BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT – FULLY REMOTE | DUCKDUCKGO | $320,000 USD ANNUAL + STOCK OPTIONS (Equivalent ~KES 41,280,000 Annual)

DuckDuckGo VP Business Development Remote US, Partnerships Strategy Negotiation, Tech Growth Privacy Innovation, Full-Time $320000 USD Stock Options, Executive Leadership Cross-Functional, Privacy Trust Online

Position Title: VP, Business Development
Location: Fully Remote
Employment Type: Full-Time
Number of Vacancies: 1
Reporting To: Senior Leadership / CEO
Application Deadline: Open (Apply ASAP – Rolling)
Category/Department: Business Development / Partnerships
Salary: $320,000 USD Annual + Stock Options (Equivalent ~KES 41,280,000 Annual at ~129 KES/USD) (Note: Fixed compensation identical within levels. Eligibility for company-sponsored health benefits limited to U.S.-based team members. Final package determined by DuckDuckGo.)

Introduction

DuckDuckGo, the online protection company with a remote-first team of 300+ on a mission to raise the standard of trust online (founded 2008, profitable since 2014, annual revenue >$100M USD), is seeking a VP, Business Development to define and execute partnership strategy accelerating growth, innovation, and competitive differentiation for consumer protections and AI-driven services.

Requiring 15+ years progressively-increasing responsibilities in business development/strategic partnerships (high-growth tech companies), 5+ years Senior Director/VP level leading complex deals, executive communication/relationship building, and financial/analytical rigor, this senior leadership role blends executive influence with individual contribution in coaching, mentoring, and personally closing strategic partnerships. Ideal for strategic operators passionate about privacy and trust online, this opportunity aligns with DuckDuckGo’s culture of trust, inclusivity, and empowered project management. This role suits resilient, low-ego leaders ready for impactful, inclusive partnerships in a privacy pioneer.

About DuckDuckGo

Hi, we’re DuckDuckGo, the online protection company and remote-first team of 300+ on a mission to raise the standard of trust online. Founded in 2008 and profitable since 2014, annual revenue now exceeds $100M USD and millions use our browser on Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android, our search engine, and the latest — Privacy Pro.

DuckDuckGo fosters a culture of trust, inclusivity, and empowered project management, treating employees like adults with transparency and autonomy. With async-first remote work, yearly meetups (all-hands + team retreats), and no core hours (average 40-hour commitment), DuckDuckGo promotes diversity through global hiring and family-friendly policies. Values of integrity, impact, and privacy guide operations, with VP leaders central to strategic growth.

DuckDuckGo supports growth with professional development and stock options, creating a purposeful workplace. For the VP, Business Development, this means shaping partnerships in a supportive environment.

Your Team and Role

As VP, Business Development you’ll be a senior leader responsible for defining and executing our partnership strategy to accelerate growth, innovation, and competitive differentiation. As a leader you’ll influence how our consumer protections and AI-driven services evolve through partnerships while raising the standard of trust online.

This role requires a unique combination of executive leadership and high-performing individual contribution; through coaching, advising and mentoring others, you will increase team capability and accelerate outcomes and personally lead our most strategic negotiations and partnerships.

What You’ll Do

Collaboratively define the partnership vision and priorities that align with company objectives, balancing short-term revenue opportunities with long-term strategic positioning.
Develop, and inspire a high-performing business development team, instilling DuckDuckGo’s culture of accountability, creativity, and results.
Personally source, structure, and close complex, high-impact partnerships while guiding your team to success on their own deals.
Work closely with Product, Engineering, Legal, and Finance leadership to ensure partnerships are technically sound, financially viable, and operationally scalable.
Serve as a senior face of the company in partner negotiations and industry discussions, building trust with executive counterparts at leading organizations.

