Partnerships Director

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Partnerships Director

🔹 Company: The Spectator

🔹 Location: Washington, DC

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Media & Publishing

🔹 Date Posted: June 20, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Establishing and growing partnerships to expand The Spectator’s revenue
• Representing The Spectator as a competitor in the premium media market
• Proactively building new relationships and maintaining existing ones
• Collaborating with leadership to influence go-to-market strategy and product assortment

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong networking skills, and a deep understanding of The Spectator's unique audience and competitive landscape.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Maintain full-cycle sales process for in-market clients

✅ Develop and maintain new and existing relationships with partners to grow The Spectator’s market reach

✅ Proactively network across DC to create new opportunities

✅ Own the budget and prospective industry targets and deliver sales strategies

✅ Deliver or exceed quarterly sales targets

✅ Collaborate with leadership to influence go-to-market strategy and product assortment based on market feedback

✅ Represent The Spectator as the in-market brand ambassador

✅ Work flexibly with UK and NYC-based offices

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong self-motivation and organization skills.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Marketing, Journalism)

Experience: 8+ years in digital media, news industry, publisher or platform sales with an emphasis on public affairs organizations in DC

Required Skills:

• Proven track record in digital media sales
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills
• Deep understanding of The Spectator's legacy, brand, style, and competitive landscape
• Expertise in full-cycle sales and generating new relationships

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with trade associations, defense contractors, and financial institutions
• Fluency in Spanish or other languages relevant to DC's diverse market

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in political or advocacy organizations may find this role particularly appealing.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (based on industry standards for similar roles in DC)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Generous PTO and holiday schedule
• Flexible work arrangements

Working Hours: Full-time, with some flexibility for remote work

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in DC. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: The Spectator is a weekly magazine focused on politics, current affairs, and lifestyle. It is the oldest continuously published magazine in the English language.

Company Size: The Spectator has 51-200 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and impact.

Founded: 1828, with a rich history and established brand in the publishing industry.

Company Description:

• Known for its high-quality writing, contentious opinion, and hard-hitting comment
• Covers a wide range of topics, including politics, the arts, books, and life
• Offers regular columns from renowned writers and editorial features of incredible breadth and depth

Company Specialties:

• Politics and current affairs
• Book reviews
• Arts
• Luxury goods and lifestyle
• Publishing
• Debate and events

Company Website: spectator.co.uk

ASSUMPTION: The Spectator's long-standing reputation and diverse content make it an attractive employer for candidates interested in politics, journalism, and publishing.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, offering significant responsibility and autonomy.

Reporting Structure: The Partnerships Director will report directly to the CEO and work closely with the editorial and commercial teams.

Work Arrangement: This role is primarily on-site in Washington, DC, with some flexibility for remote work and collaboration with UK and NYC-based offices.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to expand the role's scope and responsibilities as The Spectator grows
• Opportunities to work with and learn from experienced professionals in the publishing industry
• Possibility to advance to a leadership or executive role within the company

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, given The Spectator's expanding commercial sales operation and its established position in the market.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The Spectator's DC office is a professional, collaborative workspace with a focus on creativity and innovation.

Office Location(s): 22 Old Queen St, London, London SW1H 9HP, GB (UK headquarters); Washington, DC (US office)

Geographic Context:

• Washington, DC is a major hub for politics, policy, and advocacy, providing ample opportunities for networking and partnership development
• The DC office is centrally located, offering easy access to public transportation and amenities
• The region experiences a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers

Work Schedule: Full-time, with some flexibility for remote work and collaboration with UK and NYC-based offices

ASSUMPTION: The DC office provides a dynamic and engaging work environment, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen to assess cultural fit and basic qualifications
• In-depth interview with the CEO and/or other senior team members to discuss the role's responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities
• Final interview or presentation to discuss the candidate's approach to partnership development and sales strategy

Key Assessment Areas:

• Sales and networking skills
• Understanding of The Spectator's brand and competitive landscape
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Cultural fit and alignment with The Spectator's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of The Spectator's unique audience and competitive landscape in your application materials
• Be prepared to discuss your sales strategy and approach to partnership development in interviews

ATS Keywords: Digital Media, Sales, Public Affairs, Networking, Relationship Management, Market Strategy, Budget Management, Sales Targets, Brand Representation, Collaboration, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Full-Cycle Sales, Market Feedback, Product Offering, Revenue Growth, Audience Understanding

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may be competitive, given The Spectator's reputation and the attractive nature of the position. Candidates should tailor their application materials carefully and be prepared to demonstrate their qualifications and fit for the role.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the candidate's preferences and the team's existing workflows.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Independence and impartiality
• High-quality writing and content
• Engaging and thought-provoking debate
• Collaboration and teamwork

Work Style:

• Entrepreneurial and proactive
• Strategic and forward-thinking
• Results-driven and accountable
• Adaptable and responsive to change

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you share The Spectator's commitment to independence and impartiality in journalism?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a focus on results?
• Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented work culture?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with The Spectator's values and work style are more likely to succeed in this role and contribute to the company's ongoing success.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a full-cycle sales process for in-market clients while also proactively networking and developing new partnerships
• Balancing the need to maintain existing relationships with the drive to create new opportunities
• Adapting to the unique competitive landscape and audience of The Spectator
• Working collaboratively with UK and NYC-based offices, despite time zone differences

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome through strong organizational skills, strategic planning, and effective communication with team members and partners.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike traditional sales roles, this position requires a deep understanding of The Spectator's unique audience and competitive landscape
• Compared to other media and publishing roles, this position offers significant autonomy and responsibility
• Career paths for this role may include advancement to leadership or executive positions within The Spectator or related organizations

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their fit with The Spectator's unique brand and audience when evaluating this role compared to similar positions in the industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a strategic sales plan to grow The Spectator's revenue through partnerships
• Identifying and securing new partnerships with relevant organizations in DC and beyond
• Collaborating with editorial and commercial teams to refine The Spectator's product offering and go-to-market strategy

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects reflect the strategic and entrepreneurial nature of the Partnerships Director role, requiring candidates to balance sales, networking, and strategic planning responsibilities.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into The Spectator's overall growth strategy, and what are the key priorities for the first 90 days?
• What are the most successful partnerships The Spectator has developed, and what can I learn from those examples?
• How does The Spectator differentiate itself from other media and publishing outlets, and how can I leverage that unique positioning in my sales efforts?
• What opportunities exist for collaboration with UK and NYC-based offices, and how can I ensure effective communication and coordination across time zones?
• How does The Spectator support the professional development and growth of its employees, and what opportunities exist for advancement in this role?

ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a candidate's interest in understanding the role's context, priorities, and opportunities for growth and success.

📌 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
• Prepare for interviews by researching The Spectator's brand, audience, and competitive landscape
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of 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.