Manager - global partnerships activation

Position Summary:

The Vegas Golden Knights are seeking an enthusiastic, detail-oriented and passionate Manager of Global Partnership - Activations to manage the execution and delivery of partnership activations across the Foley Entertainment organization and its affiliated sports properties. Our affiliated properties include, Henderson Knights (AHL), Vegas Knight Hawks (IFL), City National Arena, American First Center, and Lee's Family Forum.

This role will manage integrated partnership activations spanning:

• Sponsorship activation and fulfillment
• Partner servicing and relationship management
• Research insights, asset valuations and partnership ROI
• Game day and special event experiences
• Activation logistics and program management

As a vital member of our partnerships team, the manager will help ensure the seamless execution of partner commitments and contribute to exceptional partner experiences across all teams and venues. The manager will bring a successful track record of fulfilling and executing sponsorship plans and promotions to help ensure best in class partner servicing and activation execution. This is an exciting opportunity to help deliver world-class partnership activations for a growing sports and entertainment platform in one of the world's most dynamic markets.

Key Responsibilities:

Partnership Activation & Fulfillment

Manage the day-to-day activation and servicing for a portfolio of assigned partnership accounts for the Vegas Golden Knights.

Build and foster high-impact relationships with partners, stakeholders and external partners to foster long-term collaboration and business growth.

Maintain an ongoing understanding of each partner's business and competitive environment.

Engage with partner personnel, including client and agency resources to fulfill all partner commitments, build activation strategies, manage and execute partnership initiatives.

Ensure contractual sponsorship elements (gameday and non-gameday assets) are fulfilled, executed seamlessly and tracked for accuracy for all assigned partners.

Lead the development of activation timelines and tracking systems to execute deliverables and logistics across the Vegas Golden Knights, Henderson Silver Knights (AHL), Vegas Knight Hawks (IFL), City National Arena, American First Center, Lee's Family Forum, T-Mobile Arena and any future facilities the organization develops in the region.

Participate in meetings with internal department stakeholders & associated vendors to ensure contracted sponsor assets are executed on time and on strategy, including oversight to select areas of focus across the department.

Lead the execution of logistics of partner activations, displays, and branded experiences at games and events.

Insights, Reporting and Analytics

Develop and maintain reports on partnership performance, including ROI, engagement metrics and other key success indicators.

Build business acumen for research, business insights and valuation partners to help identify trends, opportunities and apply insights to inform partnership strategies and elevate partner programming.

Develop mid/end of season recap storytelling to demonstrate asset fulfillment, bonus value and partnership metrics/ROI for all assigned partnership accounts.

Game Day and Partner Events

Support partner programming on Game Days and Event Days – on-site asset fulfillment, gameday hosting, experiences, Business Alliance events etc.

Plan and execute partner hospitality experiences, including suite visits, meet-and-greets, on-ice experiences, and VIP access.

Attend contracted appearances, commercial shoots, etc. as needed at sponsor's business, community service event and/or other specified locations.

Develop event timelines, run-of-show documents, and staff briefings for partnership activations.

Manage venue logistics for partner activations including space allocation, permits, catering, security and facility coordination.

Conduct regular status check-ins with partners to review activation performance, maintain fulfillment status and gather ongoing feedback.

Respond promptly to partner requests, questions, and concerns with professionalism and solutions-oriented approach.

Bring new and compelling ideas to current partners whenever possible (i.e., value add and upsell opportunities).

Vendor & Supplier Management

Source and manage relationships with external vendors for activations elements (décor, AV, promotional items, etc.).

Obtain quotes, negotiate pricing and manage vendor contracts within approved budgets.

Oversee vendor set up, execution and breakdown at events.

Ensure all vendor deliverables meet brand standards and partner expectations.

Administrative & Operational Support

Maintain comprehensive partnership activation database and fulfillment tracking systems using CRM tools and platforms.

Manage the review and approval of partnership marketing and communications assets and materials across internal and external stakeholders for assigned accounts.

Oversee departmental hospitality asset tracking and fulfillment, including tickets and experiences.

Process invoices and track activation budgets in collaboration with finance team.

Handle a high volume of detail-oriented partner agreements and projects with precision and organization.

Support partnership proposals by providing activation ideas, event photos and case studies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or combination of work experience and education
• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience, preferably in sports with a team, brand, or agency
• Proven track record of successfully coordinating multiple events and activations simultaneously
• Strong proficiency with CRM tools (KORE preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
• Experience using graphic design software preferred (i.e., Photoshop)
• Strong project management skills with exceptional attention to detail and ability to consistently meet hard deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a relentless work ethic
• Results-oriented, with a strong focus on delivering measurable outcomes and exceeding expectations
• Pro-active, self-motivated and highlight organized with the ability to effectively manage multiple detail-oriented tasks and establish daily work routines in a high energy atmosphere
• Strong desire and willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment
• Positive attitude and quick thinker with ability to lead with YES internally and externally
• Self-starter with problem-solving mindset and ability to thrive under pressure
• Team player with a no-ego, 'we' not 'me' approach
• Knowledge of the Las Vegas market and its entertainment-driven dynamics preferred
• High level of integrity and ability to uphold the organization's "Knights Code" (company rules of conduct)

Core Competencies:

• Event Planning & Execution
• Project Management & Organization
• Partner Relationship Management
• Attention to Detail & Follow-Through
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability
• Communication & Professionalism
• Time Management & Prioritization
• Brand Standards & Quality Control
• Customer Service Excellence