Channel Partnerships Manager, Investor Ecosystems (VC & PE)

Gusto, Inc.•Atlanta, GA

1d•$153,000 - $230,000

About The Position

Gusto is seeking a VC & PE Partnerships Manager to own and scale its relationships across venture capital and private equity firms. The role combines partnerships, investing, and go-to-market strategy, with responsibility for building thoughtful, scalable engagement with the investor ecosystem and delivering results across the function. Its focus is on high-leverage, programmatic partnerships that engage founders early, rather than a broad collection of one-off relationships. The role collaborates with teams across Partnerships, Marketing, Events, Sales, Recruiting, and other internal groups to define the partner portfolio, engagement model, sourcing approach, and success metrics. It is part of the Channel Partnerships function, which extends Gusto’s reach through trusted partners and connects the startup ecosystem with Gusto’s go-to-market organization. Employees based near designated offices are expected to work from the office approximately two to three days per week or more depending on role; approved work from other locations requires secure, reliable, and consistent internet access.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in partnerships, ecosystem development, venture or growth programs, or adjacent roles, with a track record of function-level impact.
At least 3 years of experience with the venture capital and private equity ecosystem, including founders, operators, and investors.
Ability to independently lead complex, cross-functional partnership initiatives that balance relationship depth with scalability.
Strong judgment about where to invest time and when to defer an opportunity.
Ability to work cross-functionally and influence without direct authority.
Ability to turn ambiguous inputs into clear strategy and execution plans.

Nice To Haves

Experience working at or closely with a VC or PE firm, high-growth company, or ecosystem platform.
Background in program design, portfolio engagement, or platform partnerships.
Experience evaluating partnership impact beyond direct revenue attribution.

Responsibilities

Own Gusto’s VC and PE partnership strategy end to end and be accountable for results across the function.
Define and maintain a partner portfolio, determining which partners receive one-to-one investment and which are served through scaled engagement.
Build repeatable, programmatic partnership motions, such as portfolio company programs, founder and operator education, and marketplace or platform integrations.
Serve as the Tier 1 point of contact for a core group of high-impact ecosystem partners.
Collaborate with Partner Marketing and Events to design scalable programs and engagement moments.
Partner with Recruiting and other internal teams to align on future net-new partner sourcing.
Track and evaluate ecosystem impact using metrics such as ARR, pipeline influence, and founder reach.
Represent Gusto externally in the VC and PE ecosystem and provide thought leadership to internal teams and external partners.