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 RoleThe Manager, Network Planning & Strategic Communications is a hybrid strategist and communicator within Network & Digital Platform Planning. This role leads a small, high-performing team while serving as the organization's primary voice for translating complex network planning initiatives into clear, compelling executive narratives. The ideal candidate is a strategic generalist-equally comfortable analyzing network headroom data, constructing a capital investment thesis for the VP/SVP audience, and architecting polished presentations that elevate critical programs and accomplishments across internal and external stakeholders.
This position blends deep data-analytic fluency with exceptional strategic communication skills-the ability to distill technical complexity into outcome-focused, audience-calibrated messaging that drives alignment and action at the senior leadership level.
The Main ResponsibilitiesStrategic Narrative Development Executive Communications- Own the development and continuous refinement of outward facing strategic messaging that elevates the teams' critical initiatives accomplishments and forward-looking investment priorities
- Develop executive level presentations PowerPoint board decks SteerCo materials SLT status updates that synthesize complex strategies program milestones and business outcomes into structured persuasive content tailored for senior audiences
- Partner with senior directors and VPs to shape organizational messaging for leadership forums cross functional reviews and customer facing engagements
- Establish a cohesive communication framework that connects network planning activities to Lumens enterprise priorities AI backbone Lumen Digital network modernization ensuring strategic coherence across all touchpoints
Network Planning Strategic Generalist- Serve as a cross-domain planning generalist across IP transport metro and fiber infrastructure synthesizing inputs from specialized teams into unified strategic views
- Monitor capacity trends headroom policies and network investment plans translate findings into data backed recommendations and actionable insights for leadership
- Support capital budget planning and governance by developing clear justification narratives, variance analyses and investment prioritization summaries
- Collaborate cross functionally with Product Architecture Engineering Finance Sales GCO and Operations to align priorities timing and investment decisions
Data Analytics AI Driven Insight- Leverage data analytics visualization tools and applied AIML techniques to identify trends model scenarios and generate insights that inform network strategy and executive decision making
- Build and maintain dashboards, scorecards and automated reporting that improve transparency forecast accuracy and operational efficiency
- Champion the adoption of AI enabled tools e.g. Copilot advanced analytics platforms to accelerate insight generation and reduce manual reporting burden
- Ensure data integrity governance and linkage across planning systems and reporting outputs
Team Leadership- Lead mentor and develop a small team of analysts and planners to set clear goals, build accountability and foster a culture of curiosity, ownership and continuous improvement
- Manage workload prioritization resource allocation and professional development for direct reports
- Drive a team culture that values clarity of communication decisive action and proactive problem solving
What We Look For in a CandidateRequired Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical field.
- Demonstrated expertise or coursework in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or applied data science.
- 6+ years of progressive experience in network planning, telecom strategy, data analytics, or a related discipline.
- 2+ years of experience leading or mentoring a team (direct or matrixed).
- Proven ability to develop executive-level content-transforming complex technical and financial data into structured, visually compelling presentations and written deliverables.
- Exceptional strategic communication skills: ability to construct a coherent narrative arc that connects data, strategy, and business impact, calibrated for VP/SVP consumption.
- Experience with data analytics and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Python, SQL, Excel).
- Solid understanding of capital budgeting, cost-savings initiatives, and financial governance processes.
Preferred Qualifications- Master's degree in business (MBA), Engineering, Computer Science, or Data Science.
- Experience in telecom or digital infrastructure industries, particularly with IP, transport, or fiber network planning.
- Familiarity with headroom management, capacity forecasting, and network investment lifecycle.
- Knowledge of AI/ML applications in network operations-anomaly detection, predictive analytics, decision intelligence.
- Experience with large-scale program reporting (e.g., MetRON, DCE, DTN-X, Rapid Routes, or similar transformation programs).
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 tools (PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, Copilot) and modern data platforms.
- Comfort operating in ambiguity; ability to synthesize incomplete information into coherent strategic recommendations.
Key Skills Summary- Strategic Narrative Development & Executive-Level Content Creation
- Audience-Calibrated Messaging & Persuasive Communication
- Cross-Domain Network Planning (IP, Transport, Metro, Fiber)
- Capacity Forecasting & Headroom Management
- Capital Budget Planning, Governance & Variance Analysis
- Data Analytics & Visualization (Power BI, Tableau, Python, SQL)
- Applied AI/ML & Generative AI Fluency
- Cross-Functional Stakeholder Engagement & Alignment
- Executive Presentation Design & Delivery
- Team Leadership, Mentoring & Performance Management
- Financial Acumen & Investment Prioritization
- Program Reporting & Operational Transparency
- Strategic Synthesis in Ambiguous Environments
- Microsoft 365 Ecosystem Proficiency (PowerPoint, SharePoint, Copilot)
Why This Role MattersNetwork Planning is at the center of Lumen's transformation-enabling the AI backbone, scaling hyperscaler connectivity, and modernizing the nation's digital infrastructure. This role ensures that the strategic value of that work is articulated, amplified, and leveraged at every level of the organization. If you can turn a capacity forecast into a boardroom-ready investment thesis and lead a team that makes complexity look effortless, we want to hear from you.
CompensationThis 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
$105,786 - $141,047 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
$111,074 - $148,099 in these states: CO HI MI MN NC NH NV OR RI
$116,364 - $155,152 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:
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Requisition #: 342444
Life at LumenLife 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:
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Background ScreeningIf 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.
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DisclaimerThe 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.
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