Sr Manager, Partnership Activation

POSITION SUMMARY:

The 'Senior Manager, Partnership Activation' will lead a team of two and work closely with the VP of Partnership Marketing to deliver best-in-class service for Cavaliers partners and clients. This role is responsible for three primary areas: overseeing all digital activation for partner assets, managing premium hospitality experiences—including memberships, suite nights, and catering—and supporting account management for the organization’s largest and most valued partners.

This position plays a key role in planning and executing integrated activations, ensuring exceptional partner experiences and seamless fulfillment of all partnership commitments across the Cavaliers and affiliated properties.

Direct Reports:

• Coordinator, Partnership Activation
• Coordinator, Digital Partnership Activation

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Account Management:

• Serve as a secondary representative for the Cavaliers’ largest and most valued corporate partner accounts, providing high-level support and ensuring exceptional service.
• Collaborate closely with the primary account lead to understand partner goals, objectives, and contractual obligations, ensuring all needs are proactively addressed.
• Participate in regular partner meetings, presentations, and strategy sessions, offering insights and solutions to enhance the partnership experience.
• Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of all partner activations, including digital, in-arena, and experiential elements, to maximize partner exposure and engagement.
• Support on activation recaps, reports, and presentations for partners, highlighting results, ROI, and opportunities for future collaboration.
• Stay informed about industry trends, and best practices to continually enhance the value delivered to major partner accounts.

Digital Activation:

• Provide strategic direction and day-to-day oversight for all digital assets for corporate partners, ensuring alignment with partner objectives and Cavaliers standards.
• Set clear goals, expectations, and deliverables for digital campaigns, and support the team member in developing creative and effective digital solutions.
• Facilitate collaboration between the Partnership Activation team and internal departments (creative, marketing, communications) to ensure seamless execution of partner deliverables.
• Monitor progress on all digital activations, ensuring timelines are met and quality standards are upheld.
• Coach and mentor the team on best practices, digital trends, and emerging technologies to foster professional growth and innovation.
• Analyze digital campaign results, providing insights and recommendations for optimization and future activations.

Hospitality:

• Manage all ticketing membership programs for corporate partnerships, ensuring a premium and seamless experience for partners and their guests.
• Partner with the Client Experience and Events team on premium hospitality experiences, such as suite nights, VIP events, and behind-the-scenes opportunities.
• Support the activation team on catering operations and vendors to deliver exceptional food and beverage experiences tailored to partner preferences and event requirements.
• Develop and implement hospitality best practices and processes to maximize partner satisfaction and retention.
• Maintain detailed records of hospitality activities, attendance, and feedback to inform future planning and continuous improvement.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in sport management, marketing, or equivalent experience.
• 4+ years of experience in partnership activation, account management, or client services, preferably within a professional sports team, sports marketing agency, or entertainment property.
• Must have flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays as required by NBA game schedules and partner events.
• Demonstrated client-facing experience with a proven track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with corporate partners or clients.
• Experience planning and executing integrated marketing campaigns, with a strong understanding of digital media, social platforms, and digital activation best practices.
• Prior experience overseeing or supporting premium hospitality programs, event management, or VIP client experiences.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality results in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact confidently with executives, partners, and internal stakeholders.
• High level of professionalism, personal accountability, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with CRM systems, digital marketing tools, and project management software is a plus.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.