Senior Manager, Brand Partnerships & Experiential

Onward Search is a specialized staffing and talent solutions company that helps professionals find top jobs with the nation’s leading brands. We’re looking to hire a Senior Manager, Brand Partnerships & Experiential for a contract opportunity with a leading entertainment client. This is a hybrid role based in Burbank, California, scheduled for regular business hours. The position is expected to last 6 months or more, with a pay range of $75 to $85 per hour, paid weekly and benefits eligible.

In this role, you will lead the strategy and execution of multi-channel marketing initiatives that drive brand awareness and audience engagement for priority TV and streaming series. You'll work closely with senior leadership and internal stakeholders to secure external brand deals, oversee high-profile campaigns, and deliver culturally relevant marketing experiences. The ideal candidate is a proactive, detail-oriented leader with expertise in brand partnerships, experiential activations, and cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced environment.

MUST HAVE: Flexibility to work long hours including nights, weekends, holidays, and to travel as needed.

Senior Manager, Brand Partnerships & Experiential Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning and execution of brand partnerships, experiential activations, and consumer events from concept to completion, ensuring timely delivery of projects and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Identify, negotiate, and secure external brand partnerships by conducting outreach, preparing pitches, and developing promotional campaigns.
• Oversee RFP processes with agencies and partners, providing guidance and feedback to maximize ROI.
• Manage contracts and SOWs, ensuring all documentation accurately reflects program deal points in collaboration with Legal and Business Affairs.
• Monitor and manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables, proactively resolving challenges to meet deadlines.
• Drive strategic and creative thinking, contributing ideas that align with brand objectives and resonate within popular culture.
• Act as a primary point of contact for key partners and external studios, securing placements and promotional opportunities.
• Align content partner strategies with top priorities and scheduling plans.
• Create presentation materials for internal and external forums, ensuring clear communication of strategies and outcomes.
• Maintain consistent communication with senior leadership and internal teams, providing updates, recaps, and action plans.
• Develop and refine processes for information sharing, budget tracking, and status reporting.
• Ensure familiarity with all product and service changes, and proactively communicate relevant updates internally and externally.
• Support ongoing process improvement, inclusive strategy development, and best practice implementation across partnerships and experiential marketing.

Senior Manager, Brand Partnerships & Experiential Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience in the entertainment or related industry with expertise in marketing partnerships, events, and experiential initiatives.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Television, Communications, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Agency background in experiential or brand partnerships is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to independently manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with senior leadership, external partners, producers, and talent.
• Creative thinker with a passion for pop culture and entertainment, adept at developing innovative marketing concepts.
• Strong strategic mindset with ability to balance big-picture objectives with detailed execution.
• Knowledge of best practices and inclusive strategy trends across entertainment and audience engagement.
• Experience working with non-profits, executive leadership, and diverse populations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook, Excel, Keynote, PowerPoint, and Canva.
• Must be comfortable working on Mac and experienced with Google Suite.

Perks & Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Life Insurance.
• 401(k) Program.
• Commuter Benefit.
• eLearning & Ongoing Training.
• Education Reimbursement.

*Eligibility requires working over 30 hours per week on an assignment lasting at least 10 weeks.

If you meet the qualifications and are excited about this opportunity, apply today! Our team will connect with you to discuss next steps, support you through the interview process, and advocate for your success.