Vice President, Partnerships & Alliances

About Ridgeline

Ridgeline is the first front-to-back system of record for investment managers. Founded by visionary entrepreneur Dave Duffield (co-founder of both PeopleSoft and Workday), the company was created to modernize an industry held back by outdated, disconnected technology. Powered by a single, real-time data set and embedded AI, Ridgeline helps firms automate complexity, accelerate collaboration, and deliver tailored client experiences at scale, without added headcount or risk. Ridgeline is headquartered in Lake Tahoe, with offices in New York, Reno, and the Bay Area, and is recognized by Fast Company as a “Best Workplace for Innovators,” by Frost & Sullivan as a “Technology Innovation Leader,” and by The Software Report as a “Top 100 Software Company.”

Why this role exists

Ridgeline’s partners span technology, market data, custodians, implementation, and operational services, and today they are managed across several teams. As our customers grow in size and complexity, this role will own partnership strategy, turn strong individual partner programs into a company-wide approach, and build an ecosystem that extends our platform. This leader will work directly with senior executives across the company and with partners at the most senior levels.

What success looks like

Success means a defined partner ecosystem strategy, with success metrics and structured programs in place. Market data and implementation partners show meaningful progress against clear priorities. A consistent framework guides how new partnerships are evaluated, and the leader owns executive relationships with key partners.

What you'll do

• Define and execute Ridgeline's partnership strategy across technology, market data, custodian, implementation, and operational partners.
• Build and scale a partner program with clear governance, operating processes, and KPIs for partner performance and business impact.
• Lead partnership and commercial negotiations for market data, implementation, and technology agreements, working with Legal and Finance.
• Serve as the executive relationship owner for key partners, and bring partner perspectives into product, technology, and sales planning.
• Identify strategic alliances and joint go-to-market, referral, or revenue-sharing opportunities that extend the platform and expand market reach.
• Decide which partnerships to invest in and which to maintain as they are, and report partnership performance to executive leadership.

What we look for

• 15+ years of progressive experience in strategic partnerships, alliances, business development, or ecosystem leadership, ideally within enterprise SaaS, financial technology, or investment management software.
• Hands-on experience running a partner program, including governance, KPIs, and operating processes.
• Proven success developing and executing partnership strategies that drive business growth, competitive differentiation, product innovation, and customer value.
• Demonstrated ability to build, expand, and lead complex partner ecosystems spanning technology providers, data vendors, professional services firms, and strategic industry relationships.
• Strong strategic and commercial acumen, with experience identifying business development opportunities, structuring mutually beneficial partnerships, and developing innovative commercial models.
• Proven ability to establish and influence executive-level relationships, negotiate strategic agreements, and build long-term alliances with senior industry leaders.
• Experience developing partnerships that contribute to revenue growth through joint go-to-market initiatives, referral arrangements, revenue-sharing models, or other commercial opportunities.
• Deep understanding of partnership economics, financial evaluation, contract negotiations, and the strategic tradeoffs involved in building and maintaining a partner ecosystem.
• Experience partnering with Product and Technology leadership to align ecosystem development with product strategy, integrations, and emerging market opportunities.
• Strong cross-functional leadership skills, with the ability to influence and align stakeholders across Product, Technology, Customer Experience, Sales, Finance, and Legal.
• Strong executive presence, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to represent Ridgeline externally and influence strategic decisions internally.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, balance competing priorities, and make sound strategic decisions in a fast-paced, growing organization.
• A collaborative, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to think strategically while remaining engaged in execution and delivering measurable results.

Bonus Points

• Experience in investment management, including asset managers and the technology supporting front-, middle-, and back-office workflows.
• Familiarity with market data licensing, usage rights, and vendor agreements.
• Experience building implementation or services partner programs that expand delivery capacity. 

Compensation and Benefits 

The typical starting salary range for this role is: $223,000 - $288,000.

Final compensation amounts are determined by multiple factors, including candidate experience and expertise, and may vary from the amount listed above. 

As an employee at Ridgeline, you’ll have many opportunities for advancement in your career and can make a true impact on the product. 

In addition to the base salary, Ridgeline employees can participate in our Company Stock Plan subject to the applicable Stock Option Agreement. We also offer rich benefits that reflect the kind of organization we want to be: one in which our employees feel valued and are inspired to bring their best selves to work. These include unlimited vacation, educational and wellness reimbursements, and $0 cost employee insurance plans. Please check out our Careers page for a more comprehensive overview of our perks and benefits.

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