Senior Sports Events & Activations Manager
Department: Events & Operations
Reports To: Director of Events / Head of Sports Operations
Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Sports Events Professional to lead the strategic planning and flawless execution of high-impact sporting events and fan activations. This role is perfect for a strategic thinker with deep roots in sports operations, who thrives under pressure and is driven by the challenge of creating seamless, unforgettable experiences—from initial concept to final game-day execution. If you live and breathe sports and possess a proven track record of turning ambitious event visions into reality, we want you on our team.
Core Responsibilities
- End-to-End Event Leadership: Own the entire lifecycle of assigned sporting events and activations, including planning, budgeting, logistics, vendor management, on-site execution, and post-event analysis.
- Strategic Planning & Development: Develop comprehensive event concepts, project plans, timelines, and risk management strategies. Ensure all plans align with brand objectives, fan engagement goals, and budgetary guidelines.
- Operations Mastery: Apply deep knowledge of sports operations to manage critical elements: venue liaison, permits, security, medical services, equipment, technology integration, broadcasting coordination, and team/athlete logistics.
- Stakeholder Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for internal teams (marketing, sponsorship, communications) and external partners (leagues, teams, venues, vendors, local authorities).
- Experience Curation: Design and implement fan-centric activations that elevate the event experience, drive engagement, and create lasting memories for attendees.
- Budget & Resource Management: Develop and manage detailed event budgets, ensuring optimal resource allocation and financial accountability.
- Crisis Management: Proactively identify potential issues and lead on-the-spot problem-solving in fast-paced, live-event environments to ensure minimal disruption.
- Team Leadership & Mentorship: Lead cross-functional event teams and potentially mentor junior staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
- Post-Event Analysis: Conduct thorough debriefs, analyze key metrics (KPIs), and compile reports with insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Business Administration, Event Management, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5-7 years of direct, progressive experience in sports event management, operations, or activations.
- Proven Portfolio: Demonstrable experience managing mid-to-large scale sporting events from conception to completion (e.g., tournaments, fan festivals, professional games, sponsored activations).
- Deep Sports Knowledge: Intrinsic understanding of the sports industry landscape, including league structures, team operations, and fan culture.
- Operational Excellence: Expertise in event logistics, vendor negotiation, contract management, and risk assessment.
- Exceptional Communicator: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Agile Performer: Ability to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously with precision.
- Problem-Solving Mindset: A calm, decisive, and resourceful approach to overcoming challenges under pressure.
- Proficiency with event management software, project management tools, and Microsoft Office/Google Workspace.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Existing network within the sports industry (leagues, teams, vendors).
- Experience with integrated technology in events (apps, cashless systems, fan engagement platforms).
What We Offer
- A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- The opportunity to work on high-profile, exciting sporting events.
- A dynamic, collaborative, and passionate team environment.
- Professional growth opportunities in a thriving sports organization.
- The chance to create genuine impact and lasting memories for fans.