Manager, Events & Partnerships – Fastpitch Softball

 At Wilson, we are here to empower every human to live like an athlete. Passion. Creativity. Integrity. Teamwork. Ambition. Innovation. These are the qualities that have made Wilson Sporting Goods Co. the number one sports equipment brand in the world. We come together to win, grow, and celebrate. We all play for Team Wilson. We all have a role to play within our organization and are working towards the same goal. One team, one dream.

We believe that being an athlete isn’t something you do, it’s who you are. It’s a universal code of conduct, a way of seeing the world and how you show up every day. We seek out diverse voices and welcome all perspectives. Our team is composed of individuals with unique backgrounds, points of view and experiences. These perspectives create a rich and diverse culture in which we learn from one another through empathy and inclusion.

Evolving the sports world and being the best partner for players, athletes, and our community is no small task. We are continually looking to add enthusiastic, ambitious, team-first individuals who desire to make a difference —and who love to help others win. Together, we will create a better world through sport. Join us.

The Manager, Events and Partnerships – Fastpitch will develop and implement business plans to grow fastpitch market share for DeMarini, EvoShield, Louisville Slugger, Wilson and ATEC. This individual leads the strategy and execution of fastpitch event activation, partnership management, business development, college and professional relations, and supports fastpitch product development. The Manager, Events and Partnerships – Fastpitch plays a critical role in understanding the fastpitch landscape and driving the business forward.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manage the ideation, creation, strategy, staffing, and logistics for branded fastpitch grassroots events by collaborating with external resources (travel, collegiate and pro leagues & teams, display vendors, agencies, etc.) and utilizing internal resources (creative services, brand marketing team, product team, etc.) to drive product demonstrations and wholistic brand experiences to create brand preference with fastpitch consumers; provide analysis of initiative performance through metrics to key team members and use this to inform future plans.
• Partner with Sales and Commercial teams to build industry-leading partnerships with professional and amateur academies, clubs, leagues, colleges and organizations to grow our brand presence in these spaces and maximize revenue opportunities.
• Develop new relationships and enhance existing relationships with professional and collegiate athletes & teams while providing best-in-class service. Leverage these partnerships to support key marketing initiatives, inform product development, and grow brand affinity.
• Monitor and analyze competitive brand activity (e.g., sponsorships, event presence, product releases, brand share) to stay up to date on changes/trends in fastpitch (softball) and marketing environment to best serve objectives of the business unit; provide recommendations to product, commercial, and marketing teams from these findings to adjust strategies and plans accordingly.
• Manage and execute national sports marketing partnerships with leading industry organizations to build brand loyalty within the fastpitch community and maximize brand visibility at all levels of the sport.
• Maximize budgetary resources by strategically allocating funds and optimizing investments to drive a strong ROI and enhanced value while ensuring alignment with organizational financial objectives.
• Other duties as required.

We are seeking candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 5 years of experience in Sales, Grassroots, Customer Service, and/or Event Marketing experience.  In lieu of a Bachelor’s Degree, a minimum of 7 years of Sales, Grassroots, Customer Service, and/or Event Marketing experience is required.

Other qualifications include:

• Understanding of business strategy and key business drivers
• Former athlete and/or avid fan – ability to speak authoritatively and authentically about fastpitch (softball) in which they work as a means of developing authentic deliverables against a focused sports audience
• Solid understanding of the following areas: Fastpitch (softball) industry, promotions & sponsorships, and event marketing
• Driven to understand consumer behavior and passion for the sport
• Ability to think strategically and execute a plan with excellence
• Strong communication and social skills to effectively present information, work with cross-functional teams, and network with the public to identify untapped opportunities
• Willingness to create and drive change (entrepreneurial spirit)
• Strong financial understanding with the ability to manage budgets and control inventory
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to multi-task and prioritize and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, changing environment
• Self-driven to achieve work goals; high energy level essential
• Travel up to 50% of the time.

What We’ll Provide

A reasonable estimate of the pay range is $105,000 to $120,000 per year at the time of this posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors such as job-related skills, relevant experience, education, and/or training. Please note that the range details reflect the base pay only and does not include our competitive bonus program.

Located in the vibrant, sports-centric city of Chicago, Wilson Sporting Goods Co. global headquarters sits along the lakefront with first-class access to a burgeoning creative, innovative, energetic and active professional community. We offer an open, collaborative, high tech work environment with best in class amenities and perks, including:

• Medical, dental and vision
• Pre-tax transit discounts
• 401(k) with company match
• Life insurance
• Paid maternity/paternity leave
• Professional development opportunities
• Volunteering programs
• Team building outings
• Discounts on Wilson and Amer Sports products
• On-site health club
• Summer hours
• Company-sponsored sports leagues/teams
• Fun, active company outings around major sports events

Wilson Sporting Goods Co. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristics.