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Director Partnerships Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BDO

Tax Managing Director, Partnerships

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Tax Managing Director, Partnerships is responsible for advising clients on the tax implications of their business objectives and various partnership specific items including but not limited to ...

Ethos Life

Sr. Director, Partnerships Analytics

$211K - $331K/yr

... partner to product, engineering, sales, operations, marketing, and finance - connecting dots across the business and turning insight into action. * DTC annuities support. Support our growing direct ...

Braze

Senior Director, Partnerships - Snowflake

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140K - $221.25K/yr

WHAT YOU'LL DO As a Senior Director, Partnerships - Snowflake, you are responsible for defining and driving Braze's global strategy for one of its most critical technology partnerships. You will ...

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How much do director partnerships jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for director partnerships in the United States is $123,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,500.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Partnerships, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Partnerships, you need extensive experience in business development, strategic relationship management, and a proven track record of driving revenue or growth through alliances. Familiarity with CRM platforms like Salesforce, data analytics tools, and often an MBA or equivalent business qualification is highly valued. Exceptional negotiation, communication, and leadership skills set outstanding candidates apart, enabling them to build trust and inspire cross-functional teams. These abilities are critical to forging high-impact partnerships that align with organizational goals and drive sustained success.

How does a Director of Partnerships typically collaborate with internal teams to drive successful partnerships?

A Director of Partnerships frequently works cross-functionally with departments such as sales, marketing, product development, and legal to ensure that partnership strategies align with overall business goals. This role often involves coordinating joint campaigns, negotiating partnership agreements, and facilitating regular communication between partner organizations and internal stakeholders. Building strong relationships internally is essential, as successful partnerships often require input and support from multiple teams throughout the company. Expect regular meetings, collaborative planning sessions, and active involvement in problem-solving to address challenges as partnerships evolve.

What is a Director of Partnerships?

A Director of Partnerships is a senior professional responsible for establishing, managing, and growing strategic relationships between their organization and external partners, such as other companies, non-profits, or governmental agencies. Their primary role is to identify partnership opportunities, negotiate agreements, and ensure collaborations align with the company’s goals. They often work closely with leadership, marketing, and business development teams to drive growth and create mutual value for all parties involved. Strong communication, negotiation, and organizational skills are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Director Partnerships vs Business Development Manager?

AspectDirector PartnershipsBusiness Development Manager
Primary FocusStrategic partnership development and managementIdentifying and pursuing new business opportunities
ResponsibilitiesBuilding long-term alliances, negotiating partnership agreementsGenerating leads, closing sales, expanding market reach
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, experience in strategic roles, strong negotiation skillsBachelor's degree, sales or marketing experience, strong communication skills
Work EnvironmentCorporate offices, client meetings, strategic planning sessionsSales meetings, client presentations, networking events

While both roles focus on growth and external relationships, the Director Partnerships emphasizes strategic alliances and long-term collaborations, whereas the Business Development Manager concentrates on sales and immediate business opportunities. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or hiring the appropriate role for organizational growth.

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Director Partnerships jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Partnerships job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,000 per year, or $59.1 per hour.
Senior Director, Partnerships

Senior Director, Partnerships

Churchill Downs Incorporated

Louisville, KY • On-site

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Churchill Downs Racetrack ("CDRT"), the world's most legendary racetrack, has been the home of The Kentucky Derby, the longest continually held annual sporting event in the United States, since 1875. Located in Louisville, CDRT features a series of themed race days during Derby Week, including the Kentucky Oaks, and conducts Thoroughbred horse racing during three race meets in the Spring, September and Fall. CDRT is located on 175 acres and has a one-mile dirt track, a 7/8-mile turf track, a stabling area, and provides seating for approximately 60,000 guests. The stable area has barns sufficient to accommodate 1,400 horses and a 114-room dormitory for backstretch personnel. CDRT also has a year-round simulcast wagering facility . www.ChurchillDowns.com.

JOB SUMMARY

The Sr. Director of Partnerships is a department head with responsibility for overseeing every aspect of the sponsorship sales process at Churchill Downs Racetrack, through direct selling as well as managing other salesperson(s). This includes, but is not limited to identifying potential sponsorship candidates, conducting outreach, preparing and delivering proposals, negotiating contracts and closing deals as well as achieving the department's annual sales goals through management of the operating budget. The Sr. Director of Partnerships will also have responsibility for renewals and managing the activation team. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Developing significant new sponsorship partners by leveraging his/her existing network of contacts.
  • Establishing new partnership relationships utilizing various sales strategies including research, cold calls, site visits, and/or outside sales.
  • Serving as a direct liaison between Churchill Downs Racetrack and all assigned corporate sponsor constituents, predominantly first and second tier clients. Must be able to effectively communicate with senior-level executives and be comfortable serving in this critical role without hesitation.
  • Representing Churchill Downs Racetrack at networking events and attending various business and association meetings.
  • Achieving personal sales revenue goals through active prospecting, identifying new business opportunities, and closing deals.
  • Mentoring and coaching the Partnership Development and Partnership Activation teams and inspiring them to perform at high capacity and achieve sales revenue goals.
  • Actively and enthusiastically selling and promoting Churchill Downs Racetrack, the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Oaks and all other events held or promoted by the Company as sponsorship opportunities.
  • Interacting with the Corporate (Churchill Downs Incorporated) Legal department to successfully negotiate sponsorship contracts.
  • Developing/supervising the development of customized proposals tailored to the sponsor's business objectives.
  • Utilizing excellent interpersonal and service skills to build and develop mutually beneficial relationships with sponsors.
  • Collaborating with all departments, specifically Ticketing, Operations, Finance and Food & Beverage partner to ensure complete customer and guest satisfaction as it relates to all sales and related events.
  • Initiating ongoing communication and providing support as needed to the Partnership activation, fulfillment, and other teams as needed.
  • Effectively communicating sponsor needs to all team members as appropriate to ensure complete fulfillment and success.
  • Providing exceptional customer service at all times.
  • Supporting all opportunities and leadership requests as needed.
  • Championing corporate sponsor objectives.
  • Performing other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • This position is responsible for the day-to-day management and professional development of the Partnership Development and Partnership Activation Teams, as well as additional seasonal team member(s) and/or intern(s) as needed.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Proven track record of successfully closing multiple complex sponsorship deals valued at no less than mid-six-figures to a million dollars annually. Candidates absent this proof will not be considered.
  • Solid network of national/international business contacts relevant to the objectives of this position.
  • Exceptional organizational and project management skills with an ability to handle multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
  • Ability to exercise sound business judgment and generate effective solutions quickly.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as demonstrated professionalism and diplomacy.
  • Strong software skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce, Digideck.
  • Team player spirit with an ability to act as both a player and a coach when needed.
  • Deep-running passion for sports and sponsorships.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including some weekends and evenings.
  • Must work well in high stress environments while working long hours.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university in Marketing, Sports Administration or related field. Master's Degree a plus.
  • Eight (8) to ten (10) years related experience in sports sponsorship sales, with progressive revenue and team management responsibilities. Longer tenured experience a plus.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
  • The employee will be required to sit for extended periods of time.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee may also be required to stand: walk; use hands to finger reach, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
  • The employee may be asked to occasionally lift up to 20 lbs.
  • The employee may be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays, especially during Derby season.
  • The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

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