Partnerships Manager

Company Description

TED is on a mission to discover and spread ideas that spark imagination, embrace possibility and catalyze impact. Our organization is devoted to curiosity, reason, wonder and the pursuit of knowledge — without an agenda. We welcome people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world and connection with others, and we invite everyone to engage with ideas and activate them in your community.

POSITION OVERVIEW

TED is a global platform dedicated to accelerating the spread of ideas that shape a better future. We believe progress happens when leaders across business, science, technology, philanthropy, government, and the arts share their expertise and take action. Through talks, media, convenings, learning experiences, and industry-leading storytelling, TED influences how millions around the world think, learn, and engage.

TED Partnerships extends this impact by working with forward-thinking organizations to help them elevate their narratives, reach influential audiences, and participate meaningfully in global conversations. Our product portfolio—which spans digital media, custom content, communication training, flagship conference activations, custom events, social media, and podcasts—offers partners a powerful and credible platform to communicate ideas, demonstrate leadership, and drive strategic priorities at scale.

The Partnerships Manager is a key contributor to this mission. You will originate, design, and close high-value partnerships that leverage TED’s full capabilities. This role requires a disciplined strategist, a compelling storyteller, and a revenue-driven leader who can engage senior decision-makers, navigate complex organizations, and deliver programs that meet both partner objectives and TED’s standards of excellence.

Job Description

Strategic Business Development

• Lead proactive outreach to brands, foundations, and agencies to identify partnerships aligned with TED’s mission and business priorities.

• Develop and manage a high-quality pipeline that consistently supports and exceeds revenue targets.

• Analyze partner objectives, uncover strategic needs, and map decision-making units to shape well-aligned partnership opportunities.

Full Ownership of the Sales Cycle

• Drive all phases of the sales process—from prospecting through contracting—with rigor and strategic insight.

• Craft compelling proposals and narratives using TED’s storytelling methodologies and editorial strengths.

• Manage complex, multi-stakeholder negotiations with clarity, confidence, and an enterprise-selling mindset.

Program Design & Internal Collaboration

• Collaborate with internal teams across curation, media, communication training, creative services, content development, operations, and events to design programs that are impactful, feasible, and financially sound.

• Integrate the right combination of TED products—media, custom content, conferences, digital learning, podcasts, and events—into tailored, high-value solutions.

• Provide clear, actionable briefs to ensure strong internal alignment and execution excellence.

Account Management & Growth

• Build long-term, trust-based relationships with partners to drive retention and expand engagements.

• Identify opportunities for multi-year programs and cross-portfolio growth.

• Serve as a strategic advisor, articulating how TED can support partners’ evolving priorities.

Forecasting, Reporting & Market Intelligence

• Maintain rigorous forecasting and pipeline documentation in Salesforce.

• Provide regular reporting on sales performance, partner feedback, industry movements, and competitive trends.

• Contribute to partnership strategy, product evolution, and thought leadership within the team.

Qualifications

Core Requirements

• Experience in strategic sales, business development, consulting, agency leadership, or a related field.

• Proven track record of closing complex, high-value partnerships or enterprise deals.

• Strong analytical and solutions-oriented, with the ability to diagnose partner needs and design impactful solutions.

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills—you communicate clearly, concisely, and persuasively at senior levels.

• Experience working cross-functionally in evolving or matrixed environments.

• Proficiency in Salesforce, Excel, and modern presentation tools, or the ability to adapt quickly.

Preferred Attributes

• Intellectually curious, revenue driven, and comfortable navigating complexity and ambiguity.

• Excellent relationship-builder with credibility among senior stakeholders.

• Creative and strategic thinker with the ability to translate abstract ideas into concrete partnership programs.

• Highly organized, self-directed, and motivated by excellence and impact.

• Values-driven professional committed to integrity, quality, and purposeful work.

• Forward thinker, anticipating the next two steps to stay ahead of the game internally and externally

What Success Looks Like

• Consistent achievement of quarterly and annual revenue targets.

• Development of high-impact partnerships that elevate TED’s brand and mission.

• Strong partner satisfaction resulting in renewals, upsells, and multi-year commitments.

• Flawless execution through effective internal coordination and leadership.

• Thoughtful contributions that strengthen TED’s partnership strategy and market presence.

Additional Information

Salary Range: 140-160k  USD + commission, commensurate with experience.

NYC location is preferred but not required. Ideally, 2 days a week in the office, with occasional travel (twice to the office and several times to other events).

BENEFITS

• Full health benefits (medical, dental, vision)

• Paid family leave

• Work-life balance is encouraged through our flexible paid time off. 

• Free OneMedical and SpringHealth membership for you and your dependents to address physical and mental well-being 

• 401k with match

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

NYC preferred but not required, 2 days a week in the office is optional but also preferred - requires some travel (2 times to office, a few times to other events)

Why TED?

Choosing TED means joining one of the most influential idea platforms in the world—an organization trusted for its integrity, storytelling excellence, and commitment to shaping the future. At TED, you will:

• Influence global conversations.
  Work with organizations at the forefront of innovation in technology, sustainability, education, science, health, finance, and social impact.

• Leverage unparalleled reach and credibility.
  TED’s platforms engage hundreds of millions of people annually, providing partners with high-intent visibility in one of the most trusted media environments.

• Collaborate with world-class experts.
  You will partner closely with TED’s editorial, content, speaker coaching, media, and creative teams—leaders in shaping narratives that resonate worldwide.

• Shape programs that make a measurable difference.
  Your work will help elevate ideas that inspire action, broaden understanding, and advance solutions to global challenges.

• Join a mission-led, values-driven culture.
  TED is built on curiosity, empathy, excellence, and the belief in the power of ideas to improve lives.

TED Conferences LLC is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We invite all qualified candidates to apply online with their resume.