Who we’re looking for
We’re seeking an experienced, dynamic, and driven Director of Partnerships, US to lead our partnership go-to-market (GTM) channel – a key growth area for Runna. This role will be based in the US (Ideally Boston, otherwise with a maximum with 6 - 7 hour time difference to our London HQ) and will be crucial to expanding our presence, particularly in the US market.
You will be responsible for owning the entire partnerships channel and working with the team to develop new opportunities and manage relationships with key partners, including top marathon events (e.g. New York Road Runners), fitness brands (e.g. Brooks), and tech companies (e.g. Strava, Garmin). You will report directly to our Chief Operating Officer (COO), Josh who leads all of Runna’s GTM functions, and work very closely with Katie (Head of Partnerships, based in UK) and Louis (GM, North America).
As Director of Partnerships, your role will include:
1. Developing and Executing the Partnerships Strategy
- You will be responsible for working with the UK team to shape the overarching strategy of our partnerships GTM stream, and ensuring that this strategy is consistent and aligned to our overall company and growth ambitions.
- You will need to help drive our reporting to ensure we can clearly see how successful and viable each of our our partnerships are and where there is scope for improvement.
2. Winning (and fulfilling) new business, and maximising our existing partnership relationships
- You will work to expand our partnerships portfolio across races, brands and technology companies. This will involve breaking upon the door for new partnerships (through existing contacts you have), leading commercials negotiations, and demonstrating the ability to work cross-functionally / inspire action from the wider teams (e.g., social content and ambassadors, tech team) to get deals over the line / fulfil them as necessary.
- You will be responsible for working with the team to deliver as much value as we can for partners such that we have a reputation as the #1 partner in the industry; if required, you will be the key escalation point for our partners to support them on all partnership matters
3. Leading and Scaling the Partnerships Team, and acting as a leader to the broader team
- You’ll be managing a talented and expanding team across the UK and US (currently 3-4 team members, including the Head of Partnerships). We expect you to drive team growth and ensure that all team members are developing, learning, and achieving their full potential.
- Equally, you will be responsible for being a culture carrier to the UK and US teams. Each day, you should live and breath our Runna values.
What experience we’re looking for
If you don’t quite meet all of the below skills, we’d still love to hear from you as we might be able to tweak the role slightly or offer you a position better suited for you. You can apply directly below or contact us if you’re still unsure.
A degree isn’t required for this role, but we do need you to have 5 - 10 years of solid experience, particularly in the fitness industry, and connections in the running space.
About you:
- You have experience in partnerships, particularly within the running, industry - with established connections in marathons, brands, and tech companies.
- You’re a proven leader with experience managing and scaling a team (and take their development seriously)