About You

15+ years of progressively-increasing responsibilities in business development and/or strategic partnerships, with an exceptional track record at high-growth tech companies.
5+ years of experience in Senior Director or VP level roles, leading complex, high-value deals and negotiations end-to-end.
Executive communicator and relationship builder with credibility across C-suite and high-touch stakeholders.
Excellent cross-functional leader and collaborator, achieving desired outcomes through influencing rather than authority.
Strong strategic operator, able to translate company objectives into partner proposals and executable roadmaps.
Financial and analytical rigor, comfortable with P&L, unit economics, scenario modeling, and risk/return trade-offs.
Team mentor and people developer with experience establishing operating mechanisms and elevating deal quality across a team.
Located in US.

Compensation

$320,000 USD annually and stock options. Compensation is identical within professional levels, regardless of geographic location or team. Compensation for each professional level is transparent across the organization. Eligibility for company-sponsored health benefits is limited to team members based in the United States.

Our Team Member Support Guide explains how we prioritize your wellbeing including paid parental leave, office setup, and co-working allowances.

Hiring Process

Hiring works best when it’s a two-way street. Learn how we help you get to know DuckDuckGo, envision your future role here, and find out more about how we hire.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
DuckDuckGo provides equal work opportunities to all team members and applicants, and it prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, caste, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by our policies or federal, state, or local laws.

We want to ensure that our hiring process is accessible. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process because of a medical condition or disability, please send an email to careers@duckduckgo.com to let us know the nature of your request.

Please note that:

You’ll be required to attend meetings on camera via video conferencing.
Expect to travel at least two times a year: once for our all-hands meetup and again for a team retreat (each around 4-5 days). While extenuating circumstances may impact attendance, everyone is strongly encouraged to attend.
While we offer a flexible work arrangement with no core hours, expect an average full-time commitment of 40 hours per week.
A successful candidate must pass a background check as a condition of joining the team.
By applying for this role, you confirm that all information submitted is accurate and complete. You further acknowledge that providing false or fraudulent information during the application process is cause for denial of an offer, revocation of any existing offer, or other adverse action, up to and including termination after the start of your commencement of work.

Disclosure Statement: Use of AI in Hiring Process
As part of our commitment to enhancing our recruitment process, we utilize artificial intelligence (AI) technology to assist in reviewing and summarizing job applications and test projects, including those tools integrated into our recruitment vendor platforms. We use AI to flag potentially fraudulent applications, analyze and summarize applicants’ experience, interviews, and project performance, and help streamline our selection process.

How to Apply

Apply now for the VP, Business Development position at DuckDuckGo.

Submit via official careers portal: https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/duck-duck-go/276ae352-55b5-4fb2-9b90-ed7db9f3df3e/application

DuckDuckGo is an equal opportunity employer. No fees.

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Expert Tips for Success as VP, Business Development at DuckDuckGo: A Shortlister’s Perspective

As a recruiter shortlisting for DuckDuckGo’s VP, Business Development, I prioritize applications that demonstrate high-growth partnership track record, executive influence, and privacy-aligned commercial thinking in tech. With high competition for this executive remote role, these 10 tips are designed to place your application in the top 5% by showcasing your 15+ years and negotiation mastery. Each tip provides realistic, impactful examples for your CV, cover letter, and interview.

Tip 1: Lead with a Quantified Partnership Deal Achievement

Why It Works: Recruiters seek proven closers—50% of shortlists go to candidates with revenue/partnership metrics. A CV opening with a specific achievement (e.g., “Closed $50M strategic partnerships accelerating 30% growth”) grabs attention, proving your execution.

CV Example:
“Closed $50M strategic partnerships accelerating 30% growth as VP Business Development candidate.”
Why: This showcases your execution, aligning with DuckDuckGo’s high-impact needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As 15-year tech partnership leader, I structured 20 complex deals with 95% outcomes, preparing me for DuckDuckGo’s requirements.”
Why: It links your experience to the job’s personally lead needs.

Interview Example:
“As VP, I sourced/closed 40 deals quarterly with 92% differentiation, aligning with DuckDuckGo’s standards.”
Why: This story highlights your execution with metrics.

How to Do It: Open your CV with a “Key Achievement” section featuring one bullet point with a revenue/growth metric. Include “VP Business Development” and “strategic partnerships” in your CV and cover letter. Practice a 30-second interview story. Attach a redacted deal summary.

Tip 2: Highlight Executive Relationship Building with a C-Suite Example

Why It Works: Building trust with C-suite counterparts is core—recruiters prioritize executive builders. A specific example of building (e.g., “Built relationships with 50 C-suite executives with 95% partnership success”) shows building.

CV Example:
“Built relationships with 50 C-suite executives as VP candidate with 95% partnership success.”
Why: This quantifies your building, aligning with DuckDuckGo’s senior face needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As candidate, I negotiated with 30 executives with 90% trust, preparing me for DuckDuckGo’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s industry discussions needs.

Interview Example:
“As VP, I influenced 40 counterparts quarterly with 92% outcomes, aligning with DuckDuckGo’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your building with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Executive Relationship Building & C-Suite Trust” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to DuckDuckGo’s leading organizations. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted relationship note.

Tip 3: Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration with a Leadership Example

Why It Works: Working closely with Product/Engineering/Legal/Finance is valued—recruitors prioritize collaborators. A specific example of collaboration (e.g., “Collaborated with 50 cross-functions with 95% scalable partnerships”) shows collaboration.

CV Example:
“Collaborated with 50 cross-functions as VP candidate with 95% scalable partnerships.”
Why: This quantifies your collaboration, aligning with DuckDuckGo’s work closely needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As candidate, I aligned 30 teams with 90% viability, preparing me for DuckDuckGo’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s technically sound needs.

Interview Example:
“As VP, I partnered 40 leaderships quarterly with 92% outcomes, aligning with DuckDuckGo’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your collaboration with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership Alignment” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to DuckDuckGo’s Product/Engineering. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted collaboration report.

Tip 4: Highlight Strategic Positioning with a Vision Example

Why It Works: Defining vision/priorities balancing short/long-term is strategic—recruiters prioritize positioners. A specific example of positioning (e.g., “Positioned 20 partnerships with 95% long-term value”) shows positioning.

CV Example:
“Positioned 20 partnerships as VP candidate with 95% long-term value.”
Why: This quantifies your positioning, aligning with DuckDuckGo’s collaboratively define needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As candidate, I balanced 30 objectives with 90% revenue/positioning, preparing me for DuckDuckGo’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s short-term needs.

Interview Example:
“As VP, I prioritized 40 visions quarterly with 92% alignment, aligning with DuckDuckGo’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your positioning with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Strategic Positioning & Vision Priorities” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to DuckDuckGo’s company objectives. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted vision document.

Tip 5: Demonstrate Team Development with a Mentoring Example

Why It Works: Developing high-performing team/instilling culture is leadership—recruiters prioritize developers. A specific example of development (e.g., “Developed 50 team members with 95% capability increase”) shows development.

CV Example:
“Developed 50 team members as VP candidate with 95% capability increase.”
Why: This quantifies your development, aligning with DuckDuckGo’s inspire needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As candidate, I mentored 30 with 90% results, preparing me for DuckDuckGo’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s high-performing needs.

Interview Example:
“As VP, I coached 40 quarterly with 92% outcomes, aligning with DuckDuckGo’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your development with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Team Development & Mentoring Capability” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to DuckDuckGo’s culture. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted team feedback.

Tip 6: Highlight Financial Rigor with a P&L Example

Why It Works: Financial/analytical rigor with P&L/economics is valued—recruiters prioritize rigorous leaders. A specific example of rigor (e.g., “Managed P&L for 50 deals with 95% viability”) shows rigor.

CV Example:
“Managed P&L for 50 deals as VP candidate with 95% viability.”
Why: This quantifies your rigor, aligning with DuckDuckGo’s financial needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As candidate, I modeled 30 scenarios with 90% trade-offs, preparing me for DuckDuckGo’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s unit economics needs.

Interview Example:
“As VP, I analyzed 40 risks quarterly with 92% returns, aligning with DuckDuckGo’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your rigor with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Financial Rigor & P&L Viability” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to DuckDuckGo’s financially viable. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted financial model.

Tip 7: Demonstrate Negotiation Leadership with a Complex Deal Example

Why It Works: Personally leading complex negotiations is key—recruiters prioritize leaders. A specific example of leadership (e.g., “Led 30 complex negotiations with 95% close”) shows leadership.

CV Example:
“Led 30 complex negotiations as VP candidate with 95% close.”
Why: This quantifies your leadership, aligning with DuckDuckGo’s personally lead needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As candidate, I structured 50 high-value with 90% outcomes, preparing me for DuckDuckGo’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s most strategic needs.

Interview Example:
“As VP, I closed 40 deals quarterly with 92% impact, aligning with DuckDuckGo’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your leadership with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Negotiation Leadership & Complex Deal Close” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to DuckDuckGo’s high-impact. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted deal term sheet.

Tip 8: Highlight Influence Without Authority with a Cross-Functional Example

Why It Works: Achieving outcomes through influencing is valued—recruiters prioritize influencers. A specific example of influence (e.g., “Influenced 50 cross-functions with 95% desired outcomes”) shows influence.

CV Example:
“Influenced 50 cross-functions as VP candidate with 95% desired outcomes.”
Why: This quantifies your influence, aligning with DuckDuckGo’s rather than authority needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As candidate, I achieved 30 outcomes with 90% influence, preparing me for DuckDuckGo’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s achieving needs.

Interview Example:
“As VP, I drove 40 influences quarterly with 92% results, aligning with DuckDuckGo’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your influence with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Influence Without Authority & Cross-Functional Outcomes” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to DuckDuckGo’s excellent cross-functional. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted influence memo.

Tip 9: Demonstrate Strategic Operation with a Roadmap Example

Why It Works: Translating objectives into proposals/roadmaps is strategic—recruiters prioritize operators. A specific example of operation (e.g., “Translated 50 objectives into executable roadmaps”) shows operation.

CV Example:
“Translated 50 objectives into roadmaps as VP candidate with 95% execution.”
Why: This quantifies your operation, aligning with DuckDuckGo’s strong needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As candidate, I proposed 30 partners with 90% scalability, preparing me for DuckDuckGo’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s partner proposals needs.

Interview Example:
“As VP, I operationalized 40 strategies quarterly with 92% alignment, aligning with DuckDuckGo’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your operation with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Strategic Operation & Roadmap Execution” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to DuckDuckGo’s company objectives. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted roadmap document.

Tip 10: Craft a Concise, Trust-Online Passion Interview Talk

Why It Works: Recruiters prioritize leaders who convey trust-online passion and alignment with DuckDuckGo’s mission. A concise, 1-minute talk linking your skills to DuckDuckGo’s goals (e.g., privacy partnerships) makes you memorable.

CV Example (Summary Statement):
“Strategic VP Business Development candidate with 15+ years high-growth, $320K deals, passionate about DuckDuckGo’s trust-raising partnerships.”
Why: This sets a strong tone, aligning your skills with DuckDuckGo’s mission.

Cover Letter Example:
“With 90% executive influence and innovation drive, I’m committed to DuckDuckGo’s privacy protection growth.”
Why: It conveys passion and ties your skills to DuckDuckGo’s goals.

Interview Example:
“As VP, I accelerated 92% differentiation, ready to evolve DuckDuckGo’s AI services through trust.”
Why: This talk connects your experience to DuckDuckGo’s needs, showing passion and readiness.

How to Do It: Craft a 1-minute talk highlighting your BD experience, a key achievement (e.g., “92% accelerated”), and passion for DuckDuckGo’s mission. Include it in your cover letter’s closing and rehearse for interviews. Dress in smart professional attire (virtual), arrive early, and bring examples. Reference privacy. Follow up via ashbyhq.com emphasizing DuckDuckGo’s trust vision.

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