Sponsorship/Events Manager - Gilley's

GILLEYS JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Manager of Sponsorships and Events

DEPARTMENT: Entertainment

STATUS: Full Time/Part Time

LICENSE: Level II

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: Multiple

REPORTS TO: Director of Marketing

MANAGES: Events Coordinator

JOB SUMMARY

The Manager of Sponsorships & Events is responsible for overseeing the execution, and management of non-casino programming, including concerts, festivals, sporting events, and corporate partnerships. This role is tasked with securing sponsorships, developing partnerships, and ensuring seamless execution of entertainment and event programming to enhance guest engagement, drive revenue, and expand brand presence.

The Manager will also lead efforts to develop and grow pickleball tournaments, leagues, and a membership program, creating a premier pickleball destination. By fostering strong relationships with sponsors, vendors, and event organizers, this position will maximize sponsorship opportunities and elevate Gilleys as a top-tier entertainment venue.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Oversee, plan, and execute large-scale events, including concerts, festivals, community events, and sporting tournaments.

• Develop and expand pickleball tournaments, leagues, and a structured membership program to drive participation and engagement.

• Create and execute event sponsorship strategies, identifying potential corporate sponsors and securing partnerships for concerts, festivals, pickleball events, and other programming.

• Collaborate with talent agencies, event promoters, and production teams to book and manage entertainment acts, sports tournaments, and festival programming.

• Develop and implement event marketing strategies, working closely with the Director of Marketing to maximize exposure, ticket sales, and attendance.

• Oversee pickleball league development, recruiting teams, structuring league play, and coordinating tournament logistics.

• Establish strategic partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and corporate sponsors to enhance event visibility and funding.

• Manage all aspects of sponsorship agreements, including contract negotiations, activation plans, and fulfillment of sponsorship obligations.

• Oversee the Special Events Coordinators, ensuring seamless event planning, vendor coordination, and operational execution.

• Ensure proper budgeting, cost control, and revenue tracking for all events, sponsorships, and pickleball programming.

• Work closely with venue operations and security teams to ensure smooth and safe event execution.

• Evaluate event success through post-event analysis, guest feedback, sponsorship effectiveness, and ROI metrics.

• Identify opportunities for new event concepts, partnerships, and programming expansions to maintain a competitive edge.

• Maintain compliance with all legal, regulatory, and licensing requirements for event management and sponsorships.

• Serve as the primary liaison between sponsors, vendors, and event stakeholders to ensure positive business relationships.

• Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

• Must be physically mobile with reasonable accommodations.

• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.

• Must be able to bend, reach, kneel, and grip items.

• Must be able to stand/walk for 8-12 hours during events.

• Must operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure event environment.

• Tolerate secondary smoke, high noise levels, bright lights, and outdoor event conditions.

Gilleys reserves the right to modify this job description as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 21 years of age.

• Bachelors degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Hospitality, Event Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience preferred.

• Minimum three years of experience in event management, sponsorship sales, or entertainment marketing.

• Proven track record of securing sponsorships and developing corporate partnerships.

• Experience managing large-scale entertainment events, festivals, or sports tournaments.

• Strong understanding of event marketing, promotions, and ticket sales strategies.

• Knowledge of pickleball leagues, tournaments, and membership program development is a plus.

• Excellent negotiation and relationship-building skills with corporate sponsors and event partners.

• Ability to lead and develop Special Events Coordinators, ensuring efficient event planning and execution.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, CRM tools, and event management software.

• Exceptional organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as needed.