Events & Activations Manager
UpRecruit, Phoenix, AZ, United States
Position:
Events & Activations Manager (Experiential Marketing) Location:
Phoenix, AZ (Hybrid – 4 days in office) Comp:
$90K–$95K base (flex to ~$100K for the right candidate) Must Have:
4+ yrs experience in brand activations, pop-ups, or experiential events (not corporate/weddings), with end-to-end ownership of event execution
Overview We’re partnering with a fast-growing consumer brand to hire an Events & Activations Manager who will own and execute in-person brand experiences across the U.S. This is not a corporate events role — we’re looking for someone with experience in pop-ups, trade shows, and brand activations who can bring creative concepts to life and manage all logistics behind the scenes.
This person will act as the central operator (“air traffic controller”) across marketing, finance, retail, and external vendors to ensure every event runs smoothly. You’ll be responsible for everything from booth build-outs and vendor coordination to on-site execution and post-event follow-up. This is a highly visible, high-ownership role with direct impact on brand growth and community engagement.
What You’ll Do Own end-to-end execution of brand events, pop-ups, and activations (25–500 attendees) Manage multiple events simultaneously, ensuring timelines and deliverables stay on track Build and manage detailed project plans (Asana or similar) across all event workstreams Source, negotiate, and manage vendors (venues, production, rentals, fabrication, etc.) Coordinate booth builds and activations, including working with external manufacturers (including overseas vendors when needed) Partner cross-functionally with marketing, social, finance, and retail teams to align on event strategy and execution Support event promotion coordination (e.g., SMS/email campaigns, marketing timelines) Source venues and manage logistics for standalone events (permits, parking, layout, etc.) Collaborate with retail teams on store launch activations (including upcoming NJ and Atlanta locations) Own on-site execution — ensuring events run smoothly, on time, and without last-minute issues Track budgets and ensure cost efficiency across all events ($2K–$20K typical range)
What We’re Looking For 4–7+ years of experience in experiential marketing, brand activations, or event production Proven experience owning events end-to-end (not just supporting execution) Strong project management skills — highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive Experience managing vendors and negotiating pricing Ability to manage multiple events and priorities without getting overwhelmed Strong cross-functional communication skills and ability to coordinate across teams Leadership presence — able to delegate, drive timelines, and hold stakeholders accountable Experience with tools like Asana (or similar project management systems) Calm under pressure with strong on-site execution ability Cost-conscious and resourceful in managing budgets
Nice to Have: Experience with trade shows or booth activations Familiarity with 3D renderings or spatial design for event builds Experience working with overseas vendors/manufacturers Retail or multi-location event experience
Why This Role This is a high-impact role where you’ll own the full lifecycle of brand activations and help shape how the brand shows up in the real world. You’ll work closely with leadership and cross-functional teams to bring events to life, with the opportunity to scale activations nationally as the brand grows.
Events & Activations Manager (Experiential Marketing) Location:
Phoenix, AZ (Hybrid – 4 days in office) Comp:
$90K–$95K base (flex to ~$100K for the right candidate) Must Have:
4+ yrs experience in brand activations, pop-ups, or experiential events (not corporate/weddings), with end-to-end ownership of event execution
Overview We’re partnering with a fast-growing consumer brand to hire an Events & Activations Manager who will own and execute in-person brand experiences across the U.S. This is not a corporate events role — we’re looking for someone with experience in pop-ups, trade shows, and brand activations who can bring creative concepts to life and manage all logistics behind the scenes.
This person will act as the central operator (“air traffic controller”) across marketing, finance, retail, and external vendors to ensure every event runs smoothly. You’ll be responsible for everything from booth build-outs and vendor coordination to on-site execution and post-event follow-up. This is a highly visible, high-ownership role with direct impact on brand growth and community engagement.
What You’ll Do Own end-to-end execution of brand events, pop-ups, and activations (25–500 attendees) Manage multiple events simultaneously, ensuring timelines and deliverables stay on track Build and manage detailed project plans (Asana or similar) across all event workstreams Source, negotiate, and manage vendors (venues, production, rentals, fabrication, etc.) Coordinate booth builds and activations, including working with external manufacturers (including overseas vendors when needed) Partner cross-functionally with marketing, social, finance, and retail teams to align on event strategy and execution Support event promotion coordination (e.g., SMS/email campaigns, marketing timelines) Source venues and manage logistics for standalone events (permits, parking, layout, etc.) Collaborate with retail teams on store launch activations (including upcoming NJ and Atlanta locations) Own on-site execution — ensuring events run smoothly, on time, and without last-minute issues Track budgets and ensure cost efficiency across all events ($2K–$20K typical range)
What We’re Looking For 4–7+ years of experience in experiential marketing, brand activations, or event production Proven experience owning events end-to-end (not just supporting execution) Strong project management skills — highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive Experience managing vendors and negotiating pricing Ability to manage multiple events and priorities without getting overwhelmed Strong cross-functional communication skills and ability to coordinate across teams Leadership presence — able to delegate, drive timelines, and hold stakeholders accountable Experience with tools like Asana (or similar project management systems) Calm under pressure with strong on-site execution ability Cost-conscious and resourceful in managing budgets
Nice to Have: Experience with trade shows or booth activations Familiarity with 3D renderings or spatial design for event builds Experience working with overseas vendors/manufacturers Retail or multi-location event experience
Why This Role This is a high-impact role where you’ll own the full lifecycle of brand activations and help shape how the brand shows up in the real world. You’ll work closely with leadership and cross-functional teams to bring events to life, with the opportunity to scale activations nationally as the brand grows.