Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers

Activation Manager, Rocket Classic (Contract)

Cleveland Cavaliers - Manager
Detroit · MI
Sponsorship Services/Activation · Event Marketing · Event Operations/Management
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Cavaliers Holdings LLC is obsessed with delivering epic experiences for our team members, our fans, our community and the world. Fueled by an unapologetically bold, inclusive and high-impact culture, we strive to recruit individuals who are enthusiastic and purposeful in carrying out our vision as transformative leaders in sports and entertainment If you are ready to bring your best to the dynamic, high‑performance environment of the Cavs, Cleveland WNBA, Monsters, Charge, RESN and Rocket Arena - where we come together to create moments that move, inspire and uplift - then we want to hear from you.



Job Summary:

The Rocket Classic Golf Tournament is seeking an experienced Activation Manager to lead and execute fan-facing and partner activations for the 2026 tournament. This role is responsible for planning, managing, and delivering high-quality activations that enhance the overall tournament experience while ensuring sponsor and brand objectives are met.

The Activation Manager will directly manage a minimum of three (3) Activation Specialists and serve as a key point of coordination between tournament leadership, brand partners, vendors, and on-site staff. This is a hands-on role based in Detroit, Michigan requiring strong leadership, organization, and live event execution skills.  

 

** This is a temporary position lasting approximately 5 months (March-August 2026).

 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Activation Strategy & Execution

  • Plan, coordinate, and execute all assigned on-site activations for the Rocket Classic Golf Tournament.
  • Ensure activations align with tournament goals, brand standards, and sponsor deliverables.
  • Oversee setup, operation, and teardown of activation spaces before, during, and after tournament week.
  • Proactively identify and resolve on-site issues to ensure seamless execution.

Team Leadership & Management

  • Directly manage and supervise a minimum of four Activation Specialists.
  • Develop staffing schedules, assign responsibilities, and ensure proper coverage for all activations.
  • Train, support, and provide ongoing feedback to activation staff.
  • Serve as the primary escalation point for activation-related issues during the event.

Partner & Vendor Coordination

  • Act as a liaison between tournament stakeholders, brand partners, and activation teams.
  • Coordinate with vendors, production teams, and operations staff to ensure timely delivery and installation of activation elements.
  • Ensure all partner activation requirements are executed accurately and professionally.

Operational Planning & Reporting

  • Assist in developing activation timelines, run-of-show documents, and staffing plans.
  • Manage activation assets, inventory, and on-site materials.
  • Provide post-event summaries, insights, and feedback as requested.

 

Required Qualifications:

  • 3–5+ years of experience in event marketing, experiential marketing, sports marketing, or live event operations.
  • Demonstrated experience managing on-site teams and supervising multiple staff members.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
  • Ability to work long hours, including evenings and weekends, in a fast-paced live event environment.
  • Ability to work on-site in Detroit for the full duration of the contract.

Preferred Experience: 

  • Experience supporting large-scale sporting events, golf tournaments, or festivals.
  • Familiarity with sponsor activations and fulfillment of brand deliverables.
  • Experience managing contract or temporary event staff.


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.