Partner Marketing Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Partner Marketing Manager

🔹 Company: Windsurf

🔹 Location: Austin, TX, USA

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: April 15, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Driving co-marketing initiatives with strategic partners to showcase joint value and move pipeline
• Activating and scaling partner events to create high-impact experiences for attendees
• Building a partner marketing playbook to enable repeatable success across the partner ecosystem
• Aligning on joint go-to-market strategy with internal teams to ensure partner messaging and campaigns align with shared pipeline goals
• Maximizing ROI from MDF and budget allocations by strategically managing marketing development funds and tracking ROI
• Measuring, reporting, and improving partner marketing efforts by defining KPIs, tracking influence on pipeline, and iterating on what's working
• Being the internal advocate for partner marketing by educating internal teams on partner offerings, timelines, and co-sell opportunities

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking and hands-on execution, with a focus on building strong relationships with partners and internal teams.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead co-marketing initiatives with strategic partners by owning the end-to-end planning and execution of co-marketing activities

✅ Activate and scale partner events by driving high-impact experiences that showcase joint value and move pipeline

✅ Build the partner marketing playbook by creating scalable programs, toolkits, campaign templates, and onboarding guides to enable repeatable success across the partner ecosystem

✅ Align on joint go-to-market strategy by collaborating closely with alliances, sales, and product marketing teams to ensure partner messaging, campaigns, and events align with shared pipeline goals

✅ Maximize ROI from MDF and budget allocations by strategically managing marketing development funds, tracking ROI, and optimizing spend across co-branded campaigns

✅ Measure, report, and improve partner marketing efforts by defining KPIs, tracking influence on pipeline, reporting outcomes, and iterating on what's working

✅ Be the internal advocate for partner marketing by educating internal teams on partner offerings, timelines, and co-sell opportunities to drive stronger alignment and field execution

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of partner motions, from MDF and joint pipeline goals to campaign attribution and enablement.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field

Experience: 3-6 years of experience in B2B marketing, with at least 1-2 years directly supporting partner marketing, channel strategy, or ecosystem go-to-market

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to build and execute co-marketing plans with technology partners, cloud providers, or resellers
• Deep understanding of partner motions, including MDF, joint pipeline goals, campaign attribution, and enablement
• Strong event planning and program management skills, with experience running point on executive dinners, field activations, and campaigns
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to align multiple stakeholders across internal and external teams
• Strategic mindset with hands-on execution chops, comfortable crafting a joint value proposition and running the booth
• Familiarity with developer tools, cloud ecosystems, or AI/infra partnerships (a strong plus)

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with AI-powered software development tools
• Fluency in Spanish or another language relevant to the partner ecosystem

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the tech industry or working with developer tools may have an advantage in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000 per year (based on industry standards for a mid-level marketing role in Austin, TX)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Generous PTO and holiday schedule
• Flexible work arrangements (e.g., remote work, flexible hours)
• Professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with the possibility of flexible hours and remote work arrangements

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a mid-level marketing role in Austin, TX. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, and market conditions.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Technology, Information, and Internet. Windsurf operates in the competitive AI-powered software development tools market, with a focus on providing innovative solutions for individual developers and development teams.

Company Size: 51-200 employees. As a mid-sized company, Windsurf offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment with ample opportunities for growth and impact.

Founded: 2022 (as Codeium). Windsurf was founded with a mission to empower developers with AI-powered tools, and has since grown to serve hundreds of thousands of individual developers and development teams at thousands of enterprises.

Company Description:

• Windsurf creates AI-powered software development tools to enhance productivity and collaboration for individual developers and development teams
• The company offers a range of tools, including a popular plugin with millions of installations and strong traction in the enterprise sector
• Windsurf has achieved strong product market fit and is looking to take its success to the next level through strategic partnerships and marketing efforts

Company Specialties:

• AI-powered software development tools
• Developer productivity and collaboration
• Enterprise software solutions
• Strategic partnerships and co-marketing initiatives

Company Website: http://www.windsurf.com

ASSUMPTION: As a growing tech company, Windsurf values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. Candidates who thrive in dynamic environments and embrace change will be well-suited to this role.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level. This role is suitable for marketing professionals with 3-6 years of experience, seeking to advance their careers in partner marketing or channel strategy.

Reporting Structure: The Partner Marketing Manager will report directly to the Head of Marketing and work closely with cross-functional teams, including alliances, sales, and product marketing.

Work Arrangement: On-site, with the possibility of flexible hours and remote work arrangements. This role is based in Austin, TX, and may require occasional travel to partner events or conferences.

Growth Opportunities:

• As Windsurf continues to grow, there will be opportunities for the Partner Marketing Manager to take on additional responsibilities or lead a team in the future
• This role offers the chance to work closely with senior leadership and make a significant impact on the company's success
• The Partner Marketing Manager will have the opportunity to learn about AI-powered software development tools and the enterprise software market

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are eager to take on new challenges and grow with the company will be well-suited to this role.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Windsurf's office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and innovation.

