Strategic Partnerships Manager
About Switchboard
At Switchboard, we help mid-market teams transform their business operations through modern software, data integrations, automation, AI workflows, and workflow design, freeing them from the mundane so they can focus on what actually moves the needle.
As a growing, founder-led firm, we're at an inflection point. The demand for AI automation and modern approaches to digital transformation is exploding, and we need the right partnerships to scale our impact without losing what makes us different: practical, grounded solutions that actually get adopted.
The Role
Are you the person who sees a thriving ecosystem where others see a contact list?
As a Strategic Partnerships Manager, you'll build and manage three partnership channels: technology partners, capital partners, and content creators. Unlike traditional roles that box you into one type, you'll architect a comprehensive strategy across all three, with technology partnerships as the primary focus and highest priority.
You'll work directly with our CEO on strategy, then own execution from first outreach through signed agreements and ongoing relationship management. You'll have an SDR on your team for support in sourcing and outreach, letting you focus on high-value relationship building.
This isn't about collecting logos, it's about keeping Switchboard top of mind by bringing real value: sharing resources, co-marketing opportunities, strategic connections, and collaborating with our CEO on private or public speaking engagements that strengthen relationships.
What you'll do
Own the full partnership lifecycle:
- Develop partnership strategy with our CEO, prioritizing which partners will drive the most value
- Source and build relationships through direct outreach, events, and networking (you'll also have SDR support for outreach & pipeline building)
- Create resources and assets that make it easy for partners to understand, position, and refer our services
- Enable partner success through ongoing relationship management, co-marketing initiatives, and regular touchpoints
- Track performance across all channels and optimize what's working
Over time, build and manage three partnership channels:
- Technology Partners: SaaS platforms, AI companies, and complementary firms. Build relationships, position us as a preferred partner, and create co-marketing opportunities that keep us top of mind when their customers need help.
- Capital Partners: VCs and PE firms whose portfolio companies match our ideal clients. Build trust so they proactively introduce us when their portfolio needs operational transformation. Create resources that make it easy for them to know when to call us.
- Content Partners: Creators and influencers in the operations and AI space whose audiences align with our clients. Structure partnerships that amplify our message while providing genuine value to their audience.
What Success Looks Like
- Partnerships drive 30%+ of new business within the first year through qualified referrals and introductions
- Partners actively promote Switchboard services because the relationship works for them, not just us, and they view us as a valuable part of their ecosystem
- You've built a multi-channel engine where technology partners recommend us first, capital partners proactively introduce portfolio companies, and content partnerships generate qualified inbound interest
- Your partnership pipeline is organized, predictable, and growing quarter over quarter
Who we're looking for
- 5+ years in a similar role with proven track record building partnership programs in the digital transformation consulting space. You've done this before and have existing relationships and results to show for it that you can leverage from day one.
- Deep understanding of mid-market dynamics and how these companies evaluate technology, work with consultants, and make buying decisions
- Established network in the SaaS, consulting, or professional services ecosystems. You already know key players or know exactly how to get in front of them
- Deal-making ability: You've negotiated partnership agreements, structured win-win terms, and closed complex multi-party relationships
- Strategic thinker: You fundamentally understand B2B consulting sales cycles and can identify which partnerships matter most and why, not just chase every shiny opportunity
- Execution-focused: You don't just develop strategy. You do the outreach, follow-ups, relationship management, and collaborative resource creation that makes partnerships actually work
- Naturally connected relationship builder: You're comfortable earning trust with everyone from startup founders to enterprise executives to investors
What you'll get
- Real impact: Build the foundation for Switchboard's next phase of growth through strategic partnerships
- Direct collaboration with the CEO on strategy and execution. No layers, fast decisions.
- Team support: An SDR reports to you to help with partner sourcing, outreach, and pipeline management so you can focus on relationship building
- Remote first: Work anywhere in North America with at least 3 PST overlap hours
- Competitive package: Base salary reflecting the strategic importance of this role, plus meaningful performance-based compensation tied to partnership-driven revenue. We're looking for someone who's proven they can drive results and we compensate accordingly.
- Three weeks vacation to start, plus flexibility when you need it
- Growth opportunity: Shape your role as the company scales and the partnership function evolves
Feel like you're a fit? Apply today ↓
The partnerships landscape evolves quickly, so we value adaptability and a track record of results over checking every box perfectly. We'll contact those who would be a strong fit for the role. We look forward to hearing from you!
