Role overview

Kong is seeking a Director of Channel Programs & Enablement to design, build, and manage partner programs that drive the company’s channel business. Kong Inc., the AI Connectivity Company, provides a unified API and AI platform trusted by Fortune 500 companies and AI-native startups to secure, manage, and govern API and AI traffic across any model and cloud.

Key responsibilities

Design and build partner programs, including developing collateral, documentation, and onboarding tools to improve partner experience and communicate program details.
Develop and manage the partner portal using Salesforce and a partner relationship management system, working with Marketing and Channel Operations to create an engaging platform for lead registration, opportunity tracking, and commission management.
Work with Channel Operations and IT to implement channel strategy, data reporting, system workflows, and operational governance for the partner program.
Design the channel enablement certification and badge model in collaboration with Channel Marketing, Channel Services, Customer Success, and Sales Enablement teams.
Manage partner agreements and contracting in coordination with the Legal department.
Communicate channel programs, strategies, events, and updates across the organization to ensure alignment and solicit partner feedback through mechanisms such as Partner Advisory Councils.
Build and lead a team to manage channel programs, enablement, portal administration, communications, and marketing development fund and incentive management.

Requirements

Prior experience building and running partner programs, channel enablement, channel marketing, and channel development in the technology or services sector.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment with strong problem-solving skills and self-motivation.
Exceptional oral and written communication and presentation abilities.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to conceptualize and sell ideas internally and build consensus.
Excellent time-management and multi-tasking capabilities and proven capacity to work effectively both as a team member and individual contributor.
Prior leadership experience appropriate for a director-level role.
Ability to travel as needed and comply with company travel policy.

What makes this role worth considering

This position offers the opportunity to shape Kong’s channel strategy at a pivotal time for the AI Connectivity Company. You will work cross-functionally with teams across Marketing, Product, Legal, and Finance to build and grow innovative partner programs that support the organization’s expansion.