Partnerships Director for AI Ecosystems (Contract, Palo Alto)

Ecosystem Development & Partnership Building

• Build and maintain relationships across startup, venture, research, technology, and corporate ecosystems relevant to Mitsui's strategic priorities
• Serve as a front-line representative of Moon, cultivating relationships and expanding Moon's network across external ecosystems
• Identify emerging technologies, startups, and strategic partners that could meaningfully activate Mitsui-defined opportunity areas
• Identify, evaluate, and develop partnerships with startups, technology providers, research institutions, and strategic collaborators
• Represent Moon at conferences, ecosystem events, founder meetings, and industry engagements around the world

Opportunity Identification & Curation

• Develop informed perspectives on emerging technologies, market shifts, industry dynamics, and future opportunities, with particular focus on AI
• Conduct strategic, commercial, and partnership diligence on emerging technologies, startups, and potential collaborators
• Curate opportunities, technologies, and partnerships aligned with strategic priorities and long-term business value
• Apply strong judgment and discernment when evaluating opportunities, distinguishing meaningful signals from market noise
• Develop ecosystem maps, opportunity landscapes, and strategic recommendations
• Help Moon and Mitsui identify where emerging technologies and external capabilities have the greatest potential to create impact

The Must-Haves:

• A strong existing network of founders, venture capital firms, accelerators, and emerging technology companies across the AI ecosystem.
• Proven experience in relationship building, partnership development, and ecosystem curation across startups, corporations, and research institutions.
• Strong familiarity with emerging technologies (particularly AI/ML) and the ability to evaluate technical opportunities and trends without needing a formal engineering background.
• Ability to effectively translate between deep business/enterprise challenges and cutting-edge technical possibilities.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills with a proven track record of influencing and managing multiple stakeholders across functions and seniority levels.
• Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and build trust across diverse cultures.
• A proactive self-starter with a high degree of ownership and the ability to create clear structures within highly ambiguous environments.
• Ability to independently lead complex initiatives from initial exploration through to proof of concept (PoC), pilot, and integration.
• Comfortable and effective at representing the firm in both internal corporate settings and external high-profile industry events/conferences worldwide

The Nice-to-Haves:

• Spanish language proficiency
• Japanese language proficiency
• Startup founder experience
• Venture capital, venture studio, accelerator, or corporate venture experience
• Background in strategy consulting, product, innovation, or business development
• Existing relationships within startup, venture, research, or technology communities

Working Style

• The role includes regular engagement with external partners, ecosystem events, and stakeholders across industries and geographies
• Occasional travel to Tokyo, South America, and other locations may be required

About the Role

We are seeking a Partnerships Director for AI Ecosystems (Contract) who focuses on identifying, orchestrating, and integrating emerging technologies, startups, and external capabilities that can help activate Mitsui-defined opportunity areas.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships across startup, venture, research, technology, and corporate ecosystems relevant to Mitsui's strategic priorities
• Serve as a front-line representative of Moon, cultivating relationships and expanding Moon's network across external ecosystems
• Identify emerging technologies, startups, and strategic partners that could meaningfully activate Mitsui-defined opportunity areas
• Identify, evaluate, and develop partnerships with startups, technology providers, research institutions, and strategic collaborators
• Represent Moon at conferences, ecosystem events, founder meetings, and industry engagements around the world
• Develop informed perspectives on emerging technologies, market shifts, industry dynamics, and future opportunities, with particular focus on AI
• Conduct strategic, commercial, and partnership diligence on emerging technologies, startups, and potential collaborators
• Curate opportunities, technologies, and partnerships aligned with strategic priorities and long-term business value
• Apply strong judgment and discernment when evaluating opportunities, distinguishing meaningful signals from market noise
• Develop ecosystem maps, opportunity landscapes, and strategic recommendations
• Help Moon and Mitsui identify where emerging technologies and external capabilities have the greatest potential to create impact

Requirements

• A strong existing network of founders, venture capital firms, accelerators, and emerging technology companies across the AI ecosystem.
• Proven experience in relationship building, partnership development, and ecosystem curation across startups, corporations, and research institutions.
• Strong familiarity with emerging technologies (particularly AI/ML) and the ability to evaluate technical opportunities and trends without needing a formal engineering background.
• Ability to effectively translate between deep business/enterprise challenges and cutting-edge technical possibilities.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills with a proven track record of influencing and managing multiple stakeholders across functions and seniority levels.
• Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and build trust across diverse cultures.
• A proactive self-starter with a high degree of ownership and the ability to create clear structures within highly ambiguous environments.
• Ability to independently lead complex initiatives from initial exploration through to proof of concept (PoC), pilot, and integration.
• Comfortable and effective at representing the firm in both internal corporate settings and external high-profile industry events/conferences worldwide

Qualifications

• Comfortable and effective at representing the firm in both internal corporate settings and external high-profile industry events/conferences worldwide

Skills

• Strong network in the AI ecosystem
• Experience in relationship building, partnership development, and ecosystem curation
• Familiarity with emerging technologies, particularly AI/ML
• Ability to translate between business challenges and technical possibilities
• Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills
• Ability to lead complex initiatives from initial exploration to PoC, pilot, and integration

Benefits

N/A

Pay

$100 - $150 per hour

Schedule

Minimum of 20 hours per week, with the possibility of contract extension based on business needs and performance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Moon Creative Lab is an equal opportunity employer; applicants are considered for all roles without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital, parental, veteran or military status, unfavorable military discharge, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Application Instructions

If you identify with Moon's values and would like to contribute to our work, please submit your resume and cover letter (optional)

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