Manager, Sponsorship Operations & Activation [AQ-11868]

Aquent is partnering with 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.

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end procurement process, including vendor setup, purchase order creation, invoice management, payment scheduling, and budget tracking.
• 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.
• Maintain detailed documentation of workflows and proactively identify opportunities to streamline team operations.
• Lead the planning, documentation, and distribution of ticketing assets to internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage inventory for branded premiums, apparel, and hospitality assets; ensure accurate tracking and timely distribution for events.
• Provide logistical and activation support for key marketing events (sports/entertainment) with minimal travel required.
• Support the wider team by creating internal presentations, hospitality guides, and event recaps.
• 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.

Requirements

• 5+ years of practical experience in Sponsorships, Event Marketing, or Partnership Marketing (experience at a brand, property, or agency is required).
• 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.
• 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.

Pay

The target hiring compensation range for this role is $38-40/hour as a W2 employee. Compensation is based on several factors including, but not limited to education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location.

Benefits

• Subsidized health, vision, and dental plans.
• Paid sick leave.
• Retirement plans with a match.
• Free online training through Aquent Gymnasium.