Director Strategic Partnerships

Reporting to the Senior Director Global Licensing, the lead role of Partnerships Strategy within Demand Creation Strategy (DCS) is accountable for defining how Partnerships unlock disproportionate brand/portfolio growth by expanding audiences, opening new occasions, and elevating cultural relevance. Operating upstream of deal-making and activation, the role sets the partnership growth strategy, builds and manages a robust partnership pipeline, and translates brand and marketing objectives into advantaged contractual frameworks. The role serves as the CoE for partnerships, providing strategic guidance, vetting partners for fit, risk, and upside, and ensuring DCS and Brand teams have confidence in partnership choices. The role works closely with the Brand Marketing, Consumer Connections, Licensing Teams, etc. to ensure Partnerships are consistently implemented across our Business and drive incremental value for the Company.

Key Accountabilities

• Set DCS Partnerships Growth Strategy
• Define partnership strategies aligned to brand/portfolio growth plans, target audiences, marketing objectives, HJTBD (human jobs to be done, and must-do actions, ensuring alignment with the Brand Office.
• Build & Govern the Partnership Pipeline (Upstream Ownership)
• Lead landscape scanning, partner identification, and objective vetting to create multiple high-quality options for DCS and Brand teams prior to any commitments.
• Steward long-term partner relationships, partner IP considerations, ensuring consistency and strategic value over time.
• Translate Strategy into Advantaged Contracting
• Convert business and marketing objectives into clear contractual terms, ensuring the company pays for outcomes that move consumers and secures the right assets, IP rights, and protections.
• Provide Activation Guidance (Non-Executional)
• Advise DCS, Brand, and Consumer Connections on what it will take (principles, assets and investment, etc.) to fully leverage a partner before commitments are made.
• Own Long-Term Partner Strategy & Governance
• Steward long-term partner relationships, partner IP considerations, and partnership agency management (with Consumer Connections), ensuring consistency, risk management, and strategic value over time.

Scope & Complexity

High influence across DCS, Brand Marketing, Consumer Connections, Procurement, Legal, and Executive forums. Acts as strategic advisor for partnerships strategy and long-term partner relationships; influencer on partner selection and activation approach. Needs to know the industry and how to navigate it, including relationship and risk management.

Qualifications

Deep expertise in partnership strategy, cultural partnerships, and IP-based growth models Strong strategic framing and ability to connect brand objectives to commercial outcomes Advanced contract and negotiation acumen focused on value creation vs. rights accumulation Executive-level influence and cross-functional leadership without direct authority Strong risk assessment, governance, and partner evaluation capabilities Experience & Education Bachelor's degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred 10+ years in partnerships, brand strategy, marketing strategy, or adjacent roles within CPG, entertainment, sports, or culture led industries Experience working with agencies, procurement, and senior executives in high value partnership contexts