Marketing Manager, Baseball/Softball

Overview: Marketing Manager, Baseball/Softball Chicago, IL | Hybrid

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. What You'll Do:

The Marketing Manager, Baseball/Softball will shape the brand marketing strategy for Wilson Baseball, Fastpitch and Slowpitch Softball products with an emphasis on accelerating brand affinity and market share in the Ball Glove category. The Marketing Manager, Baseball/Softball is the hub for all aspects of the Go-to-Market marketing mix including campaign development, creation of a Marketing Toolbox for internal and external stakeholders, demand generation as well as consumer engagement in all touchpoints including social, email, events, partnerships, grassroots, direct-to-consumer (D2C) and dealer support.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:* Own the marketing strategy for Wilson Baseball & Softball products – with a focus on Ball Gloves but also include balls, umpire gear and other categories – including brand objectives, integrated marketing plans and budgets.

• Develop campaigns from brief to execution that live across owned digital, social and grassroots channels as well as those of retail and industry partners.
• Generate consumer marketing plans by leveraging data and consumer insights to efficiently address business opportunities and drive toward KPIs.
• Partner with internal creative teams, external agencies and cross-functional partners in E-Commerce, Product, Commercial and Sales to execute brand initiatives.
• Plan photo shoots and curate best-in-class content with partners to fuel marketing needs. Leverage partnerships with MLB and professional fastpitch softball athletes (including Olympians), top college & travel teams, and established and emerging influencers.
• Be an advocate for the ballplayer at all times. Communicate the needs of the baseball & softball player in core team planning sessions. Be an expert on the competitive landscape, as well.
• Work with National and Specialty retail accounts to identify and execute impactful brand activations ranging from brand expression to product education to in-store activations.
• Partner with internal channel experts to deliver a comprehensive social media strategy that aligns trending content opportunities with core business objectives, empowering data-informed decisions on content creation that maintain brand consistency and drive measurable results.
• Work with the grassroots and events team to elevate events and programs prioritizing key objectives that create impactful on-brand moments with our core audiences.
• Other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For :

We are seeking candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Sports Management, Communications, or related field and a minimum of 4 years of experience, preferably in product marketing, or similar experience at an agency or brand. Experience with baseball and/or softball as well as exposure to travel sports is preferred.

Other qualifications include:* Consumer Mindset - ability to create and execute consumer facing marketing strategies against insights, business opportunities and trends in the marketplace.

• Self-Motivated - take initiative & ownership while continuously looking for ways to improve.
• Organized - Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail. Proven ability to effectively manage multiple projects in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Great Teammate - build effective working relationships throughout the organization; work autonomously and as a member of numerous teams; is dependable and trustworthy.
• Strong Communicator - communicate verbally and in writing with team members horizontally and vertically; able to share ideas, problems and solutions, and receive feedback.
• Digital and social media experience a must.
• Active listener and learner.
• An understanding of the full Microsoft suite, especially PowerPoint and Excel, necessary.
• Available to travel approximately 25% of the time, including weekdays, weekends, and evenings as required by events and business needs.

What We’ll Provide

A reasonable estimate of the pay range is $85,000 to $110,000 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.