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Sr. Director, Channel Partnerships

DigitalOcean
Full-time
On-site
Denver, Colorado, United States
🌐 Digital Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Sr. Director, Channel Partnerships

πŸ”Ή Company: DigitalOcean

πŸ”Ή Location: Denver, Colorado, United States

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-time, Remote

πŸ”Ή Category: Software Development

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: 2025-08-07

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 10+ years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: Remote Solely

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Developing and executing DigitalOcean’s channel and partner strategy
  • Recruiting, growing, and monetizing relationships with cloud-native and AI-centric partners
  • Building and leading a high-performing partner sales team
  • Collaborating cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Product, and other teams
  • Operating with a strategic, entrepreneurial mindset in a fast-scaling environment

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic thinker with a proven track record in channel partnerships and a strong understanding of cloud computing and AI.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Define, lead, and execute DigitalOcean’s channel and partner strategy, focusing on recruiting, growing, and monetizing relationships with cloud-native and AI-centric partners serving digital-native businesses

βœ… Identify and recruit strategic, high-potential partners focused on AI and digital-native businesses

βœ… Develop joint GTM strategies and commercial models that incentivize partner engagement and drive pipeline and revenue growth

βœ… Partner with internal Sales and Marketing teams to design and execute joint marketing campaigns, co-selling programs, and event strategies that drive partner-led pipeline and customer acquisition

βœ… Enable partners to deliver AI workloads and modern application solutions on DigitalOcean’s platform

βœ… Track and report on pipeline generation, deal velocity, and close rates from the channel to ensure visibility and accountability across the organization

βœ… Lead strategic negotiations and co-sell motions with top-tier partners; manage executive-level relationships to ensure alignment and joint investment

βœ… Work with the partner program manager to create scalable onboarding, certification, and enablement programs to ensure partners are technically and commercially equipped to succeed with DigitalOcean

βœ… Develop and manage partner tiers, incentive structures, and deal registration processes to support partner growth, alignment, and fairness

βœ… Own forecasting, reporting, and operational KPIs for the partner channel

βœ… Work with systems and ops teams to define partner workflows, tooling, and performance tracking

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong strategic thinking, business acumen, and the ability to work effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in business, technology, or a related field required; MBA or advanced technical degree is a plus

Experience: 7+ years of experience in channel partnerships, business development, or indirect sales within the cloud infrastructure, SaaS, or AI/ML ecosystem, with a strong track record of building and scaling partner programs that deliver measurable revenue impact

Required Skills:

  • Proven success recruiting, onboarding, and managing different types of partners (VARs, MSPs, system integrators, ISVs, AI solution providers, and consultancies)
  • Understanding of cloud computing concepts and technologies (IaaS, PaaS, containers, Kubernetes, developer tools, AI/ML frameworks, GPU workloads)
  • Familiarity with the needs and buying behaviors of digital-native companies
  • Demonstrated ability to build and lead a high-performing partner sales team
  • Strong strategic thinking and business acumen
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and executive engagement skills
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with comfort navigating ambiguity and solving complex problems

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience working cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Product, Legal, and Customer Success teams
  • Familiarity with CRM and PRM tools (e.g., Salesforce, Crossbeam, Impartner, PartnerStack, etc.)

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in channel partnerships and a deep understanding of cloud computing and AI are most likely to succeed in this role.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $191,920 - $287,880 per year (based on market data, relevant years of experience, and skills)

Benefits:

  • Competitive Salary
  • Bonus
  • Equity Compensation
  • Employee Stock Purchase Program
  • Career Development Resources
  • Flexible Time Off
  • Employee Assistance Program

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on market data and relevant experience. Benefits are competitive and designed to support employees' well-being and career growth.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: DigitalOcean is a leading cloud computing platform provider, simplifying cloud infrastructure for developers and businesses

Company Size: DigitalOcean has 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a large and diverse work environment

Founded: 2012, with a focus on simplicity, security, community, and customer support

Company Description:

  • DigitalOcean simplifies cloud computing so businesses can spend more time creating software that changes the world
  • Offers mission-critical infrastructure and fully managed offerings to help developers rapidly build, deploy, and scale
  • Supports a wide range of customers, from startups to growing digital businesses

Company Specialties:

  • Cloud Computing
  • Cloud Servers
  • Virtual Hosting
  • Cloud Hosting
  • Cloud Infrastructure
  • Simple Hosting
  • Virtual Servers

Company Website: https://www.digitalocean.com

ASSUMPTION: DigitalOcean's focus on simplicity and customer support creates a unique work environment that prioritizes innovation and customer success.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position, requiring strategic decision-making and team management

Reporting Structure: The Sr. Director of Channel Partnerships will report directly to the VP of Business Development or a similar role

