About Us

Rho is the modern banking platform built for startups. Open accounts in minutes, issue cards, manage expenses, pay bills, and close the books – all in one connected platform backed by real human support.

Why This Role Matters

At Rho, we're revolutionizing the way financial operations are conducted at ambitious businesses. Integrating banking and software, we’re dedicated to providing one intuitive, comprehensive solution. The Strategic Partnerships team plays an essential role in our vision, fostering strategic collaborations that introduce Rho to new audiences and provide significant value to our users.

We're looking for someone to create and scale a world-class perks program that rivals some of the best on the market, but is designed specifically for founders and startup employees. This isn't about discount aggregation. It's about securing premium partnerships that deliver real value and reinforce Rho's position as the financial platform for ambitious builders.

You'll own the strategy, negotiation, and execution of our perks program from the ground up, targeting partnerships with brands like Equinox, Uber, airlines, co-working spaces, and other premium services that matter to our audience. This role requires complete autonomy and resourcefulness as you'll launch and scale this program without dedicated product or engineering support to start.

What You’ll Own

Perk Strategy & Execution

• In partnership with the Head of Partnerships, you’ll define the perks program strategy, aligning it with customer needs and Rho's brand positioning as a premium banking platform for startups.

• Identify, prioritize, and pursue strategic partnerships with premium lifestyle, travel, wellness, and productivity brands.

• Build and manage a pipeline of 50+ potential partners across categories including fitness, travel, transportation, food & beverage, workspace, and professional services.

• Lead complex, multi-stakeholder negotiations to secure favorable terms, exclusive offers, and differentiated benefits.

Deal Structuring & Economics

• Structure partnership agreements that balance member value, Rho's economics, and partner ROI.

• Negotiate revenue share, referral fees, or sponsored placement deals where appropriate.

• Model the financial impact of partnerships on customer acquisition, retention, and revenue.

Program Development & Operations

• Launch partnerships using low/no-code solutions: Build member-facing perks pages through partnership with our web and marketing team.

• Create lightweight activation mechanisms: Set up partner redemption flows using forms, unique promo codes, partner portals, or direct email introductions.

Go-to-Market & Member Engagement

• Own the full member communication strategy: Write and send partner announcement emails, create one-pagers, and build self-service resources.

• Collaborate with marketing on major launches, but be prepared to drive most activation and awareness efforts cross-functionally.

• Work with customer success and account management teams to ensure high-value customers are aware of and using the benefits.

About You

• 5-7 years of experience in partnerships, business development, or strategic alliances, with experience running one or more large perk partnerships.

• Proven track record negotiating and closing deals with major brands (ideally consumer-facing companies with national presence).

• Experience launching programs with minimal technical resources: You've built things using no-code tools, partner white-label solutions, or pure operational grit.

• Strong understanding of startup/founder personas and what drives value for this audience.

• Negotiation prowess: Can hold your own in tough negotiations with Fortune 500 brands and secure win-win terms.

• Relationship building: Natural networker who can cultivate senior relationships with partner executives.

• Bias for action: Can move quickly from strategy to execution; you find workarounds rather than getting blocked by dependencies.

Bonus Points

• Existing relationships with partnership teams at target brands (airlines, hotel groups, fitness/wellness brands, etc.)

• Experience with co-branded credit cards, loyalty programs, or membership platforms

• Background working at early-stage startups where you had to wear multiple hats

• Experience using partner white-label portals or platforms (like Perkspot, Fond, or similar aggregators) as a starting point

• Prior startup experience or deep understanding of the startup ecosystem

Why Join Now?

Our team has had an outsized impact on our firm. It focuses on how strategic partnerships can drive growth, enhance our product, and provide delightful experiences to our customers. Working closely with product, marketing, sales, and legal, we don’t just sign partnerships—we ensure they succeed. This high-impact team has a clear mandate to unlock the next stage of business growth at Rho.

Our people are our most valuable asset. The Base Pay for this role is $175,000 - $195,000; total cash compensation range, including annual bonus target is $210,000 - $235,000. Base salary may vary depending on relevant experience, skills, and business needs. In addition to base pay, Rho offers equity, healthcare benefits, and paid time off.

Diversity is a core value at Rho. We’re passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable environment for all those involved with our mission, including employees, contractors, candidates, customers and vendors. We believe every member of the Rho community enriches our ability to provide a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the market, identify problems, and drive solutions that align with our mission. We welcome all qualified applications and support each of our Rho’ers with ongoing professional growth opportunities.