Application Deadline: 31 May 2026
Department: Events
Location: New York, New York
Compensation: $80,000 - $100,000 / year
Description
Front Office Sports is looking for an Activation Manager to own the end-to-end execution of sponsor and brand activations across our growing event portfolio.
This role sits within the Events team and operates cross-functionally alongside Sales, Account Management, Partnership Marketing, Editorial, and Multimedia— serving as the connective tissue between what sponsors are sold and what audiences experience on the ground.
The ideal candidate brings a strong background in experiential marketing or a fast paced agency environment, demonstrates exceptional attention to detail, and effectively manages multiple sponsors and stakeholders without letting anything fall through the cracks. This individual is equally comfortable leading pre production planning and solving real time challenges onsite, with a consistent focus on delivering activations that exceed contractual obligations and create a lasting brand impression.
Key Responsibilities
Activation Planning & Execution- Lead end-to-end execution of sponsor and brand activations across FOS franchise and tentpole events
- Build and maintain detailed activation timelines, run-of-show documents, and production schedules for each event
- Develop activation plans and creative briefs in partnership with Partnership Marketing and Creative teams to ensure cohesive, brand-forward experiences
- Oversee on-site execution of all activations, serving as the primary point of accountability for quality control and real-time problem-solving
Sponsor & Client Management- Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for sponsor execution— managing expectations, tracking deliverables, and maintaining proactive communication throughout the campaign lifecycle
- Ensure all activations fulfill contractual obligations, adhere to brand guidelines, and are positioned to exceed sponsor campaign objectives
- Build strong sponsor relationships that support retention and upsell opportunities in partnership with the Account Management team
Vendor & Budget Management- Source, vet, and manage external vendors (production, fabrication, A/V, staffing, etc.), including RFP processes, contract negotiation, and budget tracking
- Maintain accurate budget reconciliation across all activations, flagging variances and proactively managing costs
Cross-Functional Collaboration- Coordinate closely with Events, Sales, Account Management, Partnership Marketing, Editorial, and Multimedia teams to ensure seamless integration of sponsor activations across all touch points
Measurement & Reporting- Lead post-event activation recaps, including delivery against contractual assets, performance insights, and actionable recommendations for future activations
- Track activation metrics and contribute to broader sponsor reporting in collaboration with Account Management
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
- 5 - 7 years of experience in experiential marketing, sponsorship activation, event production, or a related agency environment
- Proven track record owning end-to-end activation execution— from pre-event planning through on-site delivery and post-event wrap
- Strong project management skills with the ability to run multiple activations and sponsor relationships simultaneously in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment
- Excellent client-facing communication skills; experience managing sponsor or partner expectations and navigating ambiguity with confidence
- Experience sourcing and managing vendors, negotiating contracts, and budgets
- Highly detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to build clear, scalable processes
- Collaborative and solutions-oriented mindset; comfortable working cross-functionally and adapting quickly in a fast-moving environment
- Willingness to travel and work non-traditional hours including evenings and weekends as events require
- Understanding of integrated marketing and how live events connect to broader sponsor campaign strategy
- Experience in sports, media, or entertainment environments
- Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Event Management, or a related field preferred
Perks & Benefits
- Generous PTO policy to use as you please, plus sick time and company holidays
- Employer-sponsored health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision
- An annual professional development stipend and endless development opportunities at a growing startup
- Plan for your future with our 401(k) plan, complemented by a 3% company match. We believe in supporting your long-term financial goals
- Thrive in a dynamic environment with endless development opportunities at our growing startup
