Now Hiring - FairSquare - Director of Strategic Partnership (Franchise & Services) in San Diego, CA

Full description of the position

Job Title: Business Development Director - Strategic Partnerships (Franchise & Services) Location: Hybrid to San Diego, Atlanta, or Orlando About Us: We're a tech-forward alternative lender providing working capital loans and non-traditional financing to underserved small businesses. Our mission is to create smarter funding solutions that align with the cash flow realities of today's entrepreneurs. By leveraging technology, speed, and strategic partnerships, we help small businesses grow, scale, and thrive. Role Overview: We are seeking a high-energy Business Development Director - Strategic Partnerships to identify, cultivate, and grow partner channels with franchise networks and service-based businesses. You'll build relationships with organizations whose member bases represent strong potential for funding needs and help design partner programs that deliver value to both sides. The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of small business finance and a creative approach to sourcing new deal channels. Key Responsibilities: * Develop and manage partnerships with franchises, business service providers, and trade organizations whose customers or members need access to working capital. * Create tailored partnership programs to generate inbound leads, co-market offerings, and provide embedded finance options where applicable. * Build and maintain a target list of high-potential verticals and brands, such as: * * Franchises (e.g., Subway, Dunkin', The UPS Store, Anytime Fitness) * Home services (e.g., HVAC, plumbing, pest control companies) * Auto services (e.g., repair shops, detailing centers) * Health & wellness (e.g., chiropractic clinics, med spas, dental offices) * Professional services (e.g., accountants, bookkeepers, consultants) * Retail & beauty (e.g., salons, barbershops, boutique shops) * Work with marketing and product teams to build co-branded materials, webinars, and sales enablement tools for partners. * Collaborate with underwriting and operations to streamline onboarding and provide fast, reliable feedback on submissions. * Use CRM tools to track pipeline activity, partner engagement, and revenue generation tied to each relationship. Qualifications: * 4-8 years of experience in business development, partnerships, or channel sales within fintech, lending, or B2B services. * Strong understanding of small business operations and financing needs, particularly in the franchise and services space. * Experience structuring and negotiating partnership agreements, joint marketing campaigns, and referral arrangements. * Excellent communication and relationship-building skills. * Proven ability to work independently and drive partnerships from prospect to revenue. * Familiarity with tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, or similar CRMs. Bonus Points For: * Experience working with or selling into franchise systems or trade associations. * Existing network in small business service sectors or franchise networks. * Knowledge of alternative lending products such as revenue-based financing, MCAs, or embedded finance. What We Offer: * Base Salary plus performance bonus * Health, dental, vision, and other benefits. * A collaborative, mission-driven team environment with opportunities for rapid growth. FairSquare is an Equal Opportunity Employer.