Strategic Partnerships Manager

Job description

Profound is the marketing platform for the age of AI search. The way brands reach people is being rewritten — AI models like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Mode are now the answer layer between companies and their customers. We built the platform marketers use to understand, measure, and win in that world: the analytics, intelligence, and agent automation that turn AI search from a threat into a competitive advantage. We went from 0 to a $1B valuation in 18 months. Revenue grew 100x last year. Our customers include 15% of the Fortune 500 like Walmart, Wayfair and U.S. Bank, and innovators like Ramp, MongoDB, and Figma. We are backed by Sequoia, Kleiner Perkins, LSVP, and Khosla Ventures — and we are moving fast enough that the people joining now are building the playbook everyone who comes after them will run. As our Strategic Partnerships Manager, you will build and scale strategic relationships that accelerate Profound’s position as the definitive platform for AI search optimization. You will identify, negotiate, and activate partnerships across the AI ecosystem and complementary B2B tools that enhance our product capabilities and expand our market reach. This role sits at the intersection of product and business development. You will own the full partnership lifecycle while working cross-functionally to ensure deep integrations and joint go-to-market initiatives deliver measurable value for Profound and our partners. WHAT YOU’LL DO - Identify, prioritize, and execute strategic partnerships across product partnerships with AI platforms and marketing technology or B2B software companies - Build channel and ecosystem partnerships including international resellers, co-sellers, and VC or PE networks - Develop data partnerships with platforms providing high-value proprietary datasets, ensuring alignment with Profound’s product roadmap and growth objectives - Perform outreach, evaluation, negotiation, and closing of partnership agreements - Structure win-win deals that balance commercial terms, technical integration requirements, and strategic value creation - Work closely with Product, Engineering, Analytics, Marketing, and Sales to drive partnerships and integrations from concept through launch - Bridge technical gaps, resolve data conflicts, and ensure smooth execution against partnership commitments - Serve as the point of contact for strategic partners, run regular QBRs, track partnership performance metrics, and proactively identify expansion opportunities - Collaborate with stakeholders on joint marketing initiatives, co-selling motions, and customer enablement programs - Partner internally on partnership announcements, case studies, and thought leadership content - Build and maintain landscape maps of the AI ecosystem and stay ahead of platform changes, emerging technologies, and competitive dynamics WHO YOU ARE - Experience with strategic partnerships, business development, or product partnerships in technology or SaaS, with demonstrated success driving revenue and product value through strategic relationships - Deep understanding of the AI landscape, including experience with LLM providers, AI platforms, search technologies, and the broader AI application layer - Independent, original thinker with high standards, a bias for action, and the ability to collaborate effectively within organizational constraints - Proven deal-making skills with a track record of negotiating complex partnership agreements involving commercial terms, data licensing, technical integrations, and joint go-to-market commitments - Exceptional communicator who can build executive-level relationships, lead strategic discussions with C-suite stakeholders, and represent Profound credibly in the AI ecosystem - Existing relationships within AI platform companies, search engines, or data providers - Experience in analytics, marketing technology, or SaaS platforms serving enterprise customers - Background in a high-growth startup environment - Understanding of SEO, content marketing, or brand management LOCATION This is an on-site role based in our Union Square, NYC office, designed for builders who thrive on speed, iteration, and meaningful impact. For this role, the expected base salary range is $140,000 to $200,000. Profound’s total compensation package is designed to be competitive and includes base salary, equity, and a full range of benefits and perks. Final compensation will depend on factors such as your skills, experience, qualifications, and location, and will be determined during the interview process. Our recruiting team will share more details about the full compensation package and benefits as you move through hiring. Note: All official communication from Profound will come from a @tryprofound.com email address. If you're contacted by anyone using a different domain, please disregard and report it as spam.