Events & Partnerships Manager

The Role

The Events & Partnerships Manager leads the department responsible for planning, coordinating, and supporting Rugged Radios event and sponsorship initiatives.

This role combines leadership, relationship management, project oversight, and operational execution. You'll work closely with racers, promoters, ambassadors, event organizers, sponsors, dealers, contractors, and internal teams to ensure programs run smoothly and company commitments are

fulfilled.

While company leadership helps determine strategic direction and major partnership investments, this role serves as the day-to-day driver behind many of those programs, ensuring successful execution

and maintaining strong industry relationships.

What You Will Do:

Event & Program Leadership

• Lead Rugged Radios racing, recreation, trade show, sponsorship, and community event programs.

• Oversee annual planning, scheduling, budgeting, and execution for more than 100 events each year.

• Manage company participation in events ranging from King of the Hammers and the Baja 1000 to Overland Expo and Easter Jeep Safari, and everything in between.

• Evaluate event performance and identify opportunities to improve effectiveness and return on investment.

Partnerships & Industry Relationships

• Work alongside company leadership to support sponsorship programs, industry partnerships, racer relationships, and event initiatives.

• Maintain relationships with racers, race teams, promoters, ambassadors, sponsors, dealers, and industry partners.

• Coordinate sponsorship activations, contingency programs, event support initiatives, and promotional opportunities.

• Serve as a key point of contact for day-to-day communication and program execution.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead and develop the Events & Partnerships Department, including coordinators, event personnel, contractors, and outside event teams.

• Work closely with Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, and Leadership teams to align event activities with company goals.

• Provide guidance, support, and accountability across multiple projects and stakeholders.

What You Bring Required

• 5 years of experience in event management, project management, sponsorship management, partnerships, marketing, or a related field.

• Experience leading employees, contractors, vendors, or event teams.

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

• Experience managing budgets, schedules, and multiple concurrent projects.

• Ability to work independently, solve problems, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.

• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.

Preferred

• Experience in off-road, motorsports, powersports, outdoor recreation, or related industries.

• Experience working with sponsorships, partnerships, brand activations, or contingency programs.

• Knowledge of racing organizations, trade shows, and industry events.

What Makes You Successful in This Role

• You enjoy building and maintaining professional relationships.

• You can balance long-term planning with day-to-day execution.

• You are organized, adaptable, and comfortable managing multiple priorities.

• You know how to lead people without needing to micromanage them.

• You represent brands professionally and confidently in public-facing environments.

What You Will Get

• Opportunity to lead one of the most visible departments within Rugged Radios.

• Direct involvement with major races, events, sponsorships, and industry programs.

• A leadership role with meaningful ownership and influence.

• Competitive compensation based on experience.

• A collaborative, in-house team environment.