Temporary Manager, Activations

POSITION OVERVIEW

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.

This temporary position works full time (40 hours per week) from Monday, October 26, 2026 through Friday, February 12, 2027 and must be based within a commutable distance to Boulder, CO. While there are day-to-day opportunities for work to be performed remotely, this position will need to work onsite at key points throughout the duration of employment. Extended hours, including evenings and weekends will be required at key points to meet deadlines and respond to on-call needs as assigned.

Top priorities include but are not limited to…

• 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.

You have the following direct or transferable skill sets:

• 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.

In addition to a weekly pay of $1,111.23, this position* is eligible for benefits & perks, highlights include:

• Paid sick leave and Institute holidays

• Employee assistance program

• Employee Wellness Initiatives

• Sundance Film Festival passes and benefits (varies each year)

*Applications open 10/20/2026 and will be accepted for at least four days.