Director Strategic Partnerships

Key Accountabilities

• Set DCS Partnerships Growth Strategy
• Define partnership strategies aligned to brand/portfolio growth plans, target audiences (Strategic Growth Target/Alternate Growth Target), marketing objectives, HJTBD (human jobs to be done, and must-do actions), ensuring alignment with the Brand Office.
• Build & Govern the Partnership Pipeline (Upstream Ownership)
• Lead landscape scanning, partner identification, and objective vetting to create multiple high-quality options for DCS and Brand teams prior to any commitments.
• Steward long-term partner relationships, partner IP considerations, ensuring consistency and strategic value over time.
• Translate Strategy into Advantaged Contracting
• Convert business and marketing objectives into clear contractual terms, ensuring the company pays for outcomes that move consumers and secures the right assets, IP rights, and protections.
• Provide Activation Guidance (Non-Executional)
• Advise DCS, Brand, and Consumer Connections on what it will take (principles, assets and investment, etc.) to fully leverage a partner before commitments are made.
• Own Long-Term Partner Strategy & Governance
• Steward long-term partner relationships, partner IP considerations, and partnership agency management (with Consumer Connections), ensuring consistency, risk management, and strategic value over time.

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in partnership strategy, cultural partnerships, and IP-based growth models
• Strong strategic framing and ability to connect brand objectives to commercial outcomes
• Advanced contract and negotiation acumen focused on value creation vs. rights accumulation
• Executive-level influence and cross-functional leadership without direct authority
• Strong risk assessment, governance, and partner evaluation capabilities

Experience & Education

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred
• 10+ years in partnerships, brand strategy, marketing strategy, or adjacent roles within CPG, entertainment, sports, or culture led industries
• Experience working with agencies, procurement, and senior executives in high value partnership contexts