📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Account Director, Platform Partnerships
🔹 Company: Later
🔹 Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
🔹 Job Type: Hybrid
🔹 Category: Software Development
🔹 Date Posted: July 4, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (with offices in Boston, MA; Vancouver, BC; Chicago, IL; and Vancouver, WA)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing and strengthening strategic relationships with leading social platforms
- Developing and executing platform strategies to accelerate revenue and elevate partner satisfaction
- Cross-functional collaboration with internal teams to ensure successful implementation and execution of partnerships
- Serving as the "Voice of the Customer" to drive alignment and continuous improvement
- Representing Later at industry events, conferences, and key partner meetings
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key partners.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead executive-level negotiations with key strategic platform partners, collaborating closely with partnership, sales, account, and vertical leadership teams
✅ Act as the primary point of contact for our revenue-driving platform partners, fostering strong, trust-based relationships and gaining a deep understanding of their business goals and objectives
✅ Develop and execute customized success and go-to-market (GTM) plans for each partner, aligning on clear goals and outcomes while strategically expanding Later’s presence within each platform’s ecosystem
✅ Collaborate with internal teams to ensure successful implementation and execution of partnerships through project management of key programs
✅ Serve as the “Voice of the Customer”, ensuring partner needs, insights, and feedback are clearly and effectively communicated across the organization to drive alignment and continuous improvement
✅ Collaborate with the Marketing team to lead co-marketing initiatives and events, owning partner outreach to cultivate relationships with key decision-makers and industry influencers
✅ Serve as a thought leader and company ambassador at industry events, conferences, and key partner meetings including QBRs
✅ Design and deliver co-branded proposals to co-sell campaigns with each platform’s sales teams
✅ Develop incentives and packages with each platform to bring added value to our customer base
✅ Provide ongoing support and guidance to your partners, serving as a trusted advisor, and resource to address any issues or concerns
✅ Partner with our Services and Strategy departments to provide a cohesive experience for current partners and develop internal processes to educate and track incentive budgets
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of multitasking, prioritization, and the ability to work effectively with various internal and external stakeholders.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field; equivalent experience also considered
Experience: 7+ years of experience in strategic partnerships, client relationship management, or business development — preferably within the tech, social media, or influencer marketing industry
Required Skills:
- Proven track record of managing high-value platform relationships and leading executive-level negotiations
- Strong ability to develop and execute go-to-market (GTM) strategies, success plans, and co-selling initiatives
- Comfortable working with data to inform decisions, measure impact, and iterate on partner programs
- Exceptional communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills with a knack for building trust-based, long-term relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Experience acting as a “Voice of the Customer” to influence product, marketing, and service teams
- Demonstrated success working cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Strategy, and Services teams to bring initiatives to life
- Skilled in managing multiple projects and stakeholders in a fast-paced, evolving environment
- Comfortable representing the company at industry events, conferences, and executive meetings
Preferred Skills:
- Experience leading or supporting co-marketing initiatives and partner-driven events
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to own partner roadmaps, coordinate incentive programs, and track performance
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong background in strategic partnerships, business development, or a related field, with a proven track record of driving business growth through API integrations, partner enablement, and technical ecosystem expansion.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $180,000 - 220,000 OTE (On Target Earnings)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Flexible work arrangements
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on market data for similar roles in the tech industry, with consideration for the candidate's experience level and location.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Later is a leading social and influencer marketing solution and link in bio tool, helping the world’s top brands create high-performing social content and collaborate with creators to reach new audiences, drive engagement, and generate predictable ROI.
Company Size: Later is a mid-sized company with 201-500 employees, providing a collaborative and dynamic work environment where employees can make a significant impact.
Founded: Later was founded in 2014 and has since grown to become a trusted partner for leading brands and agencies worldwide.
Company Description:
- Later is committed to fostering a culture rooted in an inclusion-first mindset at every level of the company, embracing the importance of hiring and building teams for culture add rather than culture fit
- The company is dedicated to creating a diverse environment and is an equal opportunity employer, providing unbiased hiring, pay, and promotion practices to create a foundation for an equitable workplace
- Later is committed to creating a diverse environment and is an equal opportunity employer, providing unbiased hiring, pay, and promotion practices to create a foundation for an equitable workplace
Company Specialties:
- Social Media Management
- Social Media Marketing
- Instagram
- Tech
- Social Media
- App
- Content Marketing
- Influencer Marketing
- Creator Economy
- Digital Marketing
- Link in bio tool
Company Website: later.com
ASSUMPTION: Later is a well-established company in the social media and influencer marketing industry, with a strong focus on creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, requiring a high degree of strategic thinking, leadership, and decision-making skills.
Reporting Structure: The Account Director, Platform Partnerships will report directly to the Vice President of Partnerships and work closely with various internal teams, including Sales, Marketing, Strategy, and Services.
Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, with a mix of remote work and on-site collaboration at one of Later’s offices in Boston, MA; Vancouver, BC; Chicago, IL; or Vancouver, WA.
