Director, Sales & Strategic Partnerships

Semafor•Washington, DC

8d•$160,000 - $180,000

About The Position

Semafor is hiring a Director, Sales and Strategic Partnerships to identify, develop, and manage key advertiser partnerships. The role combines business development, strategic planning, and relationship management to advance the company’s partnerships strategy and drive its success and growth. The Director will work with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure partnerships are successful. The position is based in Washington, DC. Candidates must be willing to work flexible hours and travel domestically as needed. The role may be performed in a hybrid or remote setting, with travel as needed. Compensation is a base salary of $160,000–$180,000 per year, with on-target earnings of $280,000–$300,000. Pay depends on factors including education, work experience, and certifications.

Requirements

At least 10 years of experience in strategic partnerships, business development, or related fields within media, digital publishing, or advertising.
A proven track record of securing and managing high-impact strategic partnerships in media or digital publishing.
Strong understanding of the digital advertising ecosystem and live event partnerships.
Strong analytical skills and ability to use market research and competitive intelligence to support decisions.
Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, including the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
Proficiency with CRM and sales management tools, such as Salesforce or Boostr.
Strong understanding of the Washington, DC public affairs ecosystem.
Knowledge of partnership development and execution in journalism, media, and/or digital publishing; market research, competitive analysis, and audience insights; and digital marketing, content distribution, and advertising ecosystems.
Strong negotiation, deal-closing, strategic planning, relationship-building, account management, analytical decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, project management, and written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to adapt to changing business environments, solve partnership challenges, navigate complex negotiations and long sales cycles, manage multiple high-priority projects, and maintain strong business relationships with emotional intelligence.
Entrepreneurial mindset, passion for innovation and growth, and interest in media, journalism, and the evolving digital content landscape.
Willingness to work flexible hours and travel domestically as needed.

Responsibilities

Identify, assess, and negotiate strategic partnerships aligned with the company’s business objectives; understand client problems and develop strategic solutions.
Drive revenue through new and existing partnerships by structuring deals that create business value and expand audiences.
Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify opportunities and assess the potential impact of strategic relationships.
Collaborate with sales, marketing, editorial, and product teams to integrate and execute partnerships.
Establish and track key performance indicators to measure partnership success, and provide leadership with insights and recommendations.
Maintain relationships with existing partners, identify new growth opportunities, and manage complex, multidimensional partner relationships and deals.
Monitor and refine partnership strategies in response to market conditions and business needs.
Represent the company at key industry events, conferences, and meetings to build relationships and showcase the brand.