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Ruthie, VP of Brand Partnerships at BlackRock: Advize Career Interview
A career in brand partnerships offers exciting opportunities for ambitious undergraduates.
BlackRock's VP of Brand Partnerships, a graduate of Yeshiva University, built a successful career through strategic internships at boutique PR agencies, developing skills in creating pitch decks and press releases.
This experience, combined with proactive networking, led to a role managing US iShares brand partnerships, requiring collaboration, strategic thinking, agility, and persuasive communication to secure executive buy-in for innovative campaigns.
The position demands a high-performing work ethic, data analysis skills, and creative problem-solving, along with strong relationships with both internal teams and external clients.
To succeed, one must actively showcase achievements, learn to navigate challenges such as securing executive buy-in and respecting colleagues' religious practices, and possess the ability to be "on the pulse of things" in a rapidly changing marketing landscape.
Entry-level positions such as marketing coordinator or assistant provide valuable foundational experience. The most rewarding aspect?
A dynamic intersection of marketing and finance, constantly evolving to meet the needs of a changing consumer and investor behavior.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Ruthie Heller
VP of Brand Partnerships
BlackRock
Yeshiva University
N/A
Communications
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Communication and Marketing
Took Out Loans, Student Athlete
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Career Path of a VP of Brand Partnerships at BlackRock
Ruthie's career path began with a communications degree from Yeshiva University, complemented by internships at "boutique PR agencies," where they gained hands-on experience developing "pitch decks and press release materials" for diverse brands like Shop Genius and 7-Eleven. This early experience, built through networking and direct outreach, provided a strong foundation for their current VP of Brand Partnerships role at BlackRock.
Main Responsibilities of a VP of Brand Partnerships at BlackRock
Ruthie, BlackRock's VP of Brand Partnerships, leads US iShares brand partnerships, focusing on strategic collaborations—"aligning on various different partnerships"—with financial and non-financial brands to expand audience reach and achieve marketing and business objectives faster than through internal efforts alone; this involves assessing current marketing gaps and identifying synergistic partnerships to fill them.
A Day in the Life of a VP of Brand Partnerships at BlackRock
A VP of Brand Partnerships at BlackRock's workday centers on three key areas: managing "a lot of different teams" in campaign execution, securing executive buy-in through presentations and "road showing the concept," and developing the partnership's core concept by working with agencies on "data validation, territory validation," and audience targeting. This multifaceted role requires collaboration, strategic thinking, and meticulous planning.
Most Important Skills for a VP of Brand Partnerships at BlackRock
Ruthie, BlackRock's VP of Brand Partnerships, emphasizes agility as "the most important" skill, highlighting the need to "move quickly, um, and pivot" in a constantly changing marketing landscape. The ability to combine this agility with strong analytical skills, creativity in problem-solving, effective communication, and relationship building—all while maintaining composure under pressure—"is extremely important" for success in their field.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Vice President Of Brand Partnerships At BlackRock
Ruthie, BlackRock's VP of Brand Partnerships, most enjoys working in "a very high-performing environment" surrounded by "really smart people," enabling continuous learning about diverse subjects and collaborative approaches. This highlights the value Ruthie places on intellectual stimulation and professional development within a high-caliber team.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A VP Of Brand Partnerships At BlackRock
Ruthie, BlackRock's VP of Brand Partnerships, identifies securing "executive buy-in" as the biggest challenge in her role, because innovative ideas often involve risk, which executives naturally try to minimize. This requires persuasive communication and substantial data to overcome inherent pushback and achieve successful implementation.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Marketing Industry As A VP Of Brand Partnerships
Ruthie, VP of Brand Partnerships at BlackRock, finds the intersection of marketing and finance incredibly dynamic, particularly post-2020. The "change in behavior" of investors and the need to "rethink a lot of strategy" in marketing due to the pandemic's impact on consumer habits and culture present ongoing challenges requiring innovative thinking, which is a rewarding aspect of the position.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Marketing Industry According To A VP Of Brand Partnerships At BlackRock
Success in the brand partnerships industry requires individuals who are "on the pulse of things," deeply understanding client needs and consumer behavior while managing a "large volume of work." This necessitates agility, curiosity, and strong teamwork skills to build the trust needed for successful collaborations and campaign launches.
What a VP of Brand Partnerships at BlackRock Wishes They Had Known Before Entering Any Industry
Ruthie, VP of Brand Partnerships at BlackRock, advises that "showcasing your work is as important as doing the work itself," emphasizing the need to actively share accomplishments with stakeholders to gain recognition, regardless of dedication or late nights at the office. This advice transcends marketing, highlighting the critical role of self-promotion in career advancement.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Brand Partnerships Professionals
Entry-level marketing roles, such as "marketing coordinator" or "marketing assistant," provide a good foundation for a career in brand partnerships, according to Ruthie, a VP of Brand Partnerships at BlackRock. Their own career path involved "paid media advertising" and "campaign management," illustrating how broader marketing experience can lead to such specialized roles.
Significant Career Lesson From a VP of Brand Partnerships at BlackRock
Ruthie, BlackRock's VP of Brand Partnerships, emphasizes the career significance of prioritizing relationships, stating that "relationships matter," starting with "your manager and your immediate peers," and extending to clients. Further, showcasing one's work and contributions is crucial for career advancement, as "no one's gonna know the work you do unless you talk about it."
College Experiences That Helped A VP of Brand Partnerships at BlackRock Succeed
Ruthie's undergraduate success stemmed from securing internships that provided industry visibility, coupled with a proactive networking approach; "all my positions outside of college came from people that I knew," emphasizing the power of relationships and showcasing work through a personal website to gain an edge in the job market.
How Identity Has Influenced a VP of Brand Partnerships at BlackRock's Career
Ruthie, a VP of Brand Partnerships at BlackRock, shared how observing Shabbat and keeping kosher has presented "limitations" at times, requiring careful communication with colleagues and managers to ensure respect and understanding. The experience has taught them valuable communication skills and fostered a commitment to respecting others' observances, highlighting a thoughtful approach to navigating faith in a professional environment.
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