Work Arrangement: This is a remote role, with the flexibility to work from anywhere in the United States

Growth Opportunities:

  • Leading and expanding the partner sales team
  • Expanding DigitalOcean's partner ecosystem and revenue streams
  • Potential career progression into a VP or C-level role

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with the opportunity to make a substantial impact on DigitalOcean's business.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: DigitalOcean has a remote-first work culture, with no physical office requirement for this role

Office Location(s): DigitalOcean's headquarters is in Broomfield, Colorado, but this role can be performed remotely from anywhere in the United States

Geographic Context:

  • Denver, Colorado, is a major tech hub with a thriving startup scene and a high cost of living
  • The remote work arrangement allows for greater flexibility in choosing a location that best fits the candidate's lifestyle and budget
  • DigitalOcean's remote-first culture fosters collaboration and inclusivity across geographic boundaries

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a flexible work arrangement that prioritizes results and work-life balance

ASSUMPTION: The remote work arrangement and flexible work schedule allow for a better work-life balance and the ability to attract top talent from across the United States.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application review
  • Phone or video screen with the HR team
  • Technical interview with the hiring manager or a team member
  • On-site or video interview with the VP of Business Development or a similar role
  • Final decision and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Strategic thinking and business acumen
  • Channel partnership and cloud computing expertise
  • Leadership and team management skills
  • Communication and negotiation skills
  • Alignment with DigitalOcean's mission and values

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your channel partnership and cloud computing experience
  • Be prepared to discuss specific examples of your success in building and scaling partner programs
  • Demonstrate your understanding of DigitalOcean's platform and value proposition
  • Showcase your ability to work effectively with both internal and external stakeholders

ATS Keywords: Channel Partnerships, Business Development, Cloud Infrastructure, SaaS, AI/ML, Partner Management, GTM Strategies, Negotiation, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Operational Excellence, Strategic Thinking, Communication, Team Leadership, Technical Engagement, Customer Success

ASSUMPTION: DigitalOcean's interview process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, channel partnership expertise, and cultural fit.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • CRM and PRM tools (e.g., Salesforce, Crossbeam, Impartner, PartnerStack, etc.)
  • Cloud computing platforms (e.g., DigitalOcean, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
  • AI/ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn)
  • Project management and collaboration tools (e.g., Asana, Jira, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard in the cloud computing and AI industries, with a focus on CRM and PRM tools for partner management.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Simplicity
  • Security
  • Community
  • Customer Support

Work Style:

  • Remote-first and flexible work arrangements
  • Collaborative and inclusive team environment
  • Focus on results and work-life balance
  • Fast-paced and entrepreneurial mindset

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you thrive in a remote, collaborative work environment?
  • Are you comfortable navigating ambiguity and solving complex problems in a fast-scaling environment?
  • Do you align with DigitalOcean's mission to simplify cloud computing and support developers and businesses in creating software that changes the world?

ASSUMPTION: DigitalOcean's remote-first culture and focus on simplicity, security, community, and customer support create a unique work environment that prioritizes innovation, collaboration, and customer success.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing a remote, distributed team and fostering a strong company culture
  • Balancing the needs and priorities of multiple stakeholders, including partners, internal teams, and customers
  • Keeping up with the fast-paced evolution of cloud computing and AI technologies
  • Navigating the complexities of partner negotiations, deal registrations, and incentive structures

ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to adapt to a dynamic and evolving work environment.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • Compared to other channel partnership roles, this position focuses more on cloud-native and AI-centric partners, requiring a deeper understanding of these technologies
  • DigitalOcean's focus on simplicity and customer support differentiates it from other cloud computing providers, creating unique opportunities and challenges
  • Career progression in this role could lead to VP or C-level positions, with the potential to shape DigitalOcean's partner ecosystem and revenue streams

ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities and challenges compared to similar positions in the industry, with a strong focus on cloud computing and AI technologies.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and executing a go-to-market strategy for a new AI-focused partner program
  • Negotiating and closing strategic partnerships with top-tier cloud-native and AI-centric companies
  • Building and scaling a partner sales team to support DigitalOcean's rapid growth and expansion

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, entrepreneurial, and leadership aspects of the Sr. Director of Channel Partnerships role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • How does DigitalOcean support the growth and success of its partners?
  • What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role?
  • How does DigitalOcean foster a strong company culture in a remote work environment?
  • What opportunities are there for career growth and development within the partner team and across the organization?
  • How does DigitalOcean measure the success of its partner program, and what metrics are most important to track?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role, your understanding of DigitalOcean's business, and your commitment to driving partner success and growth.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your channel partnership and cloud computing experience
  • Prepare examples of your success in building and scaling partner programs
  • Demonstrate your understanding of DigitalOcean's platform and value proposition
  • Follow up with the hiring manager or HR team 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.