📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director of Strategic Partnerships
🔹 Company: Auterion
🔹 Location: Arlington, Virginia
🔹 Job Type: On-site, Full-time
🔹 Category: Business Development
🔹 Date Posted: July 28, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 7+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving strategic partnerships to fuel company growth and market expansion
- Identifying, evaluating, and managing key alliances with technology providers, distributors, and industry organizations
- Negotiating complex partnership agreements and ensuring successful execution of collaborative initiatives
- Cultivating strong relationships with key decision-makers and stakeholders within partner organizations
- Providing regular updates and reports on partnership pipeline, progress, and performance to senior leadership
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of autonomous and robotic systems technologies. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in business development or strategic partnerships and experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Identify and evaluate partnership opportunities by proactively researching and assessing potential strategic partners
✅ Develop partnership strategies that focus on mutual benefit and long-term success
✅ Lead partnership negotiations, driving the negotiation of complex partnership agreements
✅ Cultivate and nurture partner relationships by building and maintaining strong, trust-based connections with key decision-makers and stakeholders
✅ Oversee partnership execution and performance by working cross-functionally with internal teams to ensure successful implementation of partnership initiatives and monitor their performance against agreed-upon KPIs
✅ Drive joint go-to-market initiatives by collaborating with partners to develop and execute marketing and sales programs, product integrations, and other initiatives to expand market reach and generate new revenue streams
✅ Stay abreast of industry trends, competitive landscapes, and emerging technologies to identify new partnership opportunities and refine existing strategies
✅ Provide regular updates and reports on partnership pipeline, progress, and performance to senior leadership, including revenue forecasts and strategic impact
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of autonomy and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working independently and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, or a related field; MBA preferred
Experience: 7+ years of progressive experience in business development, strategic partnerships, or a related role, with a proven track record of successfully developing and scaling high-impact partnerships
Required Skills:
- Expertise in complex negotiation and contract management, with a history of securing mutually beneficial agreements
- Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, capable of influencing and collaborating effectively with internal teams and external executives
- Strong strategic thinking and analytical capabilities, with the ability to identify market opportunities, assess partner potential, and translate insights into actionable plans
- Deep understanding of autonomous and robotic systems technologies, and the ability to articulate their value proposition to diverse audiences. Experience with UAS/UGV is a significant plus
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional project teams and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex technical and business concepts clearly and persuasively
- Experience in a startup or fast-paced scale-up environment, demonstrating adaptability and resilience
- US Citizenship and ability to obtain a US Security Clearance is required
Preferred Skills:
- Fluency in additional languages
- Experience working with government or defense organizations
ASSUMPTION: Given the nature of this role, candidates with experience in strategic partnerships, business development, or a related field are strongly preferred. A background in autonomous and robotic systems technologies is also highly desirable.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Director of Strategic Partnerships role with 7+ years of experience in the software development industry in Arlington, Virginia)
Benefits:
- Flexible working hours
- Stock Options
- Unlimited PTO
- Health Insurance (includes dental & vision)
- Medical flex spending
- Life Insurance
- Retirement Plan - 401k
- Enhanced maternity & paternity leave
- Learning and development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for occasional remote work or adjusted hours as needed
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience, skills, and negotiation abilities. Benefits are subject to change and may be adjusted based on the company's policies and the candidate's employment status.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Software Development, specifically focused on operating systems for autonomous computing
Company Size: 51-200 employees, which means the company is in a growth phase and offers opportunities for career advancement and impact
Founded: 2017, with a headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, and additional offices in Zurich, Switzerland, and Munich, Germany
Company Description:
- Auterion is a cutting-edge operating system for autonomous computing that empowers a diverse range of autonomous robots to perform high-risk to mundane tasks, deliver goods, and aid in life-saving missions
- The company's industry-leading software drives the adoption of robotic fleets and is recognized by the U.S. government as the future standard for its drone program
- Auterion brings together sharp minds who love to solve the hardest problems, fostering innovation, openness, and excellence, and empowering employees to develop ideas, collaborate across all levels, and make an impact that matters
Company Specialties:
- Operating systems for autonomous computing
- Autonomous robots and drones
- Software development for enterprise and government customers
Company Website: http://www.auterion.com
ASSUMPTION: Auterion is a fast-growing, innovative company in the software development industry, with a strong focus on autonomous computing and robotic systems. The company's culture values innovation, openness, and excellence, and offers opportunities for career growth and impact.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, reporting directly to the Head of Growth and working closely with cross-functional teams to drive strategic partnerships and company growth
Reporting Structure: The Director of Strategic Partnerships will report to the Head of Growth and collaborate with various internal teams, including sales, marketing, product, and engineering, to ensure successful partnership execution and performance
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role, with the primary work location in Arlington, Virginia. However, the company offers flexibility for occasional remote work or adjusted hours as needed
Growth Opportunities:
- As Auterion continues to grow, there may be opportunities for the Director of Strategic Partnerships to expand their team or take on additional responsibilities within the organization
- The company's focus on innovation and excellence creates an environment where employees can develop new skills and advance their careers
- Given the company's strong relationship with the U.S. government, there may be opportunities for the Director of Strategic Partnerships to engage with government organizations and expand the company's public sector presence
