Manager, Activation

Memphis Grizzlies•Memphis, TN

2h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Memphis Grizzlies are seeking a highly organized and experience-focused Activation Manager to lead planning, coordination, and execution of partner hospitality activations, experiential marketing programs, and special events. This Activation Manager role is a hybrid of account management, operational leadership for partner hospitality activations and game day staff – while working closely with the Activation team to ensure seamless execution of small-mid hospitality activation assets. The ideal candidate will bring event management experience, exceptional attention to detail, strong project management capabilities, and the ability to independently manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Event Management, Sports Management, Hospitality, Communications, Business, or a related field
Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience
Proven experience managing events, hospitality programs, experiential marketing initiatives, or large-scale activations
Demonstrated ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
Experience coordinating cross-functional teams, vendors, and stakeholders

Nice To Haves

Agency, hospitality, experiential marketing, event production, live entertainment, or venue management experience
Experience managing large-scale events and guest experiences
Experience supporting sponsorship activation and partnership fulfillment initiatives
Knowledge of sports and entertainment, specifically NBA basketball.

Responsibilities

Lead planning and executing small-to-mid-sized partner events, hospitality programs, and experiential activations across multiple partners
Assume ownership of event logistics and execution once event objectives, scope, and requirements have been established by the Activation lead
Manage all phases of event planning including timelines, budgets, staffing, logistics, vendor coordination, onsite execution and post-event evaluation
Ensure all partner activations align with sponsorship agreements and organizational standards
Deliver exceptional partner and guest experiences while maintaining high service levels and executional excellence
Anticipate operational challenges and proactively develop solutions to ensure successful outcomes
Assist in identifying new opportunities to enhance partner engagement and experiential marketing initiatives
Develop and manage comprehensive event plans, production schedules, and execution timelines
Provide leadership and guidance to seasonal staff, event personnel, and cross-functional teams as assigned
Maintain day-to-day contact, fulfillment, and renewal of assigned portfolio of corporate partners with a focus on planning, execution, measurement, and potential upsell opportunities
Lead the planning and execution of all assigned partners' contractual elements, including traditional media assets, in-market promotions, in-arena activation, hospitality, experiential, and community programs with a higher level of investment and complexity
Other duties as assigned