Head of Partnerships

The Portal

Austin, TX

25-30 hours per week | Contract with performance-based upside

The 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.

We 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 autonomously
• Has a strong existing network
• Is comfortable closing six-figure partnerships
• Wants meaningful upside without a full-time commitment

You 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.

• Lead end-to-end strategy and execution to secure 10-15 Founding Brand Partners at $50K - $100K each
• Own the full partnership lifecycle: sourcing, outreach, pitching, negotiation, and close
• Identify and prioritize brands aligned with The Portal’s values, audience, and aesthetic
• Collaborate closely with founders to refine positioning, narratives, and partner materials
• Manage partner onboarding and ensure delivery of agreed benefits
  

• Secure 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 value
• Build partnerships that feel curated, long-term, and aligned
  

• Source and close brand sponsors for major Portal events
• Source and close in-kind donations for events
• Package and sell event-specific sponsorship opportunities
• Act as the primary relationship owner for event sponsors
  

• Serve as a trusted ambassador of The Portal to senior brand leaders
• Maintain a high bar for taste, alignment, and integrity in all partnerships
• Build relationships that extend beyond one-off deals
  

• Proven experience closing sponsorships or partnerships
• Existing relationships across brands, marketing, partnerships, or executive leadership
• Comfort operating in a part-time, outcome-driven role
• Strong storytelling and negotiation skills
• High taste level and sensitivity to brand alignment
• Self-directed, organized, and execution-focused
  

• Monthly retainer
• Attractive commission on all sponsorship revenue closed
• Additional bonuses for major member-benefit partnerships
  

• 10-15 Founding Brand Partners closed ($1M total in revenue)
• Strong pipeline of aligned future sponsors
• High-quality partnerships members actively use and value
• Brands viewing The Portal as a long-term cultural partner
  

• Senior ownership without full-time constraints
• Direct impact on revenue and brand trajectory
• Meaningful upside tied to results
• Close collaboration with founders
  

This is an outcome-driven engagement designed to reward ownership, speed, and results over a defined six-month period.

• 25-30 hours per week
• Flexible schedule
  

• $6,000 per month
• 6-month commitment
• Total guaranteed retainer: $36,000
  

• 10% commission on all sponsorship revenue closed where the candidate originates and manages the relationship
• 5% commission on sponsorship revenue closed where the opportunity is introduced by a third party, and the candidate leads the deal to close
• Deal 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 SXSW

Example:

• $1,000,000 in sponsorships closed → $50,000 - $100,000 commission

• $2,000 bonus per qualified member-benefit partnership secured
• 6 month cap: $20,000 total
• Partnerships must be approved in advance and provide clear, differentiated member value (e.g. hotel groups, wellness brands, travel, lifestyle platforms)
  

• Retainer (6 months): $36,000
• Sponsorship commission (on $1M): $50,000 - $100,000
• Member partnership bonuses: up to $20,000

Total potential: ~$100,000 - $150,000 for part-time 6 month engagement