Director of Partnerships
Sales & Business Development · Full-time
New York, NY, USA
About Human Ventures
Human Ventures is a New York-based holding company built on creating long-term value in the new Attention Economy. With the core investment themes of human connection, experience, and trust in the age of AI, Human consists of three divisions: Human VC, which invests in, acquires, and rebuilds undervalued assets; Human AI, a dedicated studio building AI-native companies; and Human Network Partners, a partnerships and events platform.
Founded by Heather Hartnett and Joe Marchese, Human is among the most connected capital partners; and has invested in and co-built more than 65 companies, with key investments including Reserve (acquired), Komos Tequila, Adelaide, Kinema, Breakaway, and Evvy. To learn more, visit www.human.vc.
Role Overview
Human Ventures is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Director of Partnerships to lead sponsorship and partnership sales for Human Connections — our premium community and events division. This role sits at the intersection of business development and revenue: you'll build the pipeline, assemble the right combination of offerings for each partner, and sell that value through signed, revenue-generating agreements.
You'll work closely with senior leadership to understand what strategic partners actually need — access, positioning, relationships, credibility — and bring that insight to life across Human's brand, network, and event portfolio, from the flagship Human Attention Summit to intimate monthly Salons. This role is best suited for someone who thinks like a partner before they think like a seller: someone who builds trust, understands a brand's goals deeply, and has the instinct to combine and position our offerings into a package that sells itself. You'll partner closely with leadership and the events team to bring each deal to life.
What You'll Do
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Build and grow a curated sales pipeline of strategic partners, prioritizing quality and fit.
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Build genuine relationships with prospective partners to understand their business objectives, then assemble and sell partnership packages that deliver real value on both sides.
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Be the sales entrepreneur – craft your own decks and make compelling, partner-specific sales proposals, from flagship summit partnerships to salon-level custom activations.
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Combine existing offerings in creative ways grounded in a clear understanding of what each partner is trying to achieve.
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Run the full sales cycle, from first meeting through negotiation and signed agreement, working with leadership and legal on deal terms.
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Steward relationships with existing partners and sponsors well beyond the signature: ensure strong delivery, deepen the relationship, and sell into renewals and expanded partnerships over time.
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Maintain a clear, organized view of the sales pipeline and status using CRM tools, and report on progress and revenue against goals.
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Collaborate closely with the Human Connections events and content team to ensure every partner's deliverables (event presence, executive introductions, content integrations) are thoughtfully scoped and well executed.
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Represent Human Ventures at Summits, Forums, Salons, and industry gatherings, building relationships and credibility in the room, not just closing deals from behind a desk.
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Stay closely attuned to the partnership and sponsorship sales landscape in media, AI, and the attention economy, and bring fresh perspective and partner feedback to leadership.
Who You Are
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8+ years of experience in partnership sales, sponsorship sales, business development, or brand/media partnerships, with a track record of building relationships that convert into long-term, revenue-generating partnerships.
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Leads with curiosity about a partner's business before pitching a package, diagnosing needs before proposing a solution. Strong relationship-builder who can translate a platform's value into a sale that fits the partner, not a generic template.
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Experience owning a number and being accountable for revenue and sales targets.
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Distinctive problem-solving and analytical skills, combined with strong business judgment.
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Highly organized with strong attention to detail and follow-through, comfortable creating order out of ambiguity while managing multiple projects and priorities.
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A strong existing network (or demonstrated ability to build one quickly) within relevant industries: brands, media, technology, consumer.
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Clear, proactive communicator, credible with senior stakeholders and external partners.
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Entrepreneurial and adaptable: comfortable with ambiguity, moving fast, wearing multiple hats, and thriving in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
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Genuinely passionate about culture, marketing, media, and technology with your finger on the pulse of where things are going.
Compensation & Benefits
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Base salary range: $150,000 – $225,000, plus performance-based incentive tied to partnership sales revenue. Actual pay will vary based on factors including, but not limited to years of experience and past performance.
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New York-based role with beautiful office overlooking Union Square
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Unlimited PTO
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Health insurance coverage with employer contribution (medical, dental, vision)
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Parental leave
Human Ventures is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.