Manager, Strategic Partnerships and AI Operations

As a Strategic Partnerships Manager, AI & Operations, you will be a core operator on Nex’s Strategic Partnerships team, with a strong focus on using AI and automation to scale how we source, evaluate, and manage partnerships with some of the world’s most iconic entertainment and consumer brands. You will report directly to the VP of Partnerships and help turn partnership strategy into action—owning the systems, workflows, and insights that enable the team to move faster and make better decisions.

This role is ideal for a highly organized, systems‑minded self‑starter who is excited to leverage AI and automation tools in their day‑to‑day work. You will get hands‑on exposure to top‑tier IP partners (NBA, Hasbro, Mattel, NBCUniversal, Sesame Street, Paramount, Nickelodeon, and more), while building a strong foundation in partnerships, licensing, and entertainment business development.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Computer Science, Economics, or a related field
• 3–5 years of experience in operations, project management, business development, partnerships, or a related role
• Hands-on experience using AI tools and automation (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Notion AI, Zapier, Make, or similar) to improve workflows, analyze information, or prototype solutions
• Experience experimenting with lightweight AI agents or automated workflows (no‑code or low‑code) is a strong plus
• Strong organizational and analytical skills, with a bias toward building repeatable, tech‑enabled processes
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders across teams and time zones
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including comfort preparing external‑facing and executive‑ready materials
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross‑functional partners
• Passion for games, entertainment, consumer products, or emerging interactive platforms is a plus

• Support the execution of Nex’s partnership strategy by managing processes, documentation, and internal workflows
• Build and maintain systems to track partner conversations, deal status, contracts, and key next steps
• Drive NDAs and other partnership agreements through internal legal review and execution
• Prepare internal partnership updates and dashboards for leadership and cross‑functional teams

• Identify and prioritize opportunities to modernize and automate partnership workflows using AI and productivity tools
• Design and maintain AI‑assisted workflows or lightweight agents that support deal pipeline forecasting, partner prospecting, and outreach
• Use AI tools to help with contract review, greenlight document preparation, market intelligence, and competitive tracking
• Continuously improve team processes to increase visibility, speed, and quality of decision‑making

• Conduct market and competitive research (including international markets) to support greenlight decisions
• Assist in reviewing IP and game submissions for potential Nex Playground adaptations, contributing to a structured evaluation and ranking framework
• Support talent partnership research and evaluation (artists, athletes, creators, and public figures) for business development and marketing initiatives

• Serve as a point of contact for select IP partners, ensuring timely, clear, and professional communication
• Prepare and maintain partner business updates, including revenue reporting, projections, and performance insights
• Help evolve Nex’s quarterly partner reporting into a more automated, scalable, and repeatable system

• Coordinate with partners on marketing initiatives, asset approvals, and PR opportunities
• Support the development of co‑marketing programs that drive Nex Playground hardware and Play Pass sales through partner channels
• Work closely with Nex’s marketing team and partners’ marketing, communications, and retail teams to align plans

• Support planning, scheduling, and on‑site coordination for key industry events such as CES, DICE, GDC, Licensing Expo, and others