On-Premise Activation Specialist

Enthuse-Marketing•Chicago, IL

2d•$70,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

Enthuse is an education-led marketing agency seeking an On-Premise Activation Specialist to execute locally relevant brand activations across a designated territory in support of a premium spirits portfolio. This field-based role leverages local relationships, community connections, on-premise experience, and social influence to create authentic consumer and trade experiences. The goal is to build advocacy, generate trial, increase brand visibility, and support consumer demand. This is not a sales role; the Activation Specialist supports established customer and market priorities through activation while providing observations and feedback to help the agency and client continuously strengthen programming. Reporting to the Field Activation Manager, the On-Premise Activation Specialist works independently in the field, maintaining consistent communication, disciplined execution, and accurate reporting to agency leadership and designated client and market partners.

Requirements

Must be 21 years or older
Demonstrated strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Strong organizational skills, and attention to quality, detail, and accuracy
Must live in assigned territory and be willing to travel throughout
Must have valid driver's license, registered and insured vehicle with clean driving record/background check
3+ years of experience in beverage alcohol, hospitality or events
Strong understanding of the on-premise channel, including bars, restaurants, nightlife, and hospitality ecosystems.
Experience evaluating trade programming, activations, and competitive supplier activity.
Ability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative insights into clear commercial recommendations.
Ability to tailor communications for a variety of on-premise environments
Strong budget management skills
Ability to work flexible hours and travel including nights and weekends required
Desire for mentorship and willingness to contribute to team culture
Manage administrative tasks with attention to meeting agency compliance guidelines and standards
Must be able to regularly lift, carry, push, and/or pull items weighing at least 15 pounds and up to 50 pounds.
Must be able to perform physical tasks associated with the role, including moving materials, equipment, and supplies as needed.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, and perform repetitive motions for extended periods as required by the position.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (English and Spanish-speaking) a plus

Responsibilities

Execute all programming in accordance with applicable legal requirements, responsible marketing standards, client marketing codes, and agency policies.
Ensure activation activity, consumer engagement, social content, product handling, and point-of-sale materials remain within approved program guidelines.
Prepare for and execute brand activations, tastings, trade engagements, and promotional events within assigned on-premise accounts.
Deliver programming according to approved objectives, activation standards, timelines, and budgets.
Tailor activation delivery to the account, consumer occasion, community, and on-premise sub-channel.
Coordinate activation logistics, materials, staffing, and on-site needs with the Field Activation Manager and approved agency partners.
Maintain a consistently high standard of execution and consumer experience.
Create authentic interactions that generate brand awareness, trial, advocacy, and consumer demand.
Recruit relevant consumers, trade members, and community groups to participate in designated activations.
Build bartender and trade engagement through credible, relevant, and educational brand experiences.
Use local knowledge and community connections to help programming feel culturally and contextually relevant.
Build productive working relationships with on-premise account contacts, distributor partners, client market teams, agency partners, and activation staff.
Support established customer and market priorities while respecting defined account-ownership and communication protocols.
Represent the client’s brands and Enthuse professionally and responsibly in the market.
Maintain proactive communication with the Field Activation Manager regarding activation status, field needs, risks, and opportunities.
Support approved social media activity that extends the reach and relevance of activations.
Encourage appropriate audience engagement, sharing, and amplification in accordance with client and legal guidelines.
Use an authentic social presence and local network to help drive awareness and attendance for designated programming.
Capture approved content and activation highlights for agency and client reporting.
Observe and report relevant consumer behaviors, trade feedback, competitive activity, account dynamics, and emerging market trends.
Provide timely activation feedback and recommendations to the Field Activation Manager to help improve future programming.
Capture success stories and examples that clearly demonstrate activation impact.
Complete accurate and timely management of agency initiatives including budget and expense management and all reporting responsibilities.
Participate in required brand, compliance, agency, and professional-development training.
Maintain assigned point-of-sale materials, activation assets, product, and warehouse inventory.
Follow all agency operating procedures, communication protocols, and performance expectations.