Manager, Sponsorship Operations & Activation

Manager, Sponsorship Operations & Activation

Pay: $38-40 / hourly as W2, full benefits offered.

Hybrid:
San Antonio, TX or Charlotte, NC (4 days per week)

Length of contract:
Approved for 12 months, possible extension.

The target hiring compensation range for this role is $38-40 / hourly as a W2 employee.

Holidays and vacation days taken are unpaid.

Candidates must work 4 days onsite in the client’s San Antonio, TX or Charlotte, NC location

Compensation is based on several factors including, but not limited to education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location. Additional benefits offered may include medical health insurance and dental insurance, life insurance, and eligibility to participate in a 401k plan with company match.

We are seeking a detail-oriented, process-driven professional to serve as the operational backbone of our Brand Marketing Sponsor ships team. In this role, you will manage the critical workflows that bring our major sports, music, and entertainment partnerships to life.

While this role sits within the marketing organization, your primary focus will be “behind-the-scenes” excellence: managing financial controls, ensuring legal compliance, overseeing asset inventory, and driving project management. You will act as the connector between our creative ambitions and our operational reality, partnering with Finance, Legal, and Procurement to ensure our programs are executed on time, on budget, and within compliance.

• Financial Management:
  Oversee the end-to-end procurement process, including vendor setup, purchase order (PO) creation, invoice management, payment scheduling, and budget tracking.
• Contract & Compliance Oversight:
  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.
• Process Optimization:
  Maintain detailed documentation of workflows and proactively identify opportunities to streamline team operations.

• Ticket Management:
  Lead the planning, documentation, and distribution of ticketing assets to internal and external stakeholders.
• Inventory Control:
  Manage inventory for branded premiums, apparel, and hospitality assets; ensure accurate tracking and timely distribution for events.
• On-Site Support:
  Provide logistical and activation support for key marketing events (sports/entertainment) with minimal travel required.

• Project Management:
  Support the wider team by creating internal presentations, hospitality guides, and event recaps.
• Stakeholder Communication:
  Translate complex sponsorship details into clear guidance for partners in Corporate Communications, Creative, and other lines of business.

• Experience:
  
  5+ years of practical experience in Sponsor ships, Event Marketing, or Partnership Marketing (experience at a Brand, Property, or Agency is required).
• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficiency in procurement systems, contract management workflows, and Microsoft Office (specifically Excel and PowerPoint).
• Communication:
  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.

Aquent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands.

Our eligible talent has access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match.

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.