Explore Director, Agency & Partner Development jobs and discover a pivotal leadership role at the intersection of strategic sales, relationship management, and business growth. Professionals in this high-level position are responsible for architecting and nurturing the strategic alliances that drive significant revenue. They act as the primary bridge between their organization and external partner firms, which typically include creative agencies, marketing firms, event producers, design studios, and other entities that require outsourced services or production capabilities. The core mission is to transform these firms into long-term, trusted partners, securing a steady pipeline of projects and contracts. The typical responsibilities for a Director of Agency & Partner Development are multifaceted. A central duty involves proactively identifying, prospecting, and onboarding new partner organizations. This requires a deep understanding of the partner's business model and needs to position one's own company as an indispensable execution arm. Once relationships are established, the Director is tasked with negotiating and formalizing Master Service Agreements (MSAs) and other long-term contractual frameworks that govern the partnership. They serve as the lead relationship manager, ensuring partner satisfaction, resolving high-level issues, and identifying new opportunities for collaboration. Internally, they collaborate closely with operations, production, estimating, and legal teams to scope projects accurately and ensure seamless handoff and delivery, acting as the partner's advocate within their own company. To excel in these jobs, individuals must possess a unique blend of strategic vision and practical execution skills. Typical requirements include a substantial background (often 8-12+ years) in business development, strategic partnerships, or key account management within relevant industries such as marketing services, experiential production, technology, or manufacturing. A proven track record of closing complex, high-value deals and building recurring revenue streams is paramount. Essential skills include exceptional communication and executive presence, as the role involves constant interaction with C-level and senior stakeholders at partner firms. Strategic thinking, financial acumen for deal structuring, and a strong service-oriented mindset are critical. Furthermore, operational fluency is necessary to understand project feasibilities and manage pipelines effectively, often using CRM tools like Salesforce. For those who thrive on building empires through partnerships, Director, Agency & Partner Development jobs offer a challenging and rewarding career path at the senior executive level.
