Activation Manager, Events

About Maya

With over 1.5 million readers, Maya is a leading media brand, streaming platform, and research lab exploring the future of workplace cultures. Maya transformed 'company building content' forever when it launched in 2022. Insights on company culture, the impact economy, customer experience, and product philosophy through one of a kind insider profiles, award-winning shows, events, newsletters, research, data, and daily news. Today, we are the largest driver of content for culture building. With over 1.5 million readers, we create award winning content to help you build better companies.

About the role

Maya is looking for an Activation Manager to own the end-to-end execution of sponsor and brand activations across our growing event portfolio.

This role sits within the Events team and operates cross-functionally alongside Sales, Account Management, Partnership Marketing, Editorial, and Multimedia - acting as the connective tissue between what sponsors are sold and what audiences experience on the ground.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in experiential marketing or a fast-paced agency environment, demonstrates exceptional attention to detail, and can manage multiple sponsors and stakeholders without letting anything slip. You're equally comfortable in the planning room and solving real-time challenges on-site, with a consistent focus on delivering activations that exceed expectations and leave a lasting brand impression.

Key Responsibilities Activation Planning & Execution

• Lead end-to-end execution of sponsor and brand activations across Maya franchise and tentpole events
• Build and maintain detailed activation timelines, run-of-show documents, and production schedules for each event
• Develop activation plans and creative briefs in partnership with the Partnership Marketing and Creative teams
• Oversee on-site execution of all activations, serving as the primary point of accountability for quality control and real-time problem-solving

Sponsor & Client Management

• Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for sponsor execution — managing expectations, tracking deliverables, and maintaining proactive communication throughout the campaign lifecycle
• Ensure all activations fulfil contractual obligations, adhere to brand guidelines, and are positioned to exceed sponsor objectives
• Build strong sponsor relationships that support retention and upsell opportunities in partnership with Account Management

Vendor & Budget Management

• Source, vet, and manage external vendors (production, fabrication, A/V, staffing, etc.) including RFP processes, contract negotiation, and budget tracking
• Maintain accurate budget reconciliation across all activations, flagging variances and managing costs proactively

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate closely across Events, Sales, Account Management, Partnership Marketing, Editorial, and Multimedia to ensure seamless sponsor integration at every touchpoint

Measurement & Reporting

• Lead post-event activation recaps including delivery against contractual assets, performance insights, and recommendations for future activations
• Track activation metrics and contribute to broader sponsor reporting in collaboration with Account Management

What We're Looking For

• 5–7 years of experience in experiential marketing, sponsorship activation, event production, or a related agency environment
• Proven track record owning end-to-end activation execution — from pre-event planning through on-site delivery and post-event wrap
• Strong project management skills with the ability to run multiple activations and sponsor relationships simultaneously
• Excellent client-facing communication skills; experience managing sponsor expectations and navigating ambiguity confidently
• Experience sourcing and managing vendors, negotiating contracts, and managing budgets
• Highly detail-oriented with strong organisational skills and ability to build clear, scalable processes
• Collaborative and solutions-oriented; comfortable working cross-functionally and adapting quickly
• Willingness to travel and work non-traditional hours including evenings and weekends as events require
• Understanding of integrated marketing and how live events connect to broader sponsor campaign strategy
• Experience in media, culture, or business content environments is a strong plus
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Event Management, or a related field preferred

Perks & Benefits

• Generous PTO policy, plus sick time and company holidays
• Employer-sponsored health benefits including medical, dental, and vision
• Annual professional development stipend
• 401(k) with a 3% company match
• Front-row access to Maya's event portfolio — you'll help build experiences that set the standard for culture-led events
• A collaborative team at a company that genuinely practices what it publishes.