Manager, Sponsorship Operations & Activation [AQ-12624]

About the role

Aquent is partnering with a leading financial services institution dedicated to serving a unique community with excellence and integrity. This role is the strategic backbone of a dynamic Brand Marketing Sponsorships team, instrumental in bringing major sports, music, and entertainment partnerships to life. You will ensure flawless execution of high-profile marketing initiatives, acting as the essential connector between creative ambitions and operational reality while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.

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 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Benefits

Eligible talent at Aquent Talent gain access to:

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