Office Location(s): Austin, TX, USA. The company's headquarters is located in Mountain View, CA, but this role is based in their Austin office.

Geographic Context:

• Austin is a vibrant, growing city with a strong tech industry and a high quality of life
• The city is known for its live music scene, outdoor activities, and diverse food culture
• Austin's central location makes it an ideal hub for partner events and conferences

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with the possibility of flexible hours and remote work arrangements. The work schedule may vary depending on partner events and campaigns.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who enjoy working in a dynamic, collaborative environment and are comfortable with occasional travel will thrive in this role.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen with the HR team to discuss the role and assess cultural fit
• In-depth interview with the Head of Marketing to discuss the candidate's experience, skills, and alignment with the company's goals
• Case study or project presentation to demonstrate the candidate's ability to build and execute co-marketing plans
• Final interview with senior leadership to discuss the candidate's long-term fit and growth potential within the company

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and planning skills
• Event planning and program management experience
• Relationship-building and communication skills
• Alignment with company values and culture

Application Tips:

• Highlight your experience with co-marketing initiatives and partner events in your resume and cover letter
• Demonstrate your understanding of the AI-powered software development tools market and Windsurf's offerings in your application materials
• Prepare a case study or project presentation that showcases your ability to build and execute co-marketing plans, focusing on results and ROI
• Be ready to discuss your long-term career goals and how this role fits into your professional development plan

ATS Keywords: Partner Marketing, Co-Marketing, Channel Strategy, Ecosystem GTM, Cloud Providers, Systems Integrators, Tech Partners, MDF, Joint Pipeline Goals, Campaign Attribution, Enablement, Event Planning, Program Management, Communication, Relationship Building, Strategic Mindset, Execution Skills, Developer Tools, Cloud Ecosystems, AI Partnerships

ASSUMPTION: As a growing tech company, Windsurf is looking for candidates who are eager to learn, adaptable, and committed to driving the company's success through strategic partnerships and marketing efforts.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo)
• Event management software (e.g., Cvent, Eventbrite)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
• AI-powered software development tools (e.g., Windsurf's plugin)

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable using marketing automation platforms, event management software, and collaboration tools. Familiarity with AI-powered software development tools is a plus.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation: Windsurf values creativity, experimentation, and continuous learning
• Collaboration: The company fosters a culture of teamwork and open communication
• Customer-centric: Windsurf prioritizes the needs and success of its customers

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced: Windsurf operates in a rapidly changing environment, and employees must be adaptable and comfortable with change
• Collaborative: The company values teamwork and cross-functional collaboration
• Results-driven: Windsurf focuses on achieving measurable results and driving business impact

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments, and are you comfortable with change?
• Are you an effective communicator and relationship-builder, with experience working with multiple stakeholders?
• Are you results-driven, with a proven track record of achieving measurable outcomes in partner marketing or channel strategy roles?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are adaptable, collaborative, and results-driven will be well-suited to Windsurf's culture and work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple partner relationships and co-marketing initiatives simultaneously
• Balancing strategic planning and hands-on execution in a fast-paced environment
• Occasional travel for partner events and conferences
• Keeping up with the latest trends and developments in the AI-powered software development tools market

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are organized, prioritize effectively, and are comfortable with occasional travel will be well-equipped to handle the challenges of this role.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike traditional marketing roles, this position focuses primarily on partner marketing and co-branded initiatives, rather than direct customer acquisition or brand awareness campaigns
• As a mid-sized tech company, Windsurf offers a more collaborative and agile work environment than larger enterprises, with ample opportunities for growth and impact
• This role is well-suited to candidates seeking to advance their careers in partner marketing or channel strategy, with the potential to take on additional responsibilities or lead a team in the future

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are interested in partner marketing or channel strategy roles and are seeking a dynamic, collaborative work environment will find this role appealing.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a co-marketing plan with a cloud provider to showcase joint value and drive pipeline for Windsurf's plugin
• Planning and executing a partner-led event, such as an executive roundtable or sponsored conference, to create a high-impact experience for attendees
• Building a partner marketing playbook, including toolkits, campaign templates, and onboarding guides, to enable repeatable success across the partner ecosystem

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are designed to demonstrate the candidate's ability to build and execute co-marketing plans, activate high-impact partner events, and create scalable programs to drive partner marketing success.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the company's long-term vision for partner marketing and how this role fits into that strategy?
• How does Windsurf support the growth and development of its partner marketing team members?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does Windsurf measure the success of its partner marketing efforts, and what KPIs are most important for this role?
• What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how does that manifest in this role?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to help candidates assess the company's long-term vision, growth opportunities, and work environment, as well as understand the key priorities and expectations for the role.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Highlight your experience with co-marketing initiatives and partner events in your resume and cover letter
• Prepare a case study or project presentation that showcases your ability to build and execute co-marketing plans, focusing on results and ROI
• Be ready to discuss your long-term career goals and how this role fits into your professional development plan
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.