Director, Chief of Staff - Enterprise Finance Planning

Lumen is the trusted network for the AI‑powered world, connecting people, data, and applications through our expansive fiber network and connected ecosystem. We enable secure, high‑performance connectivity across cloud, edge, and AI workloads for enterprises, governments, and communities. At Lumen, you’ll work on infrastructure customers rely on today and build for what’s next, where performance, security, and resilience matter. This is a high accountability environment where bold ideas drive real innovation for our customers, partners, and industry. The work is challenging, expectations are clear, and trust is built into how we operate. If you’re ready to take ownership, deliver meaningful impact, and help shape the future of AI‑ready connectivity, join us today. The Role The Director, Chief of Staff serves as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to the SVP, Enterprise Finance Planning, helping translate strategic priorities into enterprise execution. This role acts as an extension of the SVP and operates at the center of Finance, Product, Sales, Technology, Operations, and Corporate Functions to drive alignment, accountability, governance, and business outcomes across the organization's most critical initiatives.Unlike traditional Chief of Staff roles focused primarily on communications or administrative coordination, this position is responsible for driving enterprise-wide transformation efforts, improving business processes, establishing governance frameworks, facilitating cross-functional decision-making, and ensuring strategic initiatives achieve measurable results. The ideal candidate thrives in highly ambiguous, fast-paced environments and has a demonstrated ability to influence across executive teams, build scalable operating mechanisms, and lead complex initiatives where success depends on coordination across multiple organizations. Key Responsibilities Strategic Partnership & Executive Advisory Serve as a trusted advisor to the SVP Enterprise Finance Planning on strategic priorities, organizational challenges, and enterprise initiatives. Help translate business objectives into actionable plans with clear accountability and measurable outcomes. Provide independent perspectives and challenge assumptions to improve decision quality. Support executive decision-making through structured problem solving, business case development, and strategic analysis. Act as an extension of leadership in cross-functional forums, driving alignment and execution across the organization. Cross-Functional Leadership & Enterprise Execution Lead strategic initiatives that span Product, Sales, Technology, Operations, Finance, and Corporate Functions. Act as the central integration point across stakeholders to drive clarity, alignment, and execution. Facilitate decisions across organizations where responsibilities, priorities, or objectives may converge. Drive accountability and follow-through on key enterprise commitments and strategic initiatives. Identify risks, dependencies, and execution barriers and proactively drive resolution. Business Transformation & Process Excellence Lead initiatives focused on simplification, operational efficiency, and scalable business processes. Drive process redesign efforts across functions to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce friction, and improve organizational effectiveness. Establish sustainable operating mechanisms that improve consistency, speed, accountability, and business outcomes. Identify opportunities for automation, standardization, and modernization of business processes. Champion continuous improvement initiatives that enhance organizational performance and execution. Governance, Policy & Operating Model Development Lead development and implementation of governance frameworks, decision-making models, and operating principles supporting strategic initiatives. Design and maintain business policies, operating procedures, and accountability frameworks that improve enterprise execution. Create clear ownership structures, escalation paths, and decision rights for complex initiatives. Partner with business leaders to ensure governance processes enable execution without creating unnecessary bureaucracy. Drive consistency and transparency across enterprise planning and execution processes. Digital Business & Business Model Transformation Support enterprise initiatives related to digital products, SaaS offerings, platform-based solutions, and consumption-driven business models. Partner with business leaders to evaluate the organizational impacts of new business models and operating approaches. Establish decision frameworks and governance processes that support digital growth and transformation. Drive cross-functional readiness and execution for strategic growth initiatives. Facilitate alignment between business strategy, operational execution, and organizational capabilities. Executive Communications & Leadership Engagement Develop executive presentations, strategic narratives, Board-ready materials, business cases, and leadership communications. Translate complex business issues into concise, actionable recommendations for senior leadership. Facilitate executive workshops, strategy sessions, and leadership discussions. Ensure alignment of messaging, priorities, and actions across senior stakeholders. Support organizational communications related to transformation initiatives, governance changes, and strategic priorities. What We Look For in a Candidate Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Engineering, Technology, or related field. 8+ years of experience in strategy, transformation, consulting, business operations, business management, program leadership, or Chief of Staff roles. Demonstrated success leading complex cross-functional initiatives in large matrixed organizations. Strong understanding of business operations, organizational effectiveness, and enterprise governance. Proven ability to influence executive stakeholders without direct authority. Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking skills. Outstanding written, verbal, and executive communication skills. Experience operating effectively within high-growth, high-change, and highly ambiguous environments. Strong executive presence and the ability to build credibility across multiple levels of leadership. Preferred Qualifications Experience within telecommunications, technology, cloud, SaaS, infrastructure, digital, or platform-based businesses. Experience supporting enterprise transformation, operating model modernization, or strategic change initiatives. Consulting experience from a top-tier strategy or transformation firm preferred. Experience developing governance frameworks, business policies, and enterprise operating models. Demonstrated success leading business process improvement and organizational effectiveness initiatives. MBA or equivalent combination of education and relevant business leadership experience. 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 $152,066 - $202,755 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 $159,670 - $212,893 in these states: CO HI MI MN NC NH NV OR RI $167,273 - $223,031 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. We're able to answer any additional questions you may have about our bonus structure (short-term incentives, long-term incentives and/or sales compensation) as you move through the selection process. Learn more about Lumen's: Benefits Bonus Structure #L1-SB1 Requisition #: 343952 Life at Lumen Life at Lumen is human and connected, even in a fast moving, AI‑focused organization. We set clear expectations and trust people to meet them. With real support and shared accountability, teams collaborate better, move faster, and deliver meaningful outcomes. Our Lumen 8 behaviors guide how we interact, make decisions, and work together, shaping a culture built to perform and win. To learn more about Life at Lumen and how we live the Lumen 8, please visit: Background Screening If you are selected for a position, there will be a background screen, which may include checks for criminal records and/or motor vehicle reports and/or drug screening, depending on the position requirements. For more information on these checks, please refer to the Post Offer section of our FAQ page . Job-related concerns identified during the background screening may disqualify you from the new position or your current role. Background results will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Equal Employment Opportunities We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, citizenship, national origin, religion, veteran status, disability, genetic characteristic or information, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, family status, pregnancy, or other legally protected status (collectively, “protected statuses”). We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, benefits, discipline, termination, job assignments or training. Privacy Notice Lumen is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information collected during the recruitment and hiring process. Our Applicant Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect applicant information, as well as how individuals may request access to or deletion of their personal data. To review Lumen’s Global Employment Applicant and Talent Community Privacy Notice, please visit: Disclaimer The job responsibilities described above indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to include a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities for this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on evolving business needs and conditions. In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information. Please be advised that Lumen does not require any form of payment from job applicants during the recruitment process. All legitimate job openings will be posted on our official website or communicated through official company email addresses. If you encounter any job offers that request payment in exchange for employment at Lumen, they are not for employment with us, but may relate to another company with a similar name.