Manager, Sponsorship Operations & Activation

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

As a meticulous operations professional, you will be the strategic backbone of a dynamic Brand Marketing Sponsorships team, instrumental in bringing major sports, music, and entertainment partnerships to life. Your expertise will directly impact the success and compliance of high-profile marketing initiatives, ensuring programs are flawlessly executed, delivered on time, on budget, and within all regulatory standards. This pivotal role enables the team to focus on impactful activations and achieve strategic goals, contributing to high-visibility projects that resonate with a broad audience.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end procurement process, including vendor setup, purchase order creation, invoice management, payment scheduling, and comprehensive budget tracking.
• Manage the review and documentation of new sponsorship opportunities, serving as the primary liaison for legal and compliance teams to ensure all activations meet internal control standards.
• Maintain detailed documentation of workflows and proactively identify opportunities to streamline team operations, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.
• Lead the planning, documentation, and distribution of ticketing assets to internal and external stakeholders, ensuring smooth access and experience.
• Manage inventory for branded premiums, apparel, and hospitality assets, ensuring accurate tracking and timely distribution for various events.
• Provide essential logistical and activation support for key marketing events across sports and entertainment, with minimal travel required.
• Support the wider team by creating internal presentations, comprehensive hospitality guides, and insightful event recaps.
• Translate complex sponsorship details into clear and actionable guidance for partners in corporate communications, creative, and other lines of business.
• Lead regional and local partnership opportunities, driving their operational success from conception through to completion.

Must-Have Qualifications

• 5+ years of practical experience in Sponsorships, Event Marketing, or Partnership Marketing, gained at a brand, property, or agency.
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field.
• Proficiency in procurement systems, contract management workflows, and Microsoft Office (specifically Excel and PowerPoint).
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to "manage up" and follow up assertively on outstanding items.
• A proven "Finisher" mentality, ensuring every invoice is paid, every contract is signed, and every ticket is accounted for.
• Process-Oriented approach, thriving in environments where organization and meticulous attention to detail are paramount.
• Autonomous work style, capable of independently managing multiple deadlines and holding yourself accountable for details without constant supervision.
• A strong value for supporting others, taking pride in enabling the success of the broader team through operational excellence.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

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

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.