What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sponsorship Engagement Manager position at Freeman Company?
About Us
Sparks is a live digital brand experience agency. We specialize in creating connection–-real human connection–-onsite, online, or anywhere. Through a mix of sound strategy, breakthrough creative and flawless execution, we create memorable trade show exhibits, live and virtual events, brand activations, retail stores, corporate environments and other immersive experiences that deepen relationships, inspire action, and build trust--and we do it all over the world.
Summary
The Sponsorship Engagement Manager applies comprehensive knowledge to manage corporate global sponsor relations and to ensure sponsorship benefits are implemented according to contracts. The Sponsorship Engagement Manager ensures sponsors are aware of all deadlines and submission requirements for their specific sponsorship and works closely to support and guide them for a successful experience. They work closely with sales account managers to ensure a smooth transition from sales to engagement. This role requires management of various client programs, including detailed pre and post reporting.
This position will support our Sponsorship Engagement team. It is eligible to work a hybrid schedule, generally requiring work in-office and/or show-site 2-3 days per week. The ideal candidate will be based out of the following locations:
Program Management
Travel up to 25%
What We Offer
Freeman provides benefits that aim to empower our people and their families to thrive mentally, physically, and financially. These are a handful of the types of programs and benefits our full-time people may be eligible for. There may be some variances in specific benefits across regions.
At Freeman, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is helping us to create not only a great place to work, but also an environment where our employees, our customers and our communities around the world can reach their goals and connect with each other. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status and other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Sparks is a live digital brand experience agency. We specialize in creating connection–-real human connection–-onsite, online, or anywhere. Through a mix of sound strategy, breakthrough creative and flawless execution, we create memorable trade show exhibits, live and virtual events, brand activations, retail stores, corporate environments and other immersive experiences that deepen relationships, inspire action, and build trust--and we do it all over the world.
Summary
The Sponsorship Engagement Manager applies comprehensive knowledge to manage corporate global sponsor relations and to ensure sponsorship benefits are implemented according to contracts. The Sponsorship Engagement Manager ensures sponsors are aware of all deadlines and submission requirements for their specific sponsorship and works closely to support and guide them for a successful experience. They work closely with sales account managers to ensure a smooth transition from sales to engagement. This role requires management of various client programs, including detailed pre and post reporting.
This position will support our Sponsorship Engagement team. It is eligible to work a hybrid schedule, generally requiring work in-office and/or show-site 2-3 days per week. The ideal candidate will be based out of the following locations:
- Dallas, TX
- Detroit, MI
- Philadelphia, PA
Program Management
- Serve as a primary point of contact, facilitating sponsorship engagement
- Collaborate with clients, partner and alliance organizations, operations teams and vendors to implement sponsor benefits pre/during/post event
- Develop and manage sponsorship deliverable timelines ensuring alignment with client objectives and workstream deadlines
- Collaborate with team on cost analysis for each level of sponsorship offered
- Oversee the sponsor benefits and tasks within the sponsor portal tool(s). Ensure systems are set up to support your program
- Organize and lead regular cadence calls with sponsor, client, and alliance teams to maintain clear communication and alignment
- Coordinate approval of the sponsor materials, managing the review process with client, sponsors, and events team
- Ensure timely delivery of all sponsorship assets, materials, and activation
- Provide set-up assistance for sponsor during set-up
- Create readiness decks detailing the sponsors deliverables prior to the event
- Provide sponsor and client with post-event deck that includes event metrics, results, feedback, and insight on how to improve for future events
- Clearly define sponsorship benefits and deliverables to align expectations and drive value
- Serve as one of the primary contacts for sponsors providing proactive support and engagement
- Maintain consistent communication via weekly calls, email using client preferred tools (MS Teams, Slack, Google, etc.)
- Ensure all sponsors inquiries receive a response within 24 hours to maintain the high-touch/concierge engagement
- Provide dedicated on-site support at events, ensuring seamless execution of sponsorship activations and brand presence
- Manage sponsor approvals for communications, signage, and messaging to uphold brand integrity and compliance
- Advises Sponsorship team, leveraging expert knowledge to review and recommend solutions
- Maintain consistent and thorough communication with internal team, clients, and accounts
- Update internal team weekly of any challenges and collaborate closely with extended team
- Manage all materials on designated software tools
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
- A minimum of 5-7 years of hands-on experience in the event industry
- Agency experience working with corporate and tech clients is preferred
- Proven experience in event program management or sponsorship operations
- Excellent communication (written and verbal) and organizational skills are required
- Ability to quickly recognize or anticipate problem areas and quickly develop solutions
- Flexible, self-motivated, energetic, and utilizes time productively and efficiently
- Ability to establish priorities, work independently, and proceed with objectives without supervision
- Exhibit an outgoing, upbeat personality with excellent relationship building skills
- Team oriented, considerate, and organized
- Excellent attention to details and accuracy
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with meticulous attention to both logistical and administrative details
- Proficient skills with Microsoft Office tools such as Excel, Word, Teams and PowerPoint
- Box, Google docs, Procim, Salesforce and Slack experience a plus
- Experience managing vendors, people and timelines
- Experience with event tools like Rainfocus, CVENT, etc.
Travel up to 25%
What We Offer
Freeman provides benefits that aim to empower our people and their families to thrive mentally, physically, and financially. These are a handful of the types of programs and benefits our full-time people may be eligible for. There may be some variances in specific benefits across regions.
- Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Paid Parental Leave
- Life, Accident and Disability
- Retirement with Company Match
- Paid Time Off
At Freeman, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is helping us to create not only a great place to work, but also an environment where our employees, our customers and our communities around the world can reach their goals and connect with each other. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status and other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
