Manager, Global Partnership Activation at Atlanta Hawks

Who are we: A professional basketball team and state-of-the-art arena/entertainment venue that specializes in creating memorable experiences for each guest we interact with. Some of our favorite things are live sports, concerts, comedy shows, family shows, and most any other world-class event you can think of, and we’re looking for someone who shares the same interests. We live for the fast-paced world of sports & live entertainment, and as such, we work hard, run fast, execute flawlessly, and party it up when it all comes together. Lastly, we strive to deliver wonderful experiences that create lasting memories, and we prefer to surround ourselves with those who are the best at what they do. Who are you: An enthusiastic lover of sports, live entertainment, and people. You have true passion for engaging in meaningful interactions and creating memorable experiences for all guests. You strive to be helpful, engaging, and knowledgeable of all things Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena. You enjoy being a part of an exciting and dynamic group, and you’re committed to continuously enhancing the productivity and effectiveness of your team. Lastly, you enjoy working hard and celebrating hard, and you’d be shocked if guests weren’t positively impacted by their interactions with you. The Manager, Global Partnerships Activation leads the activation, fulfillment, and day-to-day execution of a designated portfolio of partnership agreements. This role ensures assets are delivered accurately and at a best-in-class standard, while keeping a pulse on overall partnership health and opportunities to deepen value. With a detail-oriented, team-focused approach, the Manager drives ROI and strengthens both partner and internal relationships. Working under the strategic guidance of the Director and in close collaboration with the Coordinator within the POD, this role provides high-quality service and seamless execution across partnerships. RESPONSIBILITIES • Act as the primary manager and lead activator for assigned partnership accounts; facilitate and execute partnership agreements and all contracted assets • Lead the strategy, planning, execution, and day-to-day management of account assets, campaigns, promotions, and events to ensure partnership objectives are fully met • Deliver best-in-class partner servicing and build strong, consultative relationships with clients, agencies, and key stakeholders through meetings, calls, and written communication • Conduct regular status check-ins to review activation performance, confirm fulfillment progress, and gather feedback; respond promptly and professionally to partner requests and issues • Maintain a deep understanding of each partner’s business, brand objectives, and competitive landscape; identify ways to help partners break through the clutter • Collaborate with internal departments and external vendors to ensure turnkey, on-time, and accurate execution aligned with broader organizational strategy • Manage on-site activations, VIP hospitality, contracted appearances, and promotional events during games and community engagements; support game night duties including hosting, screening in-game promotions, and managing entitlement nights • Establish and oversee an ROI measurement framework for each account; integrate key measurements and insights into recaps and reporting • Develop comprehensive reporting and recap materials (mid-season, end-of-year, and campaign/event recaps) that demonstrate partnership value and impact, as required by the Director or Executive Leadership • Support the renewal process by providing the Director and Global Partnerships Executive Committee with a partnership overview prior to renewal periods, including recommendations to financially grow the business • Identify upsell opportunities by recommending enhancements to existing contractual assets and added-value concepts that can generate incremental revenue • Work within Partnership Activation and/or Partnership Development to clearly establish asset swaps or make-goods when necessary • Maintain detailed account plans and records using Salesforce, KORE/Activate, and related tools • Thoroughly track expenses and manage budgets tied to execution of sponsorship agreements • Maintain thorough communication with the Global Partnerships Activation Director and Coordinator within the POD regarding account activity; serve as a professional guide and day-to-day liaison for the Coordinator within the POD • Stay informed on cutting-edge activation trends and NBA/league best practices to continually elevate execution quality • Perform other duties as assigned QUALIFICATIONS • Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Sports Management, Business, or a relevant field highly preferred • Minimum of 5 years’ experience serving as the primary client service or activation account lead preferred • Experience and success developing and maintaining relationships with a strategic and consultative approach • ...