Strategic Ventures & Partnerships Lead

Guardian Life Insurance • New York, NY

25d • Hybrid

About The Position

Every day, Guardian helps our 29 million customers realize their dreams through a range of insurance and financial products and services. Our Purpose, to inspire well-being, guides our dedication to the colleagues, consumers, and communities we serve. We know that people count, and we go above and beyond to prepare them for the life they want to live, focusing on their overall well-being — mind, body, and wallet. As one of the largest mutual insurance companies, we put our customers first. Behind every bright future is a Guardian. Learn more about Guardian at guardianlife.com. Guardian has set out an ambitious growth strategy over the next 5 years, referred to as our Journey To ’30. This strategy focuses on continuing the growth of businesses by diversifying our product portfolio, increasing our distribution footprint, growing our customer base, and leveraging technology, data and AI as a strategic enabler. This growth strategy requires ongoing transformation across the enterprise, including both the business lines and corporate functions. Guardian is seeking an entrepreneurial, strategic individual to serve as Strategic Ventures & Partnerships Lead. In this highly visible role, you will help lead Guardian’s corporate venture capital arm (“Guardian Strategic Ventures”) and help our businesses drive innovative and transformative initiatives by forging impactful commercial partnerships that accelerate growth and innovation across the enterprise. As Strategic Ventures & Partnerships Lead, you will operate within Guardian’s Enterprise Strategy & Corporate Development team, responsible for shaping enterprise strategy, driving inorganic growth, and leading M&A, venture investments, and strategic partnerships. You will play a critical role in high-visibility initiatives across the following areas: Venture and Fund Investments Source and evaluate early-stage technologies, companies, and venture funds aligned with Guardian’s strategic priorities Partner with internal stakeholders to develop the business and investment cases, including seeking approvals through Guardian’s governance process Determine the right creative deal structures to meet the needs of the various stakeholders and lead negotiation of term sheet and definitive agreements Manage portfolio of funds and direct investments Commercial Partnerships Collaborate with business leaders to structure and execute partnerships with early-stage companies, driving innovation in Guardian’s core businesses and AI initiatives Manage, grow, and maintain a deep network of relationships with top VCs, founders, builders and other industry players Build relationships with AI-focused startups, research institutions, and venture networks Market Intelligence & Ecosystem Engagement Understand and bring in outside thinking across life insurance, group benefits, wealth management, and emerging disruptive technologies (including AI focused companies) to inform strategic investment and partnership decisions Represent Guardian at industry events, venture forums, and innovation summits to build brand presence and deal flow

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (finance, business, engineering or related field), advanced degree preferred
• 8+ years relevant experience in venture capital, corporate venture capital, and/or partnership
• Proficiency or subject matter expertise within emerging disruptive technologies, including AI focused companies
• Solid financial acumen to support financial analysis, valuation, and deal structuring
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Ability to build a broad network, learn quickly and keep on topic of emerging trends
• Strong communication skills effectively (both oral and written), especially with senior and board level leadership
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, organizational savvy and judgment – ability to navigate at all levels of the organization and achieve goals with matrix teams and resources
• In order to be a successful applicant. you must be legally authorized to work in the United States, without the need for employer sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Source and evaluate early-stage technologies, companies, and venture funds aligned with Guardian’s strategic priorities
• Partner with internal stakeholders to develop the business and investment cases, including seeking approvals through Guardian’s governance process
• Determine the right creative deal structures to meet the needs of the various stakeholders and lead negotiation of term sheet and definitive agreements
• Manage portfolio of funds and direct investments
• Collaborate with business leaders to structure and execute partnerships with early-stage companies, driving innovation in Guardian’s core businesses and AI initiatives
• Manage, grow, and maintain a deep network of relationships with top VCs, founders, builders and other industry players
• Build relationships with AI-focused startups, research institutions, and venture networks
• Understand and bring in outside thinking across life insurance, group benefits, wealth management, and emerging disruptive technologies (including AI focused companies) to inform strategic investment and partnership decisions
• Represent Guardian at industry events, venture forums, and innovation summits to build brand presence and deal flow

Benefits

• At Guardian, you’ll have the support and flexibility to achieve your professional and personal goals.
• Through skill-building, leadership development and philanthropic opportunities, we provide opportunities to build communities and grow your career, surrounded by diverse colleagues with high ethical standards.
• As part of Guardian’s Purpose – to inspire well-being – we are committed to offering contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources to our colleagues.
• Explore our company benefits at www.guardianlife.com/careers/corporate/benefits.
• Benefits apply to full-time eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level