Director, Partnership Management

Who we are

Semafor is a global news platform for an increasingly complex world in which consumers are overwhelmed by too many news sources and unsure what to trust. We are building Semafor to enable world-class journalists to deliver reporting and insights with rigor in journalistic forms that ensure a new level of transparency. Our editors and reporters distill the most important stories from all over in formats that uncover the forces shaping the stories, explain the interests behind polarizing narratives, and replenish the stock of shared facts. As a global platform, Semafor recognizes that smart people can disagree and that informed readers need to understand alternative points of view from competing centers of power and culture in a multi-polar world. Want to join us? Read on.

The Role

Semafor is seeking an experienced, strategically minded Director of Partnerships Management to lead high-value client relationships and oversee the delivery of integrated commercial partnerships across live events, digital advertising, custom content, and other Semafor programs.

Reporting to the Head of Partnerships Management, the Director will own the strategic relationship for an assigned portfolio of clients. You will build trusted relationships with senior executives, understand their business priorities, and ensure Semafor''s partnerships deliver meaningful value.

This role emphasizes strategic account leadership rather than day-to-day project administration. Directors are supported by Project Managers who handle timelines, deliverables, and routine follow-up, freeing you to focus on client strategy, executive engagement, satisfaction, and commercial growth.

Your Responsibilities

Strategic Client Relationship Management

• Serve as primary strategic relationship owner and trusted advisor for a portfolio of high-value, complex client partnerships.
• Build long-term relationships with senior stakeholders, including C-suite, communications, marketing, and public affairs leaders.
• Develop tailored account strategies aligned with each client''s business objectives, and lead executive-level conversations and planning sessions.
• Monitor account health and client satisfaction, and act as the primary escalation point for relationship-sensitive issues.

Partnership Strategy and Delivery Leadership

• Own accountability for delivering contracted partnerships to Semafor''s quality standards.
• Partner with Sales in late-stage deals and lead kickoffs that set objectives, expectations, and success measures.
• Provide strategic leadership across integrated programs spanning live events, executive convenings, digital advertising, custom content, podcasts, video, and research.
• Assess risks, resolve complex challenges, and manage changes to scope, timelines, or deliverables with Sales and leadership.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Connect clients with Semafor teams including Sales, Editorial, Audience, Concierge, Events, Marketing, Creative, Revenue Operations, and Product.
• Work with Project Managers to keep visibility into commitments, progress, and risks without duplicating day-to-day administration.
• Resolve competing priorities with functional leaders and recommend improvements to the broader operating model.

Commercial Growth and Retention

• Partner with Sales on retention, renewals, and expansion, identifying opportunities to deepen partnerships through additional Semafor offerings.
• Lead post-program reviews, translate performance reporting into client insights, and make evidence-based recommendations for future investment.
• Track partnership economics with Sales, Finance, and Revenue Operations to resolve issues affecting scope, revenue, or profitability.

Executive Engagement and Client Experience

• Design executive engagement strategies that maximize the value of Semafor''s global convenings, editorial platforms, and leadership communities.
• Serve as a senior point of contact at major events and executive interactions, navigating sensitive requests with discretion and sound judgment.
• Represent Semafor confidently and professionally while maintaining high standards for responsiveness and client satisfaction.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in program management, client services, or a related field within media, marketing, or editorial environments.
• Experience working with global clients across the US, the Gulf, and beyond, with a deep understanding of and appreciation for cultural, business, and geopolitical dynamics. Experience with clients focused on B2B and B2G strategies is a plus.
• Proven ability to manage complex, integrated projects involving multiple stakeholders and deliverables.
• Experience managing large- and small-format events, digital advertising campaigns, podcasts, and marketing services.
• Expertise in project management tools and methodologies, with a strong focus on operational efficiency.
• Deep understanding of and respect for media, journalism, and the importance of editorial independence.

Additional Job Details

• Based in New York, NY or Washington, DC, with a four-day in-office schedule (Fridays work from home).
• Flexible hours around events and domestic and international travel as needed.
• Salary range: $145,000 - $180,000 per year, based on factors including education, experience, and relevant qualifications.

Additional job details

Semafor offers a Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) policy to our full-time, salaried employees who may take paid time off as-needed without a prescribed limit or defined balance.

Semafor, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and enthusiastically encourages people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Semafor, Inc. will consider all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.