Job Description

About Us Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive’s next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we’re addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world. The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we’ll map a new way forward. Working together, we’ll create a future that’s more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone. Role Summary We’re seeking a highly driven and strategic Senior Director of Strategic Operations to lead and integrate key initiatives across business operations, strategic partnerships, corporate affairs, and communications. This is a cross-functional leadership role that sits at the intersection of strategy and execution, designed for a systems thinker who thrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments. You’ll partner closely with senior leadership to drive clarity, alignment, and impact across the organization while also acting as a key external-facing representative of the business. You’ll be at the heart of a mission-driven company where strategy meets execution. If you want to help shape the future of automotive, influence decision-making at the highest levels, and build operational excellence from the inside out—this is the role for you. Responsibilities Business Operations Lead and evolve internal business operations, ensuring systems and processes scale with company growth. Develop and manage strategic planning, operating rhythms, and cross-functional initiatives. Optimize performance metrics, dashboards, and reporting to support data-driven decisions. Strategic Partnerships Identify, evaluate, and manage high-impact partnerships and alliances. Lead negotiations, contract structuring, and long-term relationship management with strategic partners. Work cross-functionally to integrate partnerships into business plans and product strategy. Corporate Affairs Support the CEO and leadership team in managing corporate governance, board communications, and investor relations materials. Coordinate company responses to major external developments, industry issues, or policy changes. Drive alignment around mission, vision, and strategic messaging internally and externally. Communications Partner with the People team to shape internal and external communications strategies. Lead executive communications, company-wide updates, and thought leadership content. Ensure consistency and clarity of messaging across all channels and stakeholders. Qualifications 10+ years of experience in strategy, business operations, or a cross-functional leadership role—ideally in a high-growth startup or tech environment. Proven track record leading strategic initiatives, partnerships, and corporate communications. Exceptional communication, influence, and executive presence. Highly organized and comfortable managing ambiguity in dynamic environments. Strong analytical mindset with experience in reporting, data interpretation, and decision-making frameworks. Bonus Points Experience working closely with CEOs, boards, and external partners. Background in consulting, corporate affairs, or strategic comms. MBA or equivalent strategic/business training Pay Disclosure Salary Range for Palo Alto, California Based Applicants $249,400 - $356,300 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law). Benefits Summary: Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Full Time Employee coverage is effective on the first day of employment. Part-Time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. Equal Opportunity Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are also committed to ensuring compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws regarding citizenship and immigration status. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at [email protected]. Candidate Data Privacy Rivian and VW Group Technologies (“Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies”) may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes (“Candidate Personal Data”). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies affiliates; and (iii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies’ service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions. Please see our Candidate Data Privacy Notice (English) and Candidate Data Privacy Notice (Serbian) for more information. Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.