Head of Partnerships

Head of Sponsorships & Strategic Partnerships The PortalAustin, TX25-30 hours per week | Contract with performance-based upsideAbout The PortalThe Portal is an invite-only members club dedicated to human flourishing - bringing together founders, creatives, and cultural leaders. As we launch our Austin location and expand our cultural footprint, we are inviting a small number of aligned partners to help shape the next chapter of the brand.The OpportunityWe are seeking a Head of Sponsorships & Strategic Partnerships to fully own and lead our brand partnership efforts during a critical 6 month growth window.This role is designed for someone who:Can operate autonomouslyHas a strong existing networkIs comfortable closing six-figure partnershipsWants meaningful upside without a full-time commitmentYou will be responsible for securing 10-15 Founding Brand Partners at $50,000 - $100,000 each, while also building a thoughtful ecosystem of partnerships that increase the long-term value of Portal membership.What You’ll OwnFounding Brand Partner Campaign (Primary Focus)Lead end-to-end strategy and execution to secure 10-15 Founding Brand Partners at $50K - $100K eachOwn the full partnership lifecycle: sourcing, outreach, pitching, negotiation, and closeIdentify and prioritize brands aligned with The Portal’s values, audience, and aestheticCollaborate closely with founders to refine positioning, narratives, and partner materialsManage partner onboarding and ensure delivery of agreed benefitsStrategic Member PartnershipsSecure high-quality member benefits and partnerships (e.g. preferred hotel rates, wellness brands, lifestyle, travel, finance)Negotiate exclusive or differentiated offers that meaningfully enhance member valueBuild partnerships that feel curated, long-term, and alignedEvent SponsorshipsSource and close brand sponsors for major Portal eventsSource and close in-kind donations for eventsPackage and sell event-specific sponsorship opportunitiesAct as the primary relationship owner for event sponsorsBrand & Relationship StewardshipServe as a trusted ambassador of The Portal to senior brand leadersMaintain a high bar for taste, alignment, and integrity in all partnershipsBuild relationships that extend beyond one-off dealsWhat We’re Looking ForProven experience closing sponsorships or partnershipsExisting relationships across brands, marketing, partnerships, or executive leadershipComfort operating in a part-time, outcome-driven roleStrong storytelling and negotiation skillsHigh taste level and sensitivity to brand alignmentSelf-directed, organized, and execution-focusedCompensation & UpsideMonthly retainerAttractive commission on all sponsorship revenue closedAdditional bonuses for major member-benefit partnershipsWhat Success Looks Like10-15 Founding Brand Partners closed ($1M total in revenue)Strong pipeline of aligned future sponsorsHigh-quality partnerships members actively use and valueBrands viewing The Portal as a long-term cultural partnerWhy This Role Is SpecialSenior ownership without full-time constraintsDirect impact on revenue and brand trajectoryMeaningful upside tied to resultsClose collaboration with foundersCompensation & Upside (6-Month Retainer)This is an outcome-driven engagement designed to reward ownership, speed, and results over a defined six-month period.Time Commitment25-30 hours per weekFlexible scheduleRetainer (6 Months)$6,000 per month6-month commitmentTotal guaranteed retainer: $36,000Sponsorship Commission (Primary Upside)10% commission on all sponsorship revenue closed where the candidate originates and manages the relationship5% commission on sponsorship revenue closed where the opportunity is introduced by a third party, and the candidate leads the deal to closeDeal attribution will be determined in good faith and agreed upon in advance of closing wherever possible.Applies to:Founding Brand Partners ($100K each)Event sponsorships, including SXSWExample:$1,000,000 in sponsorships closed → $50,000 - $100,000 commissionMember Partnership Bonuses (Non-Cash Benefits)$2,000 bonus per qualified member-benefit partnership secured6 month cap: $20,000 totalPartnerships must be approved in advance and provide clear, differentiated member value (e.g. hotel groups, wellness brands, travel, lifestyle platforms)Total Earning Potential (Illustrative)Retainer (6 months): $36,000Sponsorship commission (on $1M): $50,000 - $100,000Member partnership bonuses: up to $20,000Total potential: ~$100,000 - $150,000 for part-time 6 month engagement