Director, Demand Partnerships

ABOUT THE ROLE

COOL (cool.co) is looking for a driven and commercially savvy Director, Demand Partnerships to lead the expansion of our demand-side relationships across North America and key global markets. This is a high-impact, revenue-generating role at the intersection of programmatic strategy, commercial negotiation, and partner development.

As Director, Demand Partnerships, you will own the full lifecycle of new demand partner acquisition - from prospecting DSPs and independent trading desks to executing contracts and driving first campaign activation. You will build the pipeline, close the deals, and develop go-to-market strategies that position COOL's inventory as the preferred choice for performance-driven buyers.

This role sits within the US entity and reports to senior revenue leadership. You will be an external face of COOL at industry events, a credible voice in programmatic, and a key driver of our net-new demand revenue targets.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

New Partnership Development

• Proactively source and open new demand relationships with DSPs and independent trading desks across North America and key global markets.
• Build and manage a structured pipeline of prospective demand partners, moving opportunities efficiently from initial outreach through contract execution and first campaign activation.
• Lead all aspects of commercial negotiation, including deal structuring, pricing strategy, and contractual terms, in close partnership with legal and finance stakeholders.
• Represent COOL at industry conferences, trade events, and client-facing engagements as a credible and compelling voice in programmatic advertising.

Strategic Growth & Revenue

• Own and deliver against a net-new demand revenue target on a quarterly and annual basis, with clear accountability for pipeline generation and deal closure.
• Develop and execute go-to-market strategies that align COOL's inventory proposition with the specific buying priorities and performance objectives of prospective demand partners.
• Leverage proof-of-concept deal frameworks - including private marketplace deals and curated deal structures - to demonstrate measurable value and accelerate partner adoption.
• Translate market intelligence and buyer feedback into actionable product and positioning insights for internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with yield, product, and ad operations teams to ensure seamless onboarding and partner satisfaction post-deal.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 7+ years of experience in programmatic advertising, with a focus on demand-side partnerships, business development, or sales.
• Proven track record of building and closing commercial relationships with DSPs, ATDs, or agency trading desks.
• Deep understanding of the programmatic ecosystem - RTB, PMPs, deal IDs, header bidding, and SSP/DSP dynamics.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in deal structuring, pricing, and contract negotiation.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage a structured sales pipeline with consistent conversion velocity.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Comfort representing a company externally - at trade shows, conferences, and in client-facing settings.

Preferred

• Experience at a supply-side platform (SSP), ad network, or publisher monetization business.
• Existing relationships with programmatic buyers and trading desks in North American markets.
• Familiarity with CTV, mobile, or emerging programmatic channels.
• Experience working with legal and finance teams on complex commercial agreements.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES

What We Look For

Commercial Drive - Consistently pursues and closes new revenue opportunities with urgency and discipline.

Relationship Building - Earns trust quickly; cultivates long-term, value-driven partnerships.

Strategic Thinking - Connects market dynamics to COOL's positioning and product strengths.

Negotiation Mastery - Skilled at structuring deals that align partner needs with COOL's business goals.

Communication - Adapts messaging for buyers, executives, and internal teams with clarity and confidence.

Pipeline Rigor - Maintains structured, data-driven view of the demand pipeline and forecasts accurately.

Cross-Functional Collaboration - Works effectively with yield, product, legal, and ops to move deals forward.

Market Credibility - Recognized voice in the programmatic community; comfortable at industry events.

Cultural Competencies

• Must be able to work primarily between the hours of 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM ET
• Must have a player/coach mentality, willing to both execute and lead
• Ability to juggle multiple projects concurrently and set and meet deadlines
• Skilled at receiving and providing direct feedback
• Collaborative mindset and great teamwork skills
• Entrepreneurial & adaptable; great learning skills
• Curious, research-minded, data-informed
• Able to search for possible solutions and apply them
• Creative confidence
• Proactive communicator
• A sense of humor and a love of online culture
• Thrives in a start-up culture

Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Annual Performance Bonus
• Paid Time Off
• Company Holidays
• Flexible work schedule
• 401k