VP Partnerships, SRW

What We Do 

At C.A. Fortune, we aspire to maintain our position as the nation’s leading consumer brands agency. We realize how fortunate we are (pun intended) to offer comprehensive solutions to our clients. From sales management to marketing, all the way down to insights and e-commerce, our boutique service model offers a breadth of services to our clients. 

Who We Are 

People. Passion. Purpose. Our people are the core of our business. Our unique boutique service model allows our people to follow their passions with a purpose, all while delivering excellent services to our clients. We are committed to living out our values. We are fearless and curious innovators who lead with solutions, empower others, and do the right thing, always. We are a family-first organization and recognize the importance of a healthy and flexible work-life balance, a positive support system, and the power of diversity and inclusion. 

Overview of the Role 

The VP Partnerships is a master at the art of earned media, has relationships with all the right connections, and can successfully navigate influencer and celebrity partnerships for SRW | C.A. clients in the better-for-you CPG world. They are a true leader who enjoys teaching by example and celebrating the wins across their team of Public Relations and Influencer Marketing experts. They are also an entrepreneur at heart, always strategizing to create opportunities for their clients and SRW. 

In addition to managing and growing a team of direct reports, the VP Partnerships will work alongside the cross-functional team to lead, integrate and progress our agency’s overall Partnerships practice (PR, influencer, celebrity partnerships and brand partnerships). They will be instrumental in evolving and enhancing the way SRW approaches and positions our partnership capabilities and how it continues to service our clients’ expanding needs. 

• Fully remote OR hybrid 2-3 days in office if local to Chicago, IL (within a 1 hour commute)
• Salary: $160,000 - $200,000 based on experience, qualifications, and skills
• At C.A. we’re not looking for perfection, just people that want to commit to a us and grow their careers long-term. We are on a mission to build better brands that inspire healthier lifestyles for consumers and their families. If you’re looking for a sign to apply, here it is!  

What You’ll Do at C.A. Fortune

• Lead SRW’s PR, Influencer and Partnerships efforts across all client accounts on a day-to-day basis; client-facing on key accounts and others when needed 
• Motivate and empower the cross-functional team (Client Services, Strategy, Paid Media, Creative) to think outside the box and create work that garners earned media attention  
• Offer guidance and mentorship for various strategies and tactics to get media hits and influencer participation  
• Bring expertise on identifying and executing large-scale celebrity partnerships, brand activations and sponsored opportunities 
• Provide oversight and lead: brainstorm sessions, integrated campaign ideation, building connections with consumer and lifestyle publications, and negotiations with high profile influencers 
• Cultivate ideas for integrated campaigns and participate in selling them in with clients; bring earned media ideas that make our clients’ brands and SRW famous 
• Participate in new business pitches and ensure that our Partnerships practice is positioned and tailored for our prospect's needs; bring new business, media connections, and influencer/celebrity connections where appropriate  
• Network and participate in industry events to build and maintain relationships for current and future earned media, influencer and partnership opportunities 
• Proactively stay up to speed on industry trends, social media platforms, competitive landscape and pop culture 
• Ensure the team applies consistent rigor across all of our clients and on every project; outputs should be well written and map back to client goals 
• Guide the training, mentoring and development of your team across senior, mid-level and junior contributors 

What You Should Bring to the Table 

• Exceptional writing, communication and presentation skills, a charismatic presence, and an ability to sell concepts and ideas at an executive level 
• Strong work samples showcasing placements in consumer and lifestyle publications, earned media integrated into large-scale programs, best-in-class influencer campaigns and successful celebrity partnerships 
• A positive energy and a communication style that inspires others 
• 5+ years in a Director role managing a team across traditional PR and Influencer work; 10+ years in CPG, brand and agency settings  

You Will Stand Out If You Have 

• Zero hubris 
• An entrepreneurial spirit and the motivation to implement new and better ways of thinking and working 
• A strong business sense, with an understanding of how to sell ideas to drive business 

Perks 

• At least 16 days of PTO 
• Bonus eligible
• 11 paid company holidays per year 
• 2 paid volunteer days per year 
• 3 months fully paid parental leave (regardless of gender) 
• Medical, dental, and vision 
• Paid company life insurance 
• 401k with company match 
• Summer hours (half day Fridays from Memorial Day thru Labor Day) 
• Work from home flexibility 

Come As You Are 

C.A. is committed to making our company more inclusive. Diversity fuels our innovation and better connects us to our clients, our colleagues, and our communities. Based on research, we know that women and other marginalized groups tend to apply to roles only when their experience perfectly matches the job description. That said, we encourage you to apply if you meet the majority of qualifications, especially if this role aligns with your career trajectory.