Growth Opportunities:
- Proven success in this role may lead to opportunities for advancement within Later’s Partnerships team or other departments
- The company encourages professional development and provides opportunities for employees to grow and expand their skills
- Later’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment provides ample opportunities for employees to take on new challenges and advance their careers
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a substantial impact on Later’s business and expand their skills and experience.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Later has offices in Boston, MA; Vancouver, BC; Chicago, IL; and Vancouver, WA, with a mix of on-site and remote work arrangements for employees.
Office Location(s): 53 State St, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, US; Vancouver, BC, CA
Geographic Context:
- Chicago, Illinois, United States: The city of Chicago offers a vibrant cultural scene, diverse neighborhoods, and a robust job market, providing ample opportunities for both personal and professional growth
- Illinois, United States: The state of Illinois is home to a diverse range of industries, including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology, offering a strong job market and numerous opportunities for career advancement
- United States: The United States is a global leader in the tech industry, with a strong focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in emerging technologies
Work Schedule: This is a hybrid role, with a mix of remote work and on-site collaboration at one of Later’s offices. The specific work arrangement will be discussed during the interview process.
ASSUMPTION: Later’s hybrid work arrangement provides employees with the flexibility to balance their personal and professional lives while still fostering a collaborative and connected work environment.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application review
- Phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager
- On-site or virtual interview with the Hiring Manager and key stakeholders
- Final round interview with the Vice President of Partnerships
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Relationship-building and negotiation skills
- Data analysis and interpretation skills
- Cross-functional collaboration and project management skills
Application Tips:
- Highlight your experience in strategic partnerships, business development, or a related field, with a focus on driving business growth through API integrations, partner enablement, and technical ecosystem expansion
- Tailor your resume to emphasize the skills and experiences most relevant to this role, using specific examples and quantifiable achievements
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview process, demonstrating your interest in the role and the company
- Research Later’s company culture, values, and mission to ensure a strong fit and alignment with your personal and professional goals
ATS Keywords: Strategic Partnerships, Business Development, API Integrations, Partner Enablement, Technical Ecosystem Expansion, Executive-Level Negotiations, Go-To-Market Strategies, Success Plans, Co-Selling Initiatives, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Data Analysis, Thought Leadership, Customer Advocacy, Project Management
ASSUMPTION: Later’s interview process is designed to assess the candidate’s skills, experiences, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best possible match for the role and the company.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau)
- Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
- Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
ASSUMPTION: Later uses a variety of tools and technologies to streamline workflows, improve collaboration, and drive business growth. Proficiency in these tools is not required but may be beneficial.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Inclusion-first mindset
- Hiring and building teams for culture add rather than culture fit
- Creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment
Work Style:
- Collaborative and cross-functional teamwork
- Data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement
- Flexible and adaptable work arrangements
- Focus on professional growth and development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you embrace an inclusion-first mindset and actively seek out diverse perspectives and experiences?
- Are you comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and adapting to shifting priorities?
- Do you have a proven track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with key partners, and driving business growth through strategic initiatives?
ASSUMPTION: Later’s company culture is built on a foundation of inclusion, diversity, and equity, with a strong focus on fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment that encourages growth and development.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and stakeholders in a fast-paced, evolving environment
- Balancing immediate needs with long-term opportunities to drive impactful, innovative results
- Adapting to shifting priorities and changing market conditions
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with key partners, even in the face of competing priorities and demands
- Navigating a hybrid work environment, balancing remote work and on-site collaboration effectively
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth, requiring a high degree of adaptability, resilience, and strategic thinking.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Strategic Partnerships Manager or Business Development Manager, with a focus on driving business growth through API integrations, partner enablement, and technical ecosystem expansion
- In the tech industry, similar roles may be found at other software development companies, social media platforms, or influencer marketing agencies
- Career path comparison: This role may serve as a stepping stone to a Vice President or C-level position within the Partnerships or Business Development departments, or transition to a Chief Revenue Officer or Chief Operating Officer role
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential and may serve as a stepping stone to more senior leadership positions within the Partnerships or Business Development departments, or a transition to a C-level role.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a go-to-market strategy for a new social media platform integration
- Negotiating a strategic partnership with a leading influencer marketing agency to expand Later’s reach and customer base
- Managing a cross-functional team to implement a new API integration, driving revenue growth and improving user experience
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, cross-functional, and collaborative nature of the Account Director, Platform Partnerships role, requiring a high degree of adaptability, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the top priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does Later support the growth and development of its employees, particularly in the Partnerships department?
- What are the key challenges facing the Partnerships team, and how can this role help address them?
- How does Later measure the success of its partnerships, and what key metrics should I focus on in this role?
- What is the company’s long-term vision for its partnerships strategy, and how does this role contribute to that vision?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, strategic questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and the company, and provides valuable insights into the company’s culture, priorities, and long-term vision.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in strategic partnerships, business development, or a related field, with a focus on driving business growth through API integrations, partner enablement, and technical ecosystem expansion
- Prepare a cover letter that demonstrates your interest in the role and the company, and explains how your skills and experiences make you a strong fit for the position
- If you have a portfolio or examples of your work, be prepared to share them during the interview process to showcase your skills and achievements
- Follow up with the Hiring Manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application and express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
