📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: VP, Partnerships & Alliances
🔹 Company: Zinnia
🔹 Location: Greenwich, CT - Hybrid
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Software Development
🔹 Date Posted: April 17, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 15+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading the development and execution of go-to-market plans for partnerships
- Driving the end-to-end partnership lifecycle, from sourcing to implementation
- Creating compelling business cases for strategic initiatives
- Collaborating cross-functionally with various teams to ensure partner success and awareness
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong communication skills, and experience working with multiple stakeholders, including C-level executives.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead the development and execution of go-to-market plans for partners across the ecosystem, including system integrations and industry-specific strategies
✅ Work collaboratively with product and marketing teams to ensure partner success and awareness
✅ Expand awareness, pipeline, and growth by effectively prioritizing and leading partners to align with impactful opportunities
✅ Identify and prioritize partnership opportunities with major impact potential
✅ Drive end-to-end partnership lifecycle from sourcing to closing to implementation
✅ Create compelling business cases and secure executive buy-in for strategic initiatives
✅ Establish processes and frameworks for evaluating partnership opportunities
✅ Collaborate cross-functionally with Product, Sales, Marketing, Legal, and Finance teams
ASSUMPTION: The role requires a balance of strategic thinking, relationship-building, and operational execution to drive successful partnerships.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, or a closely related field, MBA preferred
Experience: 15+ years of building and leading large teams and working in matrixed operating structures
Required Skills:
- Knowledge and experience in the Financial Services SAAS ecosystem and partners
- Strong ability to build relationships with customers and partners
- Prior experience leading sales teams and large SAAS deals
- Clear verbal and written communication skills
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working and communicating with multiple stakeholders, C-level executives, and cross-functional teams
- Experience in strategic thinking about business, enterprise software products, and new technology platforms and architectures
ASSUMPTION: Given the role's focus on partnerships and strategic growth, candidates with a strong background in business development, sales, or similar fields are likely to be successful.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $270,000.00 to $300,000.00 (Estimated based on location and experience level)
Benefits:
- Health/Dental Insurance
- Parental Leave
- Profit Sharing
- 401(k)
- Incentive/Bonus Opportunity
- Tuition Reimbursement
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on the location and experience level required for this role. Actual compensation may vary based on individual qualifications and skills.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Software Development, specifically focused on Life Insurance and Annuity Administration
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees (Mid-size)
Founded: 2005
Company Description:
- Zinnia simplifies L&A insurance by delivering comprehensive technology solutions for the industry’s most critical needs
- Enables carriers and distributors to build, sell, and service insurance, helping more people get the coverage they need and the service they deserve
- Backed by funds managed by KKR and Vista Credit Partners, leading global investment firms
Company Specialties:
- Life Insurance and Annuity Administration
- Agent Licensing & Commissions
- Digital Operations
- Digital Transformation
- Software
- Life Insurance Software
Company Website: zinnia.com
ASSUMPTION: Zinnia's focus on Life Insurance and Annuity Administration makes it a unique player in the software development industry, offering opportunities for growth and innovation in the insurance sector.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Executive (VP level)
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Partnerships and Strategic Growth
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (On-site with remote flexibility)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to expand the partner function and lead a team
- Opportunity to drive strategic growth and impact the company's overall success
- Possibility to work with diverse stakeholders, including C-level executives, and gain exposure to various aspects of the business
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with the opportunity to make a substantial impact on the company's strategic direction.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid (On-site with remote flexibility)
Office Location(s): Greenwich, CT
Geographic Context:
- Greenwich, CT is a suburban town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, with a population of approximately 63,000
- Known for its wealthy residential communities, high-end shopping, and scenic waterfront
- Offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with easy access to New York City
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with some flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, catering to different work preferences.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR team
- On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members
- Final round interview with senior leadership
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Relationship-building and stakeholder management abilities
- Cultural fit and alignment with Zinnia's core values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in partnership development, strategic growth, and cross-functional collaboration
- Prepare examples of successful partnerships you've led and the impact you've driven
- Research Zinnia's business and industry to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its goals
ATS Keywords: Partnership Development, Strategic Growth, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Sales Leadership, Relationship Building, Business Case Development, Financial Services Knowledge, SAAS Experience, Executive Communication, Team Leadership, Process Establishment, Market Awareness, Pipeline Growth, Stakeholder Engagement, Integration Management, Impact Assessment
ASSUMPTION: Zinnia's application process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, communication skills, and cultural fit, with a focus on their ability to drive successful partnerships and growth.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary, but candidates should be comfortable using common CRM, project management, and communication platforms.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Be Bold: Take calculated risks and challenge the status quo
- Team Up: Collaborate and support each other to achieve common goals
- Deliver Value: Focus on creating meaningful impact for customers, partners, and employees
Work Style:
- Strategic and forward-thinking
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on delivering value
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and enjoy working with diverse stakeholders?
- Are you comfortable taking calculated risks and challenging the status quo?
- Do you have a proven track record of building successful partnerships and driving strategic growth?
ASSUMPTION: Zinnia values candidates who are bold, collaborative, and focused on delivering value, with a strong track record of successful partnership development and strategic growth.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple stakeholders and priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Balancing strategic thinking with operational execution to drive successful partnerships
- Adapting to a hybrid work arrangement and maintaining effective communication with remote team members
- Navigating the complexities of the Life Insurance and Annuity Administration industry
ASSUMPTION: While this role offers significant growth potential, it also presents unique challenges that require strong strategic thinking, communication, and adaptability.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike traditional sales or business development roles, this position focuses more on strategic partnership development and less on direct sales or revenue generation
- Requires a strong understanding of the Financial Services SAAS ecosystem and partnerships, as well as experience working with C-level executives and cross-functional teams
- Offers the opportunity to drive strategic growth and impact the company's overall success, with potential for team leadership and expansion of the partner function
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on strategic partnership development and growth, requiring a specific set of skills and experiences that may differ from traditional sales or business development positions.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a go-to-market plan for a new partnership, resulting in a significant increase in pipeline and revenue
- Identifying and prioritizing high-impact partnership opportunities, and successfully closing and implementing those partnerships
- Creating a comprehensive business case for a strategic initiative, securing executive buy-in and driving successful execution
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, relationship-building, and operational aspects of the role, showcasing the candidate's ability to drive successful partnerships and growth.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the current partner ecosystem and how this role will contribute to its growth and success?
- How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in this role?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the partnership function, and how can this role address them?
- How does the company measure the success of its partnerships, and how will this role be evaluated against those metrics?
- What is the company's long-term vision for the partnership function, and how does this role fit into that strategy?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions help candidates better understand the role's context, expectations, and growth opportunities, allowing them to assess their fit and prepare for 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 in partnership development, strategic growth, and cross-functional collaboration
- Prepare examples of successful partnerships you've led and the impact you've driven
- Research Zinnia's business and industry to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its goals
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
