FUNCTION
The Partnership Activation Manager is responsible for the fulfillment and execution of sponsorship contracts for Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby. The manager is also responsible for management and oversight of Churchill Down’s logos and trademarks, brand guidelines and brand assets. The manager will ensure contractual benefits of sponsors are delivered and executed successfully, and strive to over-deliver against partner expectations while protecting the value of CDRT assets. The manager will contribute to the growth of the partnership activation department through superior customer service, excellent interpersonal skills, and continuously upholding a strong team player attitude.

·         Serving as direct liaison for assigned sponsors to oversee the execution of the partnership agreements and initiatives, including marketing, hospitality, media, signage, and experiential opportunities.

·         Assisting in execution of sponsor promotions and activation, primarily as related to Kentucky Derby Week as well as Churchill Downs Racetrack’s Spring, September and Fall Meets.

·         Developing and building relationships with partners through exceptional customer service.

·         Serving as internal brand representative on behalf of assigned partners to ensure various sponsor objectives are met.

·         Collaborating with internal departments and external vendors on behalf of clients to ensure success of sponsor related initiatives and assigned projects, utilizing independent judgement and discretion where necessary.

·         Tracking and reporting event recap valuation for assigned partner accounts.

·         Providing recommendations and added-value options, activation ideas, up-sell opportunities and insight on client renewal strategies.

·         Performing other duties as assigned.
 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No supervisory responsibilities

 

·         Bachelor's degree from a college or university in Marketing, Sports Administration or related field. Master’s Degree a plus.

·         Two (2) to four (4) years related experience and/or training in sports marketing, partnerships, activations, agency and/or sales.  More in-depth experience a plus.

·         Exceptional organizational and project management skills aimed at planning activations, promotional elements, scheduling of media, signage/print, etc. to ensure deadlines are met.  

·         Proven and demonstrated record of accomplishment in providing exceptional client service, preferably in a high end or high profile environment.

·         Proven and demonstrated ability to execute strategic activation programs.

·         Must be creative, well organized, possess a strong work ethic and a desire and willingness to learn.

·         Ability to exercise sound business judgment generating effective solutions quickly and/or raising issues to management as necessary.

·         Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast paced and time sensitive environment; strong attention to detail required.

·         Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as demonstrated professionalism and diplomacy.

·         Creative and professional presentation style combined with a collaborative, pro-active problem solving approach.

·         Ability to work non traditional hours, including some weekends, evenings and holidays.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally life and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.