Wisconsin Union Sponsorship & Activation Coordinator

Universities of Wisconsin • Madison, WI

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position coordinates sponsorship activation and engagement initiatives across Wisconsin Union venues, including Union South, Memorial Union, the Terrace, Sett Recreation, and Sett Pub. The role focuses on implementing sponsorship activation strategies that support revenue generation, increase participation and attendance, enhance venue visibility, and strengthen long-term partnership opportunities tied to existing Wisconsin Union events, festivals, recreation activities, watch parties, and venue operations. Responsibilities include coordinating sponsor deliverables, supporting activation logistics, assisting with high-traffic Union events, and developing engagement initiatives designed to increase customer traffic, support sales growth, and enhance the value of Union sponsorship opportunities. The position is intended to support and enhance existing Union activities rather than create independent programming structures. The position works collaboratively with Dining, Programming, Marketing, Facilities, Event Services, and Sponsorship partners to ensure activation efforts align with operational priorities, existing programming structures, and revenue-focused objectives. In this role, you’ll collaborate with campus partners to enhance events such as Badger Bash, Terrace festivals, and other large-scale initiatives by developing interactive activation concepts and ensuring seamless execution. You’ll also support recreation-based programming, including bowling and gaming operations, while helping drive visibility, participation, and revenue through innovative event enhancements. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys both creative idea development and hands-on execution, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is excited to contribute to dynamic, student-centered experiences.

Requirements

• One year of experience coordinating events, activations, or programs, including planning and on-site
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams
• Experience working with or supporting student staff, interns, or volunteers
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, based on event needs

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting large-scale events or high-visibility initiatives
• Experience with sponsorship activation, promotions, or partner deliverables
• Experience working in a higher education, student union, or campus environment
• Familiarity with recreation or gaming operations (e.g., bowling, billiards, arcade)
• Experience tracking budgets, participation metrics, or event performance data
• Ability to contribute creative ideas for event enhancements and activation concepts

Responsibilities

• Serves on committees and attends meetings, representing the interests of the unit or program
• Schedules logistics and secures resources for a designated work unit to contribute to the day-to-day operational success
• Support engagement initiatives within Sett Recreation and Sett Pub spaces, including bowling, billiards, arcade gaming, esports, trivia, watch parties, and related activities.
• Assist in coordinating bowling leagues, tournaments, promotions, themed recreation events, and venue-based engagement initiatives designed to increase participation, traffic, and venue utilization.
• Collaborate with Sett Recreation, Dining, and Programming staff to support engagement initiatives and operational coordination tied to events and activations.
• Support activation opportunities connected to Sett Recreation, Sett Pub, and existing Union programming.
• Serve as Advisor to the UW Bowling Team, providing organizational guidance and institutional coordination.
• Assist in identifying opportunities to increase participation, sponsorship visibility, customer engagement, and revenue opportunities within Sett Recreation and Sett Pub operations.
• Analyzes data and trends, compiles progress reports, and provides appropriate recommendations or conclusions in support of the assigned operational work unit(s)
• Assist leadership in identifying sponsorship opportunities tied to existing Union events and venue activities.
• Track sponsorship fulfillment elements, activation-related metrics, and participation trends.
• Support revenue-generating initiatives connected to activations, recreation engagement, and venue-based experiences.
• Assist in monitoring activation effectiveness and sponsor engagement outcomes.
• Provide recommendations related to sponsor visibility, customer engagement, participation growth, and activation improvements.
• Assists, recommends, and advises staff on unit or program administrative issues, personnel matters, and budgetary problems
• Coordinate logistical needs related to sponsorship activations and event-based initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with Dining, Facilities, Programming, Marketing, and Event Services to support successful execution of activation initiatives.
• Support operational coordination for sponsorship setups, engagement activities, and venue activations.
• Ensure activation initiatives align with established Union operational procedures and programming structures.
• Supervise student leads and interns supporting activation initiatives, including Bolz interns.
• Assign responsibilities and provide feedback related to event execution and engagement activities.
• Support onboarding and training of student team members.
• Provide event-level direction during activations in coordination with professional staff.
• Implements and executes established policies and procedures for a designated work unit to adhere to unit objectives and to align with established strategies
• Coordinate sponsorship activations designed to increase customer traffic, participation, and revenue opportunities across Wisconsin Union venues.
• Support sponsorship initiatives tied to existing revenue-producing events, festivals, watch parties, and venue operations.
• Coordinate activation calendars to align sponsorship efforts with operational priorities and existing event schedules.
• Assist in developing activation concepts that strengthen sponsor value while increasing attendance, visibility, food and beverage participation, and venue engagement.
• Support sponsorship activation components for Terrace festivals, Badger Bash, UW sports watch events, and other large-scale Union initiatives.
• Coordinate with Marketing to support promotional alignment and sponsor visibility efforts.
• Ensure operational readiness and successful on-site execution of activation initiatives.
• Support implementation and tracking of sponsor deliverables and fulfillment elements tied to sponsorship agreements.
• Identify opportunities to expand sponsor visibility through activations that enhance customer engagement and operational revenue performance.
• Coordinate activation efforts that support long-term sponsorship growth and partnership retention.

Benefits

• generous paid time off
• competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance
• tax-advantaged savings accounts
• participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed