Partnership Activation Manager

Barrett-Jackson Auction Co•Scottsdale, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Partnership Activation Manager plays a critical role in the execution, management, growth, and retention of Barrett-Jackson's corporate partnerships. This position serves as the primary day-to-day contact for assigned partners, ensuring the successful delivery of sponsorship assets, exceptional client service, and measurable business results. The ideal candidate is highly organized, relationship-driven, and passionate about delivering best-in-class partnership experiences. This individual will collaborate across internal departments and external stakeholders to ensure flawless execution while identifying opportunities to strengthen partner engagement, retention, and revenue growth.

Requirements

Exceptional relationship-building and customer service skills.
Strong project management and organizational abilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving capabilities.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.
Experience with CRM platforms and project management tools.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Positive attitude, professional demeanor, and strong sense of accountability.
Ability to remain flexible and adaptable in a dynamic event-driven environment.
Must be willing to travel to Barrett-Jackson auctions and events throughout the year.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and non-traditional hours during auction events and peak seasons.
Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Marketing, Business, Communications, Event Management, or a related field preferred.
Minimum of 2-4 years of experience in sponsorship activation, partnership marketing, account management, event marketing, sports marketing, or related fields.
Experience working with corporate sponsors, experiential marketing programs, hospitality events, or live events preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary activation lead for assigned corporate partners and exhibitors.
Build and maintain strong client relationships through regular communication, strategic planning, and proactive account management.
Develop a deep understanding of each partner's business objectives, industry landscape, target audience, and success metrics.
Manage partner expectations, timelines, deliverables, approvals, and communication throughout the sponsorship lifecycle.
Conduct onboarding meetings, planning sessions, and post-event recap meetings.
Support partnership renewal efforts by identifying opportunities for growth, upselling, and increased engagement.
Coordinate the execution and fulfillment of all contractual sponsorship assets, including: On-site activations, Hospitality programs, Signage and branding, Digital marketing assets, Social media promotions, Website integrations, Print advertising, Experiential activations, Lead generation opportunities.
Review and approve creative materials to ensure compliance with Barrett-Jackson brand standards.
Coordinate with internal departments to schedule and execute all partner deliverables.
Maintain detailed activation calendars and fulfillment timelines.
Document activation execution through proof-of-performance reports, photography, and video.
Manage sponsor and exhibitor logistics leading up to and during Barrett-Jackson auctions.
Coordinate exhibit space assignments in partnership with Operations and Event Management teams.
Oversee sponsor onboarding, including: Event schedules, Move-in and move-out procedures, Insurance requirements, Tax documentation, Utility and rental orders, Event credentials, Hospitality details.
Manage premium hospitality assets including suites, skyboxes, lounges, and VIP experiences.
Serve as an on-site partner liaison during events, ensuring all contractual obligations are fulfilled and client needs are addressed promptly.
Coordinate with third-party vendors and service providers to ensure successful event execution.
Assist the Corporate Partnerships team in achieving department revenue goals through: Exhibitor renewals, Upsell opportunities, Incremental activation programs, Enhanced hospitality experiences.
Participate in partnership strategy sessions and client growth planning.
Contribute ideas that improve sponsor value, engagement, and retention.
Track and manage partnership deliverables within CRM and internal reporting systems.
Develop post-event recap reports that measure sponsorship performance against agreed-upon objectives.
Assist in evaluating Return on Objectives (ROO) and Return on Investment (ROI) metrics.
Maintain accurate records of partner activity, fulfillment status, and communication history.
Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Operations, Event Production, Finance, and Executive Leadership teams to ensure successful partner outcomes.
Attend and actively participate in departmental, activation, and event planning meetings.
Support special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned.