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.