operating model, including execution standards, architectural guardrails, maturity roadmap, and technical governance processes. Oversee Data and Analytics platform governance, including intake, prioritization, architecture alignment, technical fit, reusability, security alignment, and value realization. Partner with the AI Governance Council and Business Enablement Data Governance team to translate policies, risk requirements, and regulatory expectations into actionable technical, architectural, and implementation standards. Manage the Data and Analytics portfolio, ensuring cross-functional alignment, transparent progress visibility, budget adherence, and prioritization grounded in business value. Drive cloud cost optimization, consumption transparency, unit economics, and vendor and contract oversight. Establish and maintain technical governance artifacts, including reference architectures, reusable patterns, development standards, Application Programming Interface and integration guidelines, and Responsible AI enablement practices. As a Director, you are responsible for the recruitment, performance management, and career development of the Strategy and Governance team. You will cultivate a collaborative team dynamic that enables us to meet our business objectives. Other duties as assigned.