POSITION OVERVIEW

The Manager, Partnerships position is charged with managing partner relationships and associated activations for all assigned accounts, as well as supporting partnership renewals. The Manager will also be responsible for departmental workflows, projects, and initiatives to ensure efficiency and identify the best activation strategies and plans for the Festival and associated partners.

Working closely under the direction of the Senior Manager, Partnerships, the Manager, Partnerships supports Sundance Institute’s commitment to attracting, retaining, and engaging mission and values-aligned companies to support our work through financial contributions and otherwise.

Following the 2026 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, this full-time role will need to be based within a commutable distance to Boulder, CO, as the Festival prepares to relocate for its 2027 iteration. This position works extended hours including evenings and weekends at key points throughout the year. Travel to Institute offices and events will be required.

Top priorities include but are not limited to…

Overseeing the strategy and rollout of an annual in-kind giving program across the Institute, including contract negotiation and activation for Institute programs.
Creating Partnership materials, including pitch decks, contract templates, wrap materials, and training manuals for Festival programs.
Managing systems and processes for the Partnerships team, including database management, department record-keeping, and post-fulfillment reporting.
Serving as the primary liaison between the Partnerships team and Marketing Department for the execution and management of all relevant marketing materials and collateral.
Collaborating closely with the Senior Manager and Festival teams in the planning and execution of logistics for the annual Sundance Film Festival and Sponsor Summit, including partner benefits, branding and marketing materials, event administration, technology needs, and production planning.
Collaborating with internal departments on partner activations, including the Events, Ticketing, Technology Services, Festival Operations, and Artist Relations Departments.
Managing partner communications as it relates to Festivals, including approvals, ticketing, and benefits administration.
Partnering with the revenue team to manage accounts and lead activations.
Supporting the renewal process for assigned partners and supporters, and managing account activations tied to Institute programs.
Supporting the Senior Manager, Partnerships with overseeing Festival seasonal team members and volunteers, including selecting and training highly effective individuals, providing direction, feedback, and support to ensure employees and volunteers are effective in their roles, and delegating meaningful work.
Leading select assigned department projects.

You have the following direct or transferable skill sets:

Legal authorization to work in the United States.

3 years demonstrated experience in managing brand partners in the sponsorship, event marketing, or entertainment industry (client or agency side is applicable).
Strong management skills to support fellow employees and lead by example.
Strong written and verbal skills to communicate effectively.
Strong organizational and operational skills with preferred experience managing live and/or online experiential events.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and projects.
Ability to stay calm and focused under pressure.
Ability to manage complex relationships.

You will be successful in this role if you…

Manage accounts from start to finish ensuring that all the steps and tactics of a partner's plans are implemented.
Demonstrate an exceptional eye for detail in regard to images, copy, logo integration, and other critical components of partnership activation.
Collaborate as a member of the team as well as work autonomously to manage distinct accounts that will require hands-on attention.
Create improved processes and systems to further optimize the sales process and cycle.

In addition to an annual salary of $54,000.00 to $60,000.00*, this position is eligible for our comprehensive benefits package, highlights include:

Health, vision, and dental insurance
25 paid Institute holidays plus accrued vacation time
Paid sick, family, and medical leave
Employee Wellness initiatives
401(k) with automatic 3% employer contribution after one year of employment
Sundance Film Festival passes and benefits (varies each year)

Final rate of pay is determined based on the applicant's geographic location, relevant experience and skills, and internal equity among similar positions within our organization.

Manager, Partnerships

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