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and impact, as Auterion continues to expand its presence in the autonomous computing and robotic systems industries. The ideal candidate will be eager to take on new challenges and contribute to the company's success.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Auterion's headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity
Office Location(s): 3100 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, Virginia 22201, US; Edenstrasse 20, Zurich, Switzerland 8045, CH; Centa-Hafenbrädl-Straße 61, Munich, Germany 81249, DE
Geographic Context:
- Arlington, Virginia, is a vibrant, multicultural city located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., offering a wide range of amenities, including restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions
- The area is home to many technology companies and startups, providing ample opportunities for networking and collaboration
- The cost of living in Arlington is generally higher than the national average, but the city offers a high quality of life and excellent job prospects
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for occasional remote work or adjusted hours as needed
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will be comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and thrive in a collaborative, innovative workspace. They should also be willing to travel as needed to meet with partners and attend industry events.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application review
- Phone or video screen with the Head of Growth
- In-depth interviews with cross-functional stakeholders
- Final interview with the CEO
- Background check and security clearance (if required)
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and analytical skills
- Negotiation and contract management abilities
- Relationship-building and stakeholder management capabilities
- Industry knowledge and understanding of autonomous and robotic systems technologies
- Communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Be prepared to discuss specific examples of your partnership development and negotiation experiences
- Demonstrate your understanding of Auterion's mission and values, and how your background and skills align with the company's goals
- Prepare questions to ask the interview panel about the company, the team, and the role to show your interest and engagement
ATS Keywords: Strategic Partnerships, Business Development, Negotiation, Contract Management, Relationship Building, Stakeholder Management, Autonomous Systems, Robotic Systems, UAS/UGV, Startup, Scale-up, Auterion
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, negotiation skills, and industry knowledge, as well as their cultural fit with Auterion's values and mission.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
- Office suite (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace)
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will be comfortable using a range of tools and technologies to manage partnerships, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and track progress against KPIs.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation: Auterion values creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge the status quo
- Openness: The company fosters a culture of transparency, collaboration, and open communication
- Excellence: Auterion strives for the highest standards in all aspects of its work, from product development to customer service
Work Style:
- Collaborative: Auterion encourages cross-functional collaboration and teamwork to drive innovation and success
- Dynamic: The company operates in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, requiring employees to be adaptable and resilient
- Mission-driven: Auterion is committed to using its technology to make a positive impact on the world, and employees are passionate about the company's mission
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment where innovation and excellence are valued?
- Are you comfortable working independently and managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting?
- Do you share Auterion's commitment to using technology to make a positive impact on the world?
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will be a strong cultural fit with Auterion's values and work style, demonstrating a passion for innovation, collaboration, and excellence, as well as a commitment to the company's mission.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple partnerships simultaneously, each with its own unique requirements and priorities
- Navigating complex negotiations and ensuring mutually beneficial agreements
- Balancing short-term partnership goals with long-term strategic objectives
- Adapting to changes in the market, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies
- Travel requirements for meeting with partners and attending industry events
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will be comfortable managing multiple priorities, navigating complex negotiations, and adapting to changes in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike traditional business development roles, this position focuses specifically on strategic partnerships, requiring a strong understanding of autonomous and robotic systems technologies and the ability to articulate their value proposition to diverse audiences
- Compared to other strategic partnership roles, this position offers the opportunity to work with a cutting-edge operating system for autonomous computing and drive the adoption of robotic fleets for enterprise and government customers
- Career-wise, this role offers significant opportunities for growth and impact, as Auterion continues to expand its presence in the autonomous computing and robotic systems industries
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on strategic partnerships within the autonomous computing and robotic systems industries, offering a compelling opportunity for the right candidate to drive company growth and make a significant impact.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive partnership strategy for a major technology provider, including market analysis, partnership goals, and a detailed execution plan
- Negotiating a complex partnership agreement with a leading distributor, ensuring favorable terms and conditions for both parties
- Collaborating with a partner to develop and execute a joint go-to-market initiative, resulting in increased market reach and new revenue streams
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, collaborative, and results-driven nature of the Director of Strategic Partnerships role at Auterion.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the company's long-term vision for its strategic partnerships program, and how this role fits into that strategy?
- How does the company support the growth and development of its strategic partnerships team?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does Auterion measure the success of its strategic partnerships, and how will my performance be evaluated against these metrics?
- What opportunities are there for collaboration and knowledge-sharing with other teams within the company?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into the company's strategic partnerships program, the role's priorities and expectations, and the opportunities for growth and collaboration within the organization.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, emphasizing your strategic thinking, negotiation, and partnership development abilities
- Prepare for the interview by researching Auterion's mission, values, and industry, and be ready to discuss specific examples of your partnership development and negotiation experiences
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to 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.
