Strategic VC & PE Partnerships Manager

Gusto; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 153,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Gusto is seeking a VC & PE Partnerships Manager to own and scale relationships with venture capital and private equity firms. You’ll shape the investor ecosystem strategy across partnerships, marketing, events, and sales, delivering programmatic, scalable motions.

You’ll collaborate with cross‑functional teams to define the right partner portfolio, drive net‑new sourcing, and measure impact on ARR and founder reach. Hybrid work in multiple locations is common.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in partnerships, ecosystem development, venture or growth programs, or adjacent roles.
• 3+ years of experience with the venture capital and private equity ecosystem, including founders, operators, and investors.
• Proven ability to independently lead complex, cross-functional partnership initiatives.
• Ability to translate ambiguous inputs into clear strategy and execution plans.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Partnerships

Ecosystem development

Venture capital

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Gusto is seeking a VC & PE Partnerships Manager to own and scale relationships with venture capital and private equity firms. You’ll shape the investor ecosystem strategy across partnerships, marketing, events, and sales, delivering programmatic, scalable motions.

You’ll collaborate with cross‑functional teams to define the right partner portfolio, drive net‑new sourcing, and measure impact on ARR and founder reach. Hybrid work in multiple locations is common.