Director of Partnerships & Talent Relations

Job description

Director of Partnerships & Talent Relations

Music Evolved Records (MER)
Division: EvoEvents (Live Events, Tours & Activations)

Location: Remote with Required Travel
Travel Requirement: 50–60% (events, activations, in-person meetings)
Reports To: Chief Sales Officer (CSO) / CEO
Direct Reports (Year 1): None

Position Overview

The Director of Partnerships & Talent Relations is responsible for developing, curating, and monetizing participation opportunities for independent artists, independent labels, emerging speakers, and experiential partners across Music Evolved Records’ tours, live events, and branded activations.

This role operates under a pay-to-participate model, where artists, speakers, vendors, and partners pay to be part of the tour or event in exchange for exposure, performance opportunities, content creation, networking, and brand alignment.

This is a senior, revenue-driven role focused on relationship development, deal execution, and direct contribution to event profitability.

Core Responsibilities

Independent Artist & Label Partnerships

• Recruit and onboard independent artists and independent labels for tours and live events
• Sell paid performance slots, tour participation packages, and exposure opportunities
• Structure participation packages that may include:
• Live performance slots
• Media and content exposure
• Networking and industry access
• Manage artist onboarding, agreements, payments, and expectations

Speaker Partnerships (Pay-to-Participate)

• Recruit new and emerging speakers aligned with event themes (business, wellness, creativity, culture, etc.)
• Sell paid speaking opportunities, panels, workshops, and branded sessions
• Ensure speakers align with audience value and event experience

Vendor & Experiential Partnerships

• Secure paid vendors, experiential partners, and activation partners
• Sell booth placements, activations, and branded experiences
• Ensure vendors enhance the attendee experience while meeting revenue targets

Revenue & Deal Execution

• Own the full partnership sales cycle: outreach, pitch, close, and payment collection
• Maintain a strong partnership pipeline tied to event and tour revenue goals
• Track all deals, revenue, and participation details in the CRM

Event Alignment & On-Site Support

• Curate partners, artists, and speakers aligned with MER’s brand and audience
• Collaborate with Sales, Events, Marketing, and Operations teams
• Support partner, artist, and speaker experience during live events

Compensation Structure

(Performance-Based | Activation Draw Model | Uncapped Upside)

Draw (Activation-Based)

• $2,000 monthly draw
• Draw activates only after $5,000 in collected participation or partnership revenue
• Draw is recoverable and offset against earned commissions
• Draw eligibility reviewed monthly based on continued performance

Commission Structure

(Paid on collected revenue only)

• 15% commission on all collected revenue from:
• Independent artist & label participation fees
• Speaker participation packages
• Vendor booth fees and experiential activations

Monthly Performance Bonuses

Monthly Collected Revenue Bonuses

$10,000 Collected: $750 bonus

$20,000 Collected: $1,500 bonus

$35,000+ Collected: $3,000 bonus

Rules:

• Bonuses are earned monthly
• One bonus tier per month (non-stacking)
• Revenue must be collected within the same month

Event-Based Performance Bonuses

Event Partnership Revenue Bonuses (Per Event)

$20,000 Collected: $1,000 bonus

$40,000 Collected: $2,500 bonus

$60,000+ Collected: $5,000 bonus

Multi-Event Acceleration Bonus

• $2,500 bonus for securing paid participants and/or partners across 3 or more events within a 90-day period

Expected Earnings (Illustrative)

Conservative

$75,000–$95,000

Strong Performer

$110,000–$150,000

Top Performer

$180,000+

Earnings are based on collected revenue and event volume.

Travel & Availability

• Travel required for tours, live events, activations, and in-person meetings
• Evening and weekend availability during live events

Qualifications

• 7+ years experience in partnerships, talent relations, events, or entertainment
• Experience working with independent artists, labels, speakers, or vendors
• Proven ability to sell participation-based or sponsorship-style packages
• Strong relationship management and closing skills
• Comfortable in performance-based compensation environments

Year 2 Growth Opportunity

Based on performance and company growth, this role may expand to:

• Build and manage Vendor, Speaker, or Artist Partnership Managers
• Earn team overrides
• Advance into Head of Partnerships or Chief Partnerships Officer

Why This Role Matters

This role is a core revenue engine for MER’s tours and live events. It directly impacts:

• Event and tour profitability
• Lineup quality and audience experience
• Scalable revenue without heavy payroll costs

This is not a traditional booking role — it is a monetized partnership and talent opportunity role

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $50,000.00 - $200,000.00 per year

Application Question(s):

• Describe your experience securing paid partnerships, sponsorships, or participation-based deals (artists, speakers, vendors, brands, or talent). Include the average deal size and total revenue you have generated in a 6–12 month period.
• This role sells pay-to-participate opportunities for independent artists, independent labels, and emerging speakers. What is your experience selling opportunities, exposure, or access rather than traditional products or services?
• This role includes a $2,000 monthly draw that activates only after $5,000 in collected revenue and is offset against commissions. Are you comfortable with this structure?
• What is a realistic monthly partnership revenue target you believe you can achieve within your first 90 days, and how would you plan to reach it?
• This job will require 50-60% travel. Can you do that?
• Why should we hire you?

Work Location: In person