Strategic Partnerships Director

About the Position Bluefish is seeking a Strategic Partnerships Director to build and lead our technology partnerships function at a pivotal moment in the company's growth. This role is designed for a sharp, polished operator with a strong track record of originating and closing complex, high-value partnerships with major technology companies. We are looking for someone to own relationships with AI platforms, enterprise software companies, and channel partners, and to help shape how Bluefish is positioned at the highest levels of the technology and enterprise world. You will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to develop partnership strategy, prioritize opportunities, and represent Bluefish in senior-level external conversations. Success in this role requires exceptional commercial instincts, an uncompromising standard of quality in all external-facing output, and the ability to manage multiple high-priority threads simultaneously in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment. What You’ll Be Doing Own and advance a portfolio of high-priority strategic technology partnerships with AI platforms, enterprise software companies, and channel partners. Collaborate closely with the CEO and senior leadership to develop partnership strategy and represent Bluefish in senior-level external conversations. Lead the creation of partnership proposals, decks, and supporting materials designed for C‑suite audiences at the world’s leading technology companies. Build and manage a partnerships pipeline from origination through close, bringing structure and rigor to how Bluefish tracks and advances complex, multi‑stakeholder deals. Work cross‑functionally with Product, Marketing, and Client Success to ensure partnership structures are commercially sound and operationally deliverable. Serve as a force multiplier for the leadership team, ensuring continuity across open partnership threads and that no opportunity falls through the cracks. Contribute to building out the partnerships function as the team scales, establishing standards, playbooks, and best practices for how Bluefish originates and manages strategic relationships. Qualifications 10+ years of experience in management consulting, strategic partnerships, or business development. Demonstrated track record of structuring and closing complex, high‑value technology partnerships with large enterprise or platform organizations. Exceptional communication and executive presence; equally comfortable in a room with a senior technology executive as when building internal strategy documents. Uncompromising attention to detail and a high standard of quality in all external‑facing output. Strong commercial and analytical instincts, with the ability to assess deal value, model partnership scenarios, and structure creative terms. Comfort operating in a fast‑paced, ambiguous environment where ownership and initiative are expected. Familiarity with the AI ecosystem, including LLM providers, AI‑powered search, and enterprise AI tooling. Marketing / Ad Tech ecosystem experience and familiarity is preferred. Experience as an early or founding partnerships hire at a high‑growth startup is a plus. Background at a Tier 1 management consulting firm, or within a strategic partnerships or business development team at a major technology company is a plus. Willingness to be based in or regularly work from our New York City headquarters. #J-18808-Ljbffr