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Activation Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Events Project Manager

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site

$117K - $137K/yr

Exhibits, Expos, and Activation Management * Coordinate design, development, and implementation of trade show exhibits and experiential activations. * Manage relationships with expo organizers, trade ...

Director of Activations

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

... activation models over time. What You Will Bring * 7+ years of experience leading integrated campaigns, activations, strategic initiatives, or movement-building efforts. * Proven ability to manage ...

... activation models over time. What You Will Bring * 7+ years of experience leading integrated campaigns, activations, strategic initiatives, or movement-building efforts. * Proven ability to manage ...

... activation models over time. What You Will Bring * 7+ years of experience leading integrated campaigns, activations, strategic initiatives, or movement-building efforts. * Proven ability to manage ...

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Showing results 1-20

Activation Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$24.8K

$64.7K

$137.1K

How much do activation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for activation manager in Virginia is $64,714.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,846.00 and $80,720.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an activation manager?

Activation Managers are professionals responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing marketing campaigns or brand activations. They work closely with clients, creative teams, and vendors to ensure that marketing initiatives are delivered effectively and on time. Their role often includes developing strategies to engage target audiences, managing budgets, analyzing campaign performance, and optimizing future activations. Activation Managers play a key part in bringing brands to life through memorable experiences and ensuring that marketing goals are met.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an activation manager?

To thrive as an Activation Manager, you need expertise in project management, marketing strategy, and event execution, often backed by a degree in marketing or business. Familiarity with CRM platforms, digital marketing tools, and analytics systems like Salesforce or HubSpot is typically required. Strong organizational skills, creativity, and effective communication help drive cross-functional collaboration and deliver impactful campaigns. These abilities are crucial for ensuring seamless campaign rollouts that meet client objectives and maximize brand engagement.

What challenges do activation managers face when launching new campaigns?

Activation Managers often encounter challenges such as aligning cross-functional teams, managing tight deadlines, and ensuring campaigns resonate with the target audience. Coordinating between creative, sales, and digital teams requires strong communication and organizational skills. Additionally, adapting to last-minute changes in client objectives or market trends can test flexibility and problem-solving abilities. Successfully navigating these challenges allows Activation Managers to execute impactful campaigns and demonstrate their value to both clients and internal stakeholders.

What is the difference between Activation Manager vs Marketing Coordinator?

AspectActivation Manager
Primary RoleOversees brand activations, experiential marketing campaigns, and event execution to engage consumers directly.
Required SkillsProject management, event planning, vendor coordination, marketing strategy, communication skills.
Work EnvironmentOften works on-site at events, in marketing departments, or with agencies.
Common CertificationsMarketing certifications, event management credentials, project management certifications.

While both roles involve marketing activities, an Activation Manager focuses on executing live brand experiences and events, whereas a Marketing Coordinator handles broader marketing tasks, including campaign support and administrative duties. Activation Managers typically lead specific experiential projects, requiring specialized event skills, while Marketing Coordinators support overall marketing strategies across channels.

What are the most commonly searched types of Activation jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Activation jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Activation Manager jobs in Virginia?

For Activation Manager jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Activation Manager job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,714 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Events Project Manager

Viderity

Alexandria, VA โ€ข On-site

$117K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

About Viderity
Viderity is a HUBZone-certified and Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) delivering award-winning IT, digital, and creative solutions across federal and commercial markets. Our services span application development, creative services, cybersecurity, data analytics, strategic communications, event management, training, and program management. With over 15 years of proven success and exceptional past performance, we empower clients with innovative, measurable results.
Position Overview
The Events Project Manager is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of meetings, conferences, outreach events, and trade show exhibits in support of the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs (OLPA). This role oversees end-to-end event logistics, project management, and vendor coordination to ensure events are delivered efficiently, professionally, and in alignment with organizational objectives. The Events Project Manager collaborates with internal stakeholders, venue partners, and vendors to manage event operations, audience engagement activities, and exhibit activations across both in-person and virtual environments.
Key Responsibilities
Event Planning and Coordination
  • Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of meetings, conferences, outreach events, and trade show exhibits.
  • Provide logistical support for internal and external events, including venue management, signage, invitations, attendance tracking, and other operational requirements.
  • Research event requirements and context to ensure leadership and staff are prepared to engage effectively with stakeholders and event audiences.
  • Recommend appropriate venues and event formats such as expos, networking sessions, breakout sessions, and concurrent sessions to support outreach objectives.
  • Manage multiple high-profile events simultaneously and respond to time-sensitive or quick-turnaround requests.

Event Logistics and Operations
  • Oversee venue coordination including contracts, electrical services, internet, rentals, dรฉcor, signage, and catering arrangements.
  • Coordinate building security requirements with venue staff and internal stakeholders.
  • Manage shipping and receiving logistics for event materials, including direct-to-site delivery, advanced warehouse shipments, overnight shipping, and event-to-event transfers.
  • Provide on-site support including event setup, breakdown, equipment coordination, and troubleshooting to ensure events run smoothly.
  • Coordinate purchasing of event-related materials and ensure documentation and reporting are completed following events.

Exhibits, Expos, and Activation Management
  • Coordinate design, development, and implementation of trade show exhibits and experiential activations.
  • Manage relationships with expo organizers, trade show vendors, and exhibit production partners.
  • Oversee the design, build, management, shipping, storage, setup, and breakdown of expo-style booth exhibits or activation kits.
  • Provide recommendations for booth design, exhibit displays, engagement strategies, and visitor experiences aligned with event objectives.
  • Manage inventory of outreach materials, educational resources, and exhibit assets.

Speaker and Attendee Coordination
  • Coordinate invitation management, RSVP tracking, and attendee engagement using event platforms such as Eventbrite or similar tools.
  • Identify and recommend speakers, moderators, or facilitators for events.
  • Manage speaker communications including collection of biographies, headshots, and presentation materials.
  • Coordinate speaker preparation including event briefings, agendas, background information, logistics details, and rehearsal sessions.

Reporting and Communication
  • Develop and distribute event surveys, analytics, and performance reports.
  • Prepare detailed after-action reports documenting event outcomes, insights, and recommendations.
  • Provide weekly updates and participate in status meetings with project stakeholders.

Qualifications
General Requirements
  • Expert-level proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud (e.g., Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) for design of event materials, exhibits, and signage.
  • Expert-level proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook.
  • Demonstrated ability to gather requirements from stakeholders and translate objectives into actionable event plans.
  • Ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional teams as well as independently on assigned projects.
  • Ability to interpret and execute creative direction from leadership and stakeholders.
  • Expert-level experience with asset management systems to organize and maintain event materials and digital assets.
  • Demonstrated expertise working with major trade exposition companies, including managing vendor relationships, purchasing materials and services, and coordinating logistics.
  • Proven ability to manage complex shipping and receiving logistics, including advanced warehouse shipments and event-to-event transfers.
  • Ability to develop comprehensive after-action reports documenting event outcomes and recommendations.

Specific Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited four-year college or university.
  • Minimum seven (7) years of professional experience supporting trade show-style events, exhibits, and large-scale outreach initiatives.
  • Expert-level experience with project management and planning software used to manage event timelines, resources, and logistics.
  • Expert-level experience managing shipping and receiving logistics, including direct-to-site shipping, advanced warehouse shipments, overnight delivery, and event-to-event transfers.
  • Demonstrated expertise working with major trade exposition companies, including vendor management, logistics coordination, and procurement of event materials and services.
  • Professional experience managing large teams responsible for event operations, logistics, and exhibit support.
  • Expert-level knowledge of current best practices for demonstrations, trade show exhibits, and experiential event spaces.

Work Samples - Events Project Manager
  • 3-5 Pictures of expo-style booths they have managed
  • A sample (pdf/link to a dashboard or system/screenshot) report of inventory forecasting
  • A sample event checklist

What We Offer
  • Competitive hourly rate (commensurate with experience).
  • Flexible, remote work arrangement.
  • Opportunity to contribute to a high-impact, federally mandated modernization initiative.
  • Collaborative environment with direct visibility on a nationally recognized federal program.