Events & Partnerships Manager

About This Role

This role is for an autonomous Events & Partnerships Manager to own the end-to-end execution of Sam's curated founder events. The manager will build relationships with tier-1 sponsors, drive high-caliber attendance, and manage event logistics to create high-trust, valuable experiences.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage relationships with tier-1, brand-sensitive sponsors and startup-facing platforms
• Source, pitch, and close sponsors seeking meaningful access to the startup community
• Own sponsor relationships, agreements, and deliverables end to end
• Convert one-time sponsors into repeat partners across multiple events
• Own attendee sourcing end to end, with a strong bar for founder and decision-maker quality
• Partner with the founding team to plan and execute each event
• Source and procure venues aligned with the experience bar and brand
• Own all day-of event operations, including run-of-show, timelines, and on-site coordination
• Act as the primary point of contact for venues, vendors, sponsors, and attendees during events
• Coordinate post-event wrap-up, including sponsor follow-through and deliverables
• Deliver a minimum of two curated events per month

Requirements

• Experience running high-quality events
• Experience working with tier-1 sponsors
• Ability to own full event lifecycle from relationship-building through day-of execution

Qualifications

• Has run high-quality events before, worked with tier-1 sponsors, and can own the full lifecycle from relationship-building through day-of execution.

Nice to Have

• Owned sponsorships or partnerships for invite-only or private events
• Existing relationships with startup-facing platforms, tools, or capital partners
• Worked in fast-moving environments
• Worked with small startup teams of 5 or less
• Built repeat sponsorship programs
• Strong taste for experience design and high-signal environments
• Helped grow a community, not just monetize one
• Operated in high-trust, brand-sensitive environments where reputation matters
• Existing sponsorship partners on digital speed-dial