INTRODUCTION
The 500 Festival, an Indianapolis-based non-profit organization, produces 30+ annual events and programs that reach over 500,000 individuals annually and generate a $20 million positive financial impact for the city of Indianapolis. Since its founding in 1957, the 500 Festival has celebrated the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500, while enriching lives and fostering a strong civic community throughout Indiana.
Signature events include the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, 500 Festival Parade, Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K, Salesforce & JPMorganChase 500 Festival Kids’ Day & Rookie Run, American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service, 500 Festival Princess Program, Education Program, KidsFit Program, and more.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Partnership & Activation Manager is a full-time, exempt salaried position responsible for the day-to-day management of sponsorship fulfillment and assigned sponsor partnerships. Reporting to the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, this position serves as a liaison between 500 Festival corporate clients and the Festival’s internal teams to produce strategic, well-executed partnerships. The right candidate will demonstrate strong corporate relationship management in this highly visible role, and will be eager to contribute to the overall mission and brand strategy of the 500 Festival.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Contract and Proposal Management
- Manage sales/fulfillment responsibilities and sponsor activation related to Festival events and sponsorships
- Assist VP with annual sales and revenue benchmarks.
- Collaborate with VP and marketing team to develop proposal materials including updated event information, preparing benefit pages, etc.
- Participate in sponsor renewal discussions and work with VP on building sponsor contracts
- Maintain sponsorship contracts and Corporate Member database
- Work with VP to identify potential sponsor and Corporate Membership prospects
- Coordinate payment information and invoicing for sponsors and Corporate Members for the finance team
- Support Corporate Membership renewal process
- Collaborate with VP, finance, and marketing team to maintain yearly sponsor/partner revenue budget and develop relevant recap materials for end of season metrics
Sponsorship Activations
- Develop and implement communication plan for sponsor fulfillment for internal processes and external partnership contacts, to include:
- Direct sponsor communication for each event
- Coordination with operations and marketing departments to ensure correct logos for signage, collateral, website, etc
- Management of program advertising and promo items
- Coordination of hospitality benefits
- Collaborate with operations team to ensure the on-site execution of sponsor activation programs
- Support VP in managing sponsor participation in co-sponsor and/or 500 Festival promotion or marketing events.
- Coordinate with float builder to execute sponsor vision for Parade, including new float construction and float refurbishing
Event Management & Engagement
- On-site attendance and management of sponsor events and hospitality
- Maintain Festival hospitality suite at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, to include: food and beverage ordering, supply stocking, bartender hiring, and ticket distribution.
- Represent the 500 Festival at community events while seeking ongoing outreach opportunities
Other Responsibilities
- Assist with the hiring and supervision of the Strategic Partnerships & Activation Intern
- Ongoing research and education towards industry-relevant best practices
- Support 500 Festival marketing and promotional activities, where assigned
- Assist with event execution, where assigned
- Other duties as assigned by Vice President, Strategic Partnerships
JOB REQUIREMENTS
- High-level corporate relationship/sales experience preferred
- Training and/or experience in meeting/event planning, recreation, tourism, marketing, special events and/or a related field recommended
- Strong written/verbal communication skills
- Exceptional organizational skills and comfort utilizing spreadsheets
- Ability to balance multiple projects/tasks at one time
- Willingness to learn and take initiative
- Ability to adjust/adapt to changing deadlines
- Must have the stamina to work long hours and be willing to work an irregular schedule, to include weekends and evenings
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
The 500 Festival is 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.
