Director, Brand Partnerships

Vast is looking for a  Director, Brand Partnerships, reporting to the SVP of Product and Business Development, to support the business development of corporate brand partnerships that will be hosted in orbit on Vast space stations. You will be responsible for identifying, negotiating, and managing strategic partnerships with global brands and organizations, leveraging the unique environment of Vast space stations.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location. 

Responsibilities: 

• Identify Partnership Opportunities: Scout and assess potential brand partners aligned with our mission and values, capable of leveraging the space station environment for mutual benefit.
• Negotiation and Contract Management: Lead negotiations and finalize partnership agreements, ensuring alignment on deliverables, terms, and conditions that maximize value for both parties.
• Relationship Management: Cultivate strong, long-term relationships with brand partners, serving as the primary point of contact and ensuring ongoing satisfaction and partnership growth.
• Campaign Oversight: Collaborate with internal teams and partners to develop and execute innovative marketing campaigns and activations that resonate within the unique context of space.
• Create and take part in meetings and presentations with executive leadership.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, or a related field. 
• 5+ years of proven experience and developed network in brand partnerships, business development, or related roles, preferably within the aerospace, technology, and/or luxury sectors.
• Strong negotiation skills with a successful track record of securing high-value partnerships.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strategic thinker with a creative mindset, able to develop innovative partnership opportunities that align with our mission and values.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience with facilities and products within an aerospace industry.
• Familiar with crewed operations and space station operations.
• Familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) tools.
• Ability to create and update request for proposals (RFPs).
• Bring a strong existing network of Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) preferably in luxury and exploration brands.
• Comfortable working in a high-stress environment balancing several projects at any given time, and the flexibility to adjust for abrupt changes in strategic direction.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time
• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones