Head of Developer Community

About the role

Vercel is on the lookout for a dynamic leader to spearhead our developer ecosystem strategy and oversee community-driven initiatives within our marketing team. This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on execution to enhance our presence and influence among open-source contributors and industry leaders. You will be responsible for managing our global event strategy, sponsorship allocations, and incorporating community insights into our overall marketing approach.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Oversee and enhance Vercel's developer programs by optimizing sponsorship frameworks and fostering closer relationships with open-source maintainers.
• Create and implement a comprehensive ecosystem strategy that positions Vercel as a pivotal player in the realm of modern web development.
• Lead the planning and execution of our global conference and sponsorship strategy, ensuring that all investments yield tangible business benefits.
• Collaborate with product marketing, brand management, and developer experience teams to align community initiatives with consistent messaging across all platforms.
• Act as Vercel's representative at key industry events, while also contributing to the content produced by Vercel Media.
• Engage with the developer community to gather feedback and insights, ensuring that their voices are reflected in our marketing narratives.
• Develop metrics to assess the effectiveness of community engagement initiatives and sponsorships, adjusting strategies as necessary.
• Mentor and guide team members in best practices for community engagement and developer relations, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for partnerships with other organizations and communities that align with Vercel's mission and goals.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies to inform Vercel's community strategy and ensure relevance in a rapidly evolving landscape.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions to empower community members and enhance their engagement with Vercel's products and services.

Requirements

• At least 6 years of professional experience in fields such as developer marketing, developer relations, ecosystem strategy, or leadership within open-source initiatives.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience in managing a team directly.
• Proven success in scaling or overseeing open-source or ecosystem-oriented programs.
• Strong background in managing event budgets and evaluating the return on investment for sponsorship activities.
• Experience as a speaker at notable developer conferences, showcasing expertise and thought leadership.
• Technical knowledge of cloud services and modern frontend frameworks, particularly Next.js.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently for industry-related events and engagements.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with various frontend frameworks beyond Next.js.
• Experience in strategic marketing and conducting ROI analyses for community initiatives.
• Background in open-source community management, with a focus on fostering collaboration and innovation.
• Knowledge of content creation and media strategies to enhance community engagement.
• Understanding of the developer landscape and emerging trends in technology.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in Next.js and other frontend frameworks.
• Experience with cloud platforms and their application in modern web development.
• Skills in managing open-source communities and fostering engagement.
• Strategic marketing capabilities, particularly in assessing ROI for community programs.
• Familiarity with analytics tools to measure community engagement and program effectiveness.

Practical notes

• The base salary for this position in San Francisco ranges from $200,000 to $300,000, with potential adjustments based on geographic location.
• Total compensation includes equity options, a bonus or variable pay structure, and a comprehensive healthcare package.
• Benefits offered include flexible time off, a stipend for remote work expenses, and equipment provided by the company.
• Vercel is committed to supporting professional development through mentorship opportunities and funding for participation in networking events.

About the company

Vercel gives developers the tools and cloud infrastructure to build, scale, and secure a faster, more personalized web. As the team behind v0, Next. js, and AI SDK, Vercel helps customers like Ramp, Supreme, PayPal, and Under Armour build for the AI-native web.