Head of Affiliate Partnerships

About the Role

The Head of Affiliate Partnerships will own and lead Skillz’s affiliate and creator partnership strategy, driving growth through performance marketing, streamer relationships, and strategic publisher partnerships. This role is responsible for selecting and managing the affiliate platform and supporting attribution, fraud prevention, and payout infrastructure to ensure scalable and efficient operations.

The ideal candidate will negotiate and manage partnerships with top-tier affiliate publishers across CPA, Rev Share, hybrid, and NGR-share models while building and scaling Skillz’s streamer and creator ecosystem across platforms including Twitch, Kick, You Tube long-form, and Shorts / Reels. This includes direct relationship management and deal‑making with high‑impact gaming and entertainment creators.

This leader will oversee affiliate portfolio performance, manage partner concentration risk, and lead strategic business reviews with key partners. In close collaboration with cross‑functional teams, including Fraud and Analytics, the role will help implement safeguards against fraudulent acquisition activity and ensure channel quality and compliance.

The Head of Affiliate Partnerships will also own channel‑level business performance metrics, including CAC, conversion rates, payback period, contribution margin, and overall partner performance, providing regular reporting and strategic recommendations to executive leadership. As the program grows, this person will play a key role in building and scaling the team to support long‑term growth initiatives.

• Develop, manage, and optimize relationships with affiliate publishers, gaming creators, and streamer partners to drive player acquisition and revenue growth.
• Negotiate partnership agreements across CPA, Rev Share, hybrid, and performance‑based compensation models while monitoring partner performance and profitability.
• Oversee the affiliate technology stack, including attribution, tracking, reporting, fraud prevention, and payout systems to ensure operational efficiency and scalability.
• Build and scale creator and influencer programs across platforms such as Twitch, You Tube, Kick, Shorts, and Reels, including outreach, onboarding, campaign management, and performance analysis.
• Monitor and analyze channel KPIs including CAC, conversion rates, retention, payback period, and contribution margin, providing actionable insights and recommendations to leadership.
• Partner cross‑functionally with Marketing, Product, Analytics, Finance, and Fraud teams to improve acquisition quality, reduce fraudulent activity, and support overall growth strategy.

• Strategic Partnership Development – Proven ability to build, negotiate, and manage high‑value affiliate, influencer, and creator partnerships that drive measurable business growth.
• Performance Marketing & Analytics – Strong understanding of affiliate marketing metrics, attribution models, CAC optimization, conversion funnels, and ROI‑driven decision making.
• Influencer & Creator Ecosystem Expertise – Deep knowledge of gaming, streaming, and social media platforms, including Twitch, You Tube, Kick, Shorts, and Reels, with experience managing creator relationships and campaigns.
• Operational & Program Management – Ability to manage affiliate platforms, reporting systems, fraud prevention processes, and scalable partnership operations in a fast‑paced environment.
• Cross‑Functional Leadership & Communication – Excellent collaboration, communication, and stakeholder management skills with the ability to work effectively across Marketing, Finance, Analytics, Product, and Executive Leadership teams.

• 8-12+ years in US gaming / gambling marketing, with the last 3-5+ years in US sweepstakes, social casino, US iGaming, or DFS affiliate / partnerships work.
• Hands‑on history standing up or scaling an affiliate program on Scaleo, Income Access, MyAffiliates, or Cellxpert — with named program metrics (active publishers, affiliate‑driven signup share, net CAC , payback) defensible in interview.
• Demonstrable P&L ownership — has reported channel‑level contribution margin, payback period, and…