Temporary Manager, Activations

The Temporary Manager, Activations serves as a key individual contributor responsible for managing partner activations, sponsor fulfillment, account execution, and operational projects that support Sundance Institute's Festival and year-round programs.

Reporting to the Associate Director, Activations & Partnerships , this role manages activation logistics, partner communications, benefit fulfillment, experiential initiatives, and cross-functional operational planning to ensure successful delivery of partnership commitments.

This role requires a highly collaborative and detail-oriented professional who excels at managing complex projects, cultivating strong partner relationships, and delivering exceptional activation experiences.

• Managing assigned partner activations and fulfillment plans across Festival and year-round programs.

• Coordinating partner benefits, branding opportunities, hospitality experiences, ticketing allocations, and sponsorship deliverables.

• Ensuring all activation elements are executed according to partnership agreements and organizational standards.

• Supporting sponsor renewals through exceptional delivery and stewardship of partnership commitments.

• Collaborating with the Associate Director, Senior Manager,and Festival teams to plan and execute activation logistics for the Sundance Film Festival, Sponsor Summit, and year-round programs.

• Coordinating activation timelines, operational requirements, production needs, and implementation schedules.

• Conducting site visits, operational reviews, and activation readiness assessments.

• Serving as a primary point of contact for assigned partners regarding activation planning and fulfillment.

• Coordinating approvals, asset collection, recognition materials, branding requirements, and partner communications.

• Maintaining positive working relationships that contribute to partner satisfaction and retention.

• Managing activation records, reporting, project plans, timelines, and tracking systems.

• Supporting development of operational processes, templates, and workflows that improve efficiency.

• Maintaining accurate documentation and fulfillment records across assigned partnerships.

• Collaborating closely with the Associate Director, Senior Manager, Coordinator, and broader Partnerships team.

• Supporting seasonal staff onboarding, training, and activation readiness efforts as assigned.

• Performing other duties and special projects as assigned in support of departmental priorities and organizational goals.

• 3 years of experience managing sponsorship activations, experiential marketing programs, events, partnership fulfillment, or related initiatives within arts, entertainment, nonprofit, media, sports, hospitality, or similar industries.

• Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects and stakeholder relationships simultaneously while meeting deadlines and deliverables.

• Strong project management, organizational, and operational planning skills with exceptional attention to detail.

• Experience coordinating cross-functional initiatives and collaborating effectively across diverse teams and departments.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to represent Sundance Institute professionally with partners, vendors, and stakeholders.

• Experience supporting live events, activations, festivals, conferences, or other experiential programs.

• Ability to identify challenges, problem-solve effectively, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, accessibility, and fostering a culture of belonging.

• Proficiency with project management, CRM, and business software systems preferred.

• Legal authorization to work in the United States.

You will be successful in this role if you…

• Successfully manage partner activations and fulfillment activities from planning through execution.

• Deliver high-quality partnership experiences that strengthen sponsor relationships and support retention efforts.

• Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, external partners, and vendors.

• Consistently balance multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.

• Identify opportunities to improve processes, communication, and operational efficiency.

• Demonstrate flexibility, collaboration, and accountability during both year-round operations and Festival execution.

• Serve as a trusted resource and subject matter expert on activation logistics and partner fulfillment.