Business Development Sr. Manager - AI Partnerships

About Our Team

We are seeking a strategic, execution-driven Sr Business Development Manager – AI Partnerships to accelerate our AI platform growth through high-impact partnerships. In this role, you will be responsible for setting partnership objectives, aligning cross-functional priorities, driving key initiatives to execution, and managing dependencies across Platform/OS partners and Content Suppliers.

This role demands a unique combination of strategic thinking, program management, and stakeholder engagement to build a thriving ecosystem around our AI initiatives.

Location: Open to remote work. Chicago, IL or Morrisville, NC preferred.

What You'll Do

1. Partnership Framework Execution

• Drive execution of partnership frameworks that define goals, success metrics, operating models, and joint initiatives.
• Operationalize business models around product integration and mutual technology sharing to deliver commercial outcomes.
• Ensure partnership frameworks are embedded into day-to-day collaboration with internal teams and partners.

2. Strategic Alignment & Planning

• Lead planning sessions to ensure alignment on quarterly partnership priorities and objectives.
• Own quarterly strategy reviews, performance reporting, and updates to leadership.
• Track industry and partner developments to adjust plans and maintain competitive advantage.

3. Program Management & Delivery

• Drive critical partnership initiatives from planning to completion, ensuring accountability across teams.
• Manage interdependencies and handoffs between business, product, and technical stakeholders.
• Track progress against milestones, ensuring timely delivery and partner satisfaction.

4. Risk & Issue Management

• Monitor execution and proactively identify risks, misalignments, or delivery challenges.
• Escalate issues to leadership and coordinate resolutions to maintain momentum.

5. Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Leadership

• Act as the primary driver of partner relationships, ensuring alignment with shared goals.
• Build trust and credibility with Platform/OS partners, Content Suppliers, and Silicon Partners.
• Facilitate joint reviews, executive engagement, and day-to-day coordination to ensure long-term success.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA or technical background preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in business development, strategic partnerships, program management, or related fields.
• Strong experience working with OS/Platform partners, technology companies, or content ecosystems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in building or scaling partner ecosystems.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Ability to drive cross-functional alignment and influence without direct authority.
• Ability to travel 2-3 times per quarter
• Strategic thinker with an execution-first mindset.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Familiarity with AI technologies and AI ecosystems preferred.
• Understanding of AI market trends, developer ecosystems, and content integration.
• Strong analytical and operational rigor to track KPIs and partnership health.
• Agile, proactive, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment.