Strategic Partnership Manager

The Strategic Partnership Manager will work closely with the Head of Life Distribution to grow and manage the partnership channel at Ethos. This role involves identifying, evaluating, and launching new partnerships across various insurance distribution channel archetypes, as well as leading post-deal partner management. The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of all areas of independent and brokerage distribution channels, as well as demonstrated wholesale/sales development activity experience to drive sales growth through newly acquired distribution relationships with downline sub-agencies and agents. Additionally, the candidate should have excellent communication and project management skills, be a self-starter, and thrive in a fast-paced, autonomous team environment.

• Support Ethos’ Chief Distribution Officer and Head of Life Distribution in new partner pitches
• Confidently pitch Ethos’ value proposition and be well versed in our offering (product experience, underwriting, agent commission, etc.)
• Partner with the Chief Distribution Officer and Head of Life Distribution to evaluate prospects
• Identify, evaluate, and launch new partnerships across various insurance distribution channel archetypes (MLM, P&C, and Health IMOs / BGAs)
• Shepherd new prospects through account launch using the sales enablement process
• Lead post-deal partner management that includes, but isn’t limited to driving sales planning, promoting adoption of Ethos, and managing partner growth
• Actively source feedback from partners to iterate and refine Ethos’ go-to-market strategy to unlock additional revenue growth
• Triage active partners’ requests and coordinate with appropriate teams (CX, Partner Ops, Sales Enablement) to ensure partners’ needs addressed
• Host webinars/small group events to evangelize Ethos with agents as needed
• Be the voice of the customer to internal stakeholders; translate their needs and advocate on their behalf
• Creatively solve production gaps early launch by identifying sales motion that works
• Roll up your sleeves and execute in ambiguous environments

• Understanding of all areas of independent and brokerage distribution channels from submission to commission: L&C, compensation, sales process, tech vendors and platform integrations
• Strength to craft value proposition based on the needs of the partner and sell the appropriate solution per situation
• Ability to oversee partnership contracting, onboarding, integration, launch and relationship management to ensure a successful partnership
• Demonstrated wholesale / sales development activity experience to drive sales growth through newly acquired distribution relationships with downline sub-agencies and agents
• Competitive product and operational value chain knowledge to convey the story of Ethos key points of differentiation and advantage
• History of working with marketing and other cross-functional teams to drive adoption by the agent force
• Effective and proactive communicator with internal partners
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to identify and provide comprehensive solutions for varying partner needs
• Willingness to hustle and get in the weeds with our highest value partners
• Understanding of traditional insurance channel sales
• Excellent communication and project management skills
• Self-starter attitude and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, autonomous team environment
• Detail-oriented
• Organized
• Project manager
• Strong communicator - both verbal and written
• Positive, affable
• Relationship-builder
• Experience in the life insurance industry
• Experience with Salesforce, G Suite and Slack
• Collaborative, team-oriented
• Roll up sleeves and get stuff done attitude - no task too big or small to tackle
• Believe in and demonstrate core values
• Serve our families
• Intellectual rigor
• Bias for impact
• Speak your mind
• Passionate about the mission to “protect the next millions of families”
• A progressive and innovative view of insurtech and fintech opportunities in a mature industry
• Progress over perfection, growth-oriented and a high sense of urgency
• Open and transparent, feedback is very important
• Takes pride in willingness to jump in and “do” vs tell or observe
• Communicate early and often and collaborate with internal stakeholders
• Detail-oriented and ability to think both strategically and tactically