Manager, Partnership Activation, Big Ten Corporate Partnership

Big Ten Corporate Partnerships is looking for a Manager, Partnership Activation to join their team in Chicago, IL. The Manager, Partnership Activation will support the management of the Big Ten Corporate Partnership relationships with assigned corporate partners. This role will report to the Director of Partnership Activation and support the planning and execution of event activations and sponsor benefits, as well as the cross-functional project management, coordinating efforts across various departments.

A SNAPSHOT OF YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Sponsor Management

• Collaborate with the department Director on managing select Big Ten sponsor accounts, including pre-event and on-site activation

• Support the department director and VP in developing an overall partner strategy to create deeply integrated partnerships

• Develop, enhance, and service sponsor relationships with assigned accounts by providing excellent customer service and expertise in the space

• Develop and implement sponsorship deliverables

• Meeting preparation and action plans, including agendas, presentations, and meeting notes

• Ensure the delivery of all contractual obligations for assigned sponsor accounts

• Assist in developing post-event measurements and recap reports for Big Ten sponsor accounts, including managing relationships with Nielsen to provide post-event media valuations/metrics

• Assist in renewal strategies, including financial forecasts

• Build strong relationships with internal BTN and B1G stakeholders to drive client initiatives

• Manage and track various sponsor deliverables as assigned by the Director (i.e., ticket allocations and purchases, print, signage, online assets)

• Manage and track various sponsor benefits delivered to Big Ten (i.e. barter)

• Manage other projects as assigned by the VP, Sponsorships, and Director of Partnership Activation

• Work with the Director on incremental opportunities to increase annual sponsor investments via upsell and new activation assets

Event Management

• Manage the cross-functional planning, scheduling, and execution of client activation and strategy plans with assigned accounts

• Manage all aspects of dedicated Sponsor Session on-site deliverables

• Promotional space development and utilization

• Special events (i.e. PR, clinics, VIP experiences)

• Budget management as applicable

• Assist in managing the FCG Fan Fest, including partner activation, planning, and overall integrations

Other BTCP Program Sponsorships

• Manage the development of an annual pre-tournament sponsor planner and/or post-tournament report

• Assist Director and VP in planning and execution of an annual Sponsor Summit/Retreat

• Daily interaction with other departments throughout BTN/B1G: Ad Sales, Marketing, Business Operations, Tournament Operations

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

• 3+ years of experience in managing the operational aspects related to sponsorship benefits at a professional sports league, a professional sports team, or in conjunction with a premier sports event

• Ability to work with high-profile clients and maintain strong customer relationships

• Ability to manage project budgets, handle multiple tasks under pressure, solve problems, and develop and implement creative and effective sponsor-driven consumer promotions

• High level of customer service

• High degree of integrity

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Positive attitude

• Able to work as an effective member of a team

• Able to occasionally travel to sponsor meetings and attend all major BTCP activations and major events