In-Kind Partnership Development Contractor

TED is a global nonprofit dedicated to spreading ideas that matter — through talks, conferences, and experiences that connect and inspire. Our events bring together diverse voices to share ideas that shape the future.

TED is an equal opportunity employer and contractor engager committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and provide reasonable accommodation throughout the hiring process.

POSITION OVERVIEW 

TED events are built on more than production. They are made possible by a carefully cultivated ecosystem of partners, vendors, and collaborators who elevate every element of the experience.

We are seeking an In-Kind Partnership Development Contractor to help build and expand that ecosystem.

This is a fractional, high-impact engagement designed for someone who brings an existing network, strong commercial instincts, and the ability to identify and structure partnership opportunities that unlock value.

The role sits at the intersection of market insight and deal-making. It is not about managing timelines or executing logistics. It is about identifying opportunities, building relationships, and structuring partnerships that contribute meaningful value across TED’s global event portfolio.

The work includes securing in-kind contributions and developing strategic vendor relationships across core categories such as furniture and rentals, AV and production, and experiential activations. At the same time, this role is expected to look beyond traditional categories, identifying non-obvious partnership opportunities across the broader event ecosystem that can reduce costs, increase efficiency, and elevate the attendee experience.

This role carries ownership from initial opportunity through to structured agreement and realized value, ensuring partnerships translate into meaningful outcomes for the event environment, while remaining focused on value creation rather than on-site execution.

As TED expands into new markets, including San Diego, this role will help establish a strong, values-aligned partner network in advance of production.

This role offers the opportunity to shape partnership strategy within one of the world’s most recognized and trusted event platforms, with direct impact on globally visible experiences.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Market Insight and Opportunity Mapping

• Build and maintain a curated view of the vendor and partner landscape across key event categories, prioritizing quality, creativity, and alignment with TED’s aesthetic and values
• Conduct targeted market scans in priority cities, including San Diego, identifying opportunities for cost efficiency, innovation, and local partnership development
• Surface insights in clear, actionable formats such as vendor shortlists, pricing benchmarks, and market briefs that inform planning decisions
• Stay current on trends across event production, experiential design, sustainability, and vendor economics, bringing forward relevant opportunities proactively
• Approach the vendor ecosystem holistically, identifying both expected and non-traditional partners who can contribute value

Partnership Strategy and Deal Development

• Identify, pursue, and structure in-kind partnerships that deliver measurable value across TED’s event portfolio
• Define and apply practical methodologies for valuing in-kind contributions, ensuring clarity and alignment with event budgets and reporting
• Contribute to and evolve partnership approaches, including outreach, valuation, and renewal strategies that can scale across events and markets
• Identify opportunities to establish preferred partner relationships or multi-event agreements that create continuity and long-term value
• Build relationships with a wide range of partners, including creative studios, agencies, fabricators, technology platforms, logistics providers, hospitality groups, and brand partners
• Shape partnership concepts that align with event design, spatial planning, and attendee experience goals
• Apply strong judgment to ensure all partnerships align with TED’s brand, audience expectations, and overall experience

Vendor Network and Value Creation

• Negotiate agreements that secure in-kind contributions, preferred pricing, or added value
• Build and maintain a high-quality network that gives TED early access to innovative and best-in-class partners
• Ensure continuity from partnership concept through to realized value, maintaining visibility into how agreements translate into usable outcomes within the event environment
• Provide partnership context and documentation needed for successful implementation, while remaining focused on value creation rather than on site execution
• Maintain clear visibility into active opportunities, partnership status, and anticipated value through shared tracking tools
• Evaluate vendor proposals against event needs and standards, identifying risks and opportunities early
• Contribute to post-event insights, including partnership performance and renewal opportunities

• 3 to 5 years of experience in partnership development, vendor relations, sponsorship, or experiential event production
• An established network of vendors and partners, particularly within California and the broader West Coast market
• Demonstrated experience structuring and negotiating in-kind partnerships, including contribution valuation and budget alignment
• Strong commercial judgment and the ability to develop compelling, mutually beneficial partnership opportunities
• Highly self directed, with the ability to manage priorities independently and deliver outcomes without close oversight
• Understanding of how upstream vendor and partner decisions impact event design and execution
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams and competing priorities
• Comfortable engaging across teams to align partnership opportunities with broader event goals
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Airtable or similar tools

To apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter telling us why you’d like to join our team. Only applications with cover letters will be considered.

LOCATION - California-based, with a preference for San Diego

PROJECT FEE - $45K - 65K, project fee based on skills and experience, Approx $4K - $5K / month.

End date: March 30, 2027.

TED Conferences LLC is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.