Manager, Activation

Memphis Grizzlies; Memphis (TN); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Holiday pay

Free parking & game night meals

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Memphis Grizzlies is seeking an experienced Activation Manager to lead planning, coordination, and execution of partner hospitality activations, experiential marketing programs, and events.

The role blends account management with operational leadership for hospitality activations and game-day staff, requiring meticulous attention to detail and strong project management skills to juggle multiple initiatives concurrently.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Event Management, Sports Management, Hospitality, Communications, Business, or related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in events or activations.
• Proven ability to oversee multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams, vendors, and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and executing small-to-mid-sized partner events, hospitality programs, and activations.
• Own event logistics and execution after objectives are set by the Activation lead.
• Manage all phases of event planning: timelines, budgets, staffing, and logistics.
• Ensure activations align with sponsorships and organizational standards.
• Deliver exceptional partner and guest experiences with high executional standards.
• Identify opportunities to enhance partner engagement and initiatives.

Skills

Event management

Hospitality activation

Budgets

Vendor coordination

Project management

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing or related field

Tools

Budgeting software

Scheduling software

Job description

The Memphis Grizzlies are seeking a highly organized and experience-focused Activation Manager to lead planning, coordination, and execution of partner hospitality activations, experiential marketing programs, and special events.

This Activation Manager role is a hybrid of account management, operational leadership for partner hospitality activations and game day staff – while working closely with the Activation team to ensure seamless execution of small-mid hospitality activation assets.

The ideal candidate will bring event management experience, exceptional attention to detail, strong project management capabilities, and the ability to independently manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.

In This Role You Will

• Lead planning and executing small-to-mid-sized partner events, hospitality programs, and experiential activations across multiple partners
• Assume ownership of event logistics and execution once event objectives, scope, and requirements have been established by the Activation lead
• Manage all phases of event planning including timelines, budgets, staffing, logistics, vendor coordination, onsite execution and post-event evaluation
• Ensure all partner activations align with sponsorship agreements and organizational standards
• Deliver exceptional partner and guest experiences while maintaining high service levels and executional excellence
• Anticipate operational challenges and proactively develop solutions to ensure successful outcomes
• Assist in identifying new opportunities to enhance partner engagement and experiential marketing initiatives
• Develop and manage comprehensive event plans, production schedules, and execution timelines
• Provide leadership and guidance to seasonal staff, event personnel, and cross-functional teams as assigned
• Maintain day-to-day contact, fulfillment, and renewal of assigned portfolio of corporate partners with a focus on planning, execution, measurement, and potential upsell opportunities
• Lead the planning and execution of all assigned partners' contractual elements, including traditional media assets, in-market promotions, in-arena activation, hospitality, experiential, and community programs with a higher level of investment and complexity
• Other duties as assigned

The Experience You Will Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Event Management, Sports Management, Hospitality, Communications, Business, or a related field
• Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience
• Proven experience managing events, hospitality programs, experiential marketing initiatives, or large-scale activations
• Demonstrated ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams, vendors, and stakeholders

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds with or without assistance.
• Ability to traverse the facility quickly.

Nice To Have

• Agency, hospitality, experiential marketing, event production, live entertainment, or venue management experience
• Experience managing large-scale events and guest experiences
• Experience supporting sponsorship activation and partnership fulfillment initiatives
• Knowledge of sports and entertainment, specifically NBA basketball.

What We Offer

At the Memphis Grizzlies, we strive to support our team members through all stages of life with robust and attractive benefits, financial and wellness options and great perks. In addition to offering a competitive salary, we have other great benefits and perks.

Keeping You Healthy

• Industry leading health coverage
• Short and Long-term disability
• Team Member and Dependent Life Insurance
• Group Voluntary Benefits
• Wellness programs through EAP and Headspace

Discounts and Perks

• Matching 401(k)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Team Store Discounts
• Happy Hours and other fun activities
• Free parking and game night meals
• NBA Sponsored Discount Programs
• Employee Referral Bonuses
• Employee Recognition Programs

Taking Time Off

• Generous Paid Time Off
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Paternity Leave

Memphis Basketball LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to treating all applicants and team members fairly based on their abilities, achievements and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other classification protected by law.