Senior Business Development and Partnership Manager

Role Overview

• Develop and execute market-entry and growth strategies leveraging a balanced mix of B2B partnerships and B2C community-driven acquisition in targeted markets that may be extended to other regions over time.
• Own the end-to-end B2B partnership lifecycle, including prospecting, pitching, negotiation, and renewals across film, TV, digital media, and entertainment-adjacent sectors.
• Build and manage a lead-generation engine spanning both individual creators and strategic accounts, with clear targets for lead quality, conversion, and retention.
• Lead cross-functional go-to-market planning with marketing, product, and operations, tailoring partnership offerings to Atlanta’s creative ecosystem.
• Identify and close scalable partnerships, including multi-year relationships and co-marketing agreements, that drive member acquisition, retention, and brand visibility.
• Structure partnership proposals inclusive of value propositions, activation plans, and success metrics; coordinate internal reviews with Legal/Compliance as needed.
• Develop sponsorship packages and secure event and program sponsorships in partnership with marketing, ensuring brand alignment and measurable outcomes.
• Manage strategic partner relationships post-close and identify expansion opportunities.
• Serve as a trusted local ambassador and spokesperson, representing the brand in media, panels, community forums, and on-camera engagements as needed.
• Partner with local nonprofits, film schools, unions, and coworking/production spaces to build repeatable programming and referral pathways.
• Build relationships with key B2B stakeholders, influential local figures, media outlets, and content creators to expand brand influence and trust.
• Collaborate with marketing and social teams to amplify partnerships, events, and creator stories, ensuring the brand reflects Atlanta’s creative culture.
• Deliver compelling presentations and workshops for partner organizations and community events, tailoring content to both creator and business audiences.
• Provide market-specific insights to guide sponsorships, influencer collaborations, and creator-focused campaigns.
• Own market forecasting and performance reporting, tracking KPIs such as partnerships closed, activation performance, conversion, event ROI, and community reach.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Business, or a related field.
• 6+ years of progressive experience in business development, partnerships, or community-led growth, preferably within creative industries, fintech, or tech startups, with ownership of complex, multi-stakeholder relationships.
• Strong knowledge of and/or deep ties to Atlanta’s creative economy, including music, film/TV production, and the gig workforce; existing relationships with local organizations a strong plus.
• Proven ability to launch initiatives and partnerships in new or developing markets.
• Demonstrated success negotiating and closing partnership agreements, including activation plans, metrics, renewals, and collaboration with Legal/Compliance as needed.
• Experience building sponsorship programs, strategic alliances, or channel partnerships that drive measurable acquisition or revenue impact.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills, including strong public speaking ability and comfort representing the brand externally (panels, media, on-camera, or broadcast opportunities).
• Media relations experience (press, broadcast, podcasts, or creator channels) and/or prior spokesperson responsibilities preferred.
• Experience within entertainment production, talent management, union work, or creative services strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with the financial needs of freelancers, artists, and gig workers.
• Ability to lift and transport event materials (up to 40 lbs.) on an occasional basis.
• Willingness to travel for events and meetings in various markets (including occasional travel to HQ in Los Angeles) and flexibility to work evenings, nights, and weekends as needed to support events, partner engagements, and media opportunities.