Channel Partnerships Manager, Investor Ecosystems – VC & PE

Gusto

Channel Partnerships Manager for Gusto managing relationships with VC & PE firms. Responsible for strategy, partnerships, and engagement across the investor ecosystem.

Posted 7/7/2026full-timePhoenix • Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $185,000 - $200,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own Gusto's VC & PE partnership strategy end to end, accountable for results across the function
Define and maintain a clear partner portfolio, including which partners warrant 1:1 investment versus scaled engagement
Build repeatable, programmatic partnership motions (e.g., portfolio company programs, founder and operator education, marketplace or platform integrations)
Serve as the Tier 1 point of contact for a core group of high-impact ecosystem partners
Collaborate closely with Partner Marketing and Events to design scalable programs and moments of engagement
Partner with Recruit and other internal teams to align on net-new partner sourcing over time
Track and evaluate ecosystem impact across metrics such as ARR, pipeline influence, and founder reach
Represent Gusto externally as a credible, recognized voice in the VC & PE ecosystem, and provide thought leadership to internal teams and external partners.

Requirements

What you’ll need

10+ years of experience in partnerships, ecosystem development, venture or growth programs, or adjacent roles
Deep familiarity with the venture capital and private equity ecosystem, including founders, operators, and investors
Proven ability to independently lead complex, cross-functional partnership initiatives that balance relationship depth with scalability
Strong judgment around where to invest time and where to say 'not now'
Comfort working cross-functionally and influencing without direct authority
Ability to translate ambiguous inputs into clear strategy and execution plans
Experience working at or closely with a VC or PE firm, high-growth company, or ecosystem platform
Background in program design, portfolio engagement, or platform partnerships
Experience evaluating partnership impact beyond direct revenue attribution.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive base pay
Health insurance
401(k) plans
Paid time off
Equity (RSUs)

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Soft Skills

Strong JudgmentInfluencing Without AuthorityStrategic Execution