The Opportunity
The Bismarck Larks are looking for an experienced, highly motivated Partnership Activation and Experience Manager to lead our team in creating unforgettable experiences for our partners. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing all partnership activation, team relationships, and community engagement initiatives, ensuring we deliver an exceptional experience that enhances our brand presence while driving impactful business results. As the Director, you will manage a dynamic team, cultivate strong relationships with key stakeholders, and develop strategic activation programs that elevate the Larks’ community presence and sponsorship effectiveness.
About the Bismarck Larks
The Bismarck Larks are a premier summer collegiate baseball team in the Northwoods League, with a reputation for combining competitive baseball with unforgettable fan experiences. We create community-driven events and experiences that go beyond the game—bringing people together through innovative, immersive entertainment. The Larks are committed to providing a family-friendly environment, championing community engagement, and offering high-quality sports entertainment.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Lead and mentor the Partnership Activation and Experience team to ensure successful execution of all partnership and community engagement initiatives.
- Develop Activation Strategies: Collaborate with leadership and partners to develop tailored partnership strategies that align with business objectives, amplify the Larks’ brand, and drive measurable results for both the Larks and our partners.
- Team Management: Oversee the coordination of partnership activations and promotions, guiding team members in the planning, execution, and fulfillment of contractual obligations while maintaining the highest level of service.
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, entertainment, ticketing, ballpark operations, and community outreach teams to ensure cohesive and effective partnership activations across all areas of the business.
- Event and Promotion Oversight: Lead the development and execution of partner promotions, events, and community programs to maximize visibility, engagement, and return on investment for all partners.
- Budget and Inventory Management: Manage the partnership activation budget, ensure that all partnership inventory is accounted for, and monitor the progress of partner contracts and performance.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary liaison for high-level partners, providing strategic guidance and maintaining long-term relationships with sponsors, local organizations, and community groups.
- Reporting and Analytics: Lead the compilation and presentation of performance data, including end-of-season recaps, activation performance reports, and ROI metrics for partners.
- Strategic Growth and Innovation: Continuously seek out new partnership opportunities, creative activations, and community engagement strategies that elevate the fan experience and deepen community ties.
- Event Representation: Represent the Larks at key networking events, partnership meetings, and industry conferences, fostering external relationships and raising the profile of the team in the community.
Success Metrics
- Retention and Renewal: Achieving high retention rates for existing partnerships and successfully renewing sponsorship agreements for future seasons.
- Promotion Goals: Meeting or exceeding partnership activation and promotion goals, ensuring campaigns and activations align with partner objectives and drive measurable business outcomes.
- Event Attendance: Hitting event attendance targets and ensuring partner activation leads to increased visibility and fan engagement at events.
- Sponsor Satisfaction: Collecting and analyzing sponsor feedback through surveys, aiming for high satisfaction scores, and ensuring sponsors feel their objectives are met and exceeded.
Skills and Qualifications
- Proven experience in sports sponsorship, event management, or partnership activation, with at least 5-7 years in progressively senior roles.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and mentor a team.
- Excellent project management skills, with experience managing multiple, simultaneous initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
- In-depth understanding of partnership activation strategies, including digital, social media, hospitality, and in-stadium promotions.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally across teams and with external partners.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines while maintaining a high standard of work.
- A passion for sports, community engagement, and creating unforgettable experiences.
Proficiency in digital marketing tools, Adobe Creative Suite, and project management platforms (Asana, etc.) is preferred.
Core Values
- Experience Obsessed: We are driven by creating exceptional and unforgettable experiences for our fans, partners, and employees.
- Positive Energy: We bring enthusiasm and a positive attitude to everything we do, inspiring those around us to do the same.
- Innovating Always: We constantly seek innovative ways to engage with our community, fans, and partners.
- Community-Minded: We strive to make a positive impact on our local community, giving back through meaningful programs and partnerships.
Benefits and Compensation
- Competitive base salary plus variable comp structure (based on department and team goals)
- Health benefits and 401k matching program.
- Sales training and career development opportunities.
- Unlimited PTO (vacation requests subject to leadership approval).
Ready to Join the Team?
If you are passionate about sports, community engagement, and leading a dynamic team to deliver EPIC experiences, we want to hear from you! Apply today to become a part of the Bismarck Larks and help us continue to grow and create memorable moments for our fans and partners.
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.
