Manager, Sponsorship Operations & Activation [AQ-11044]

Join a leading financial services institution dedicated to serving a unique community with excellence and integrity. This organization is committed to delivering innovative solutions and fostering strong relationships, making a significant impact on the lives of its members.

Are you a meticulous operations professional ready to be the strategic backbone of a dynamic Brand Marketing Sponsorships team? In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in bringing major sports, music, and entertainment partnerships to life, ensuring every detail is flawlessly executed. You will be the essential connector between creative ambitions and operational reality, directly impacting the success and compliance of high-profile marketing initiatives. Your expertise will guarantee that programs are delivered on time, on budget, and within all regulatory standards, enabling the team to focus on impactful activations.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Management: Oversee the end-to-end procurement process, including vendor setup, purchase order creation, invoice management, payment scheduling, and budget tracking.
• Contract & Compliance Oversight: Manage the review and documentation of new sponsorship opportunities; serve as the primary liaison for legal and compliance teams to ensure all activations meet internal control standards.
• Process Optimization: Maintain detailed documentation of workflows and proactively identify opportunities to streamline team operations.
• Ticket Management: Lead the planning, documentation, and distribution of ticketing assets to internal and external stakeholders.
• Inventory Control: Manage inventory for branded premiums, apparel, and hospitality assets; ensure accurate tracking and timely distribution for events.
• On-Site Support: Provide logistical and activation support for key marketing events (sports/entertainment) with minimal travel required.
• Project Management: Support the wider team by creating internal presentations, hospitality guides, and event recaps.
• Stakeholder Communication: Translate complex sponsorship details into clear guidance for partners in corporate communications, creative, and other lines of business.
• Lead regional and local partnership opportunities, driving their operational success from conception to completion.
  
  

Must-Have Qualifications

• Experience: 5 years of practical experience in Sponsorships, Event Marketing, or Partnership Marketing (experience at a brand, property, or agency is required).
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in procurement systems, contract management workflows, and Microsoft Office (specifically Excel and PowerPoint).
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to “manage up” and follow up assertively on outstanding items.
• You are a “Finisher”: You don’t just start projects; you ensure every invoice is paid, every contract is signed, and every ticket is accounted for.
• You are Process-Oriented: You thrive in environments where organization and attention to detail are paramount.
• You are Autonomous: You can independently manage multiple deadlines and hold yourself accountable for the details without constant supervision.
• You Value Support: You take pride in enabling the success of the broader team through your operational excellence.
  
  

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Prior experience with specialized hospitality management platforms or a strong aptitude for mastering new, complex operational tools.
  
  

The target hiring compensation range for this role is $38-40 / hourly as a W2 employee.

Compensation is based on several factors including, but not limited to education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location. Additional benefits offered may include; medical health insurance and dental insurance, life insurance, and eligibility to participate in a 401k plan with company match.

About Aquent Talent

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits!

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.

Client Description

Aquent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands.

Our eligible talent has access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match.

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment—one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.