Job Summary

The Strategic Partnerships Lead will play a pivotal role on the CDV team, driving partnership strategy and engagement both within Compass and in the external innovation ecosystem. They will focus on building strong relationships across business units and positioning CDV as a core innovation driver. A key part of the role involves elevating CDV’s presence in major innovation hubs like San Francisco, New York City, and Toronto. The ideal candidate brings strategic insight, strong relationship-building abilities, and a deep enthusiasm for innovation. They thrive on connecting stakeholders, leading immersive experiences, and representing CDV at the crossroads of corporate and startup innovation.

Now, if you were to come on board as our Strategic Partnerships Lead, we’d ask you to do the following for us:

• Build Strategic Internal Partnerships: Cultivate strong relationships with leaders across Compass to champion CDV’s innovation agenda and drive internal adoption.
• Lead Innovation Briefings: Organize and present quarterly briefings to Compass executives, highlighting CDV’s portfolio progress and emerging trends.
• Facilitate Pilot Integration: Connect startup partners with Compass operators to initiate pilot programs and scale commercialization efforts.
• Create Innovation Experiences: Design and lead immersive sessions that introduce Compass teams to cutting-edge technologies and startups.
• Elevate CDV’s Brand: Position CDV as a key innovation leader both within Compass and in the broader foodtech ecosystem.
• Develop Compelling Content: Craft impactful narratives and materials that communicate CDV’s research, insights, and strategic focus to stakeholders.
• Activate Innovation Ecosystems: Lead CDV outpost events in major hubs (SF, NYC, Toronto) to engage with top startups and spotlight CDV’s portfolio.
• Expand VC/CVC Partnerships: Strengthen relationships with leading venture and corporate innovation partners (e.g., Pepsi, Google) to source top opportunities and co-develop initiatives.

Think you have what it takes to be our Strategic Partnerships Lead? We’re committed to hiring the best talent for the role. Here’s how we’ll know you’ll be successful in the role:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Business, Marketing, Innovation, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years in partnerships, strategy, innovation, or business development roles.
• Startup/VC Exposure: Experience within the startup or venture capital ecosystem is highly valued.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align innovation initiatives with broader business goals and market dynamics.
• Strong Relationship Builder: Demonstrated success in cultivating trusted partnerships both internally and externally.
• Effective Communicator: Skilled at delivering presentations to senior stakeholders and crafting clear, persuasive messaging.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Proactive and adaptable, thrives in high-growth, fast-moving environments.
• Resourceful & Self-Directed: Comfortable operating with autonomy and driving results independently.