In-Store Events & Community Manager (Trading Cards & Sports)

In-Store Events & Community Manager (Trading Cards & Sports)

Location

Columbus, Ohio (Local candidates only – in-person role)

About the Role

We are seeking a visionary, hands-on In-Store Events & Community Manager to design, build, and operate our in-store event ecosystem from the ground up. This role is for someone whose primary professional focus has been creating engaging, high-impact retail events—not someone who supported events occasionally alongside other responsibilities.

You will own the full lifecycle of our in-store events: concept, planning, execution, promotion, and continuous optimization. Your work will directly drive foot traffic, sales, repeat visitation, and long-term community loyalty within a trading card and sports-focused retail environment.

This is a highly visible, execution-heavy role that sits at the center of our customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

Event Strategy & Development

Design and maintain a robust, ongoing calendar of in-store events
Create compelling event formats such as trade nights, tournaments, breaks, release events, athlete or influencer appearances, and community nights
Build repeatable event systems that can scale in cadence, attendance, and revenue
Continuously test, refine, and evolve events based on performance and customer feedback

Event Execution & Operations

Own end-to-end execution of in-store events, from planning through teardown
Manage logistics including staffing, scheduling, crowd flow, safety, equipment, and vendor coordination
Successfully lead and manage events with 50+ attendees on a regular basis
Maintain consistent execution quality during high-volume and high-energy periods

Marketing & Promotion

Lead promotion of events across social media, email, in-store signage, and community channels
Create clear, compelling narratives that drive anticipation and repeat attendance
Track and analyze performance metrics such as attendance, conversion, and repeat participation

Community Building

Build and nurture a highly engaged local trading card and sports community
Develop relationships with collectors, breakers, influencers, athletes, and partners
Serve as a visible, trusted leader and ambassador of our in-store culture

Required Experience & Qualifications

Must-Haves (Non-Negotiable)

Professional experience where event creation and management was your PRIMARY job function
Extensive experience creating, managing, and marketing retail in-store events as an ongoing operational responsibility—not occasional or seasonal initiatives
Proven experience managing groups of 50+ attendees consistently
Demonstrated ability to scale event cadence, complexity, and attendance over time
Direct experience with trading cards and/or sports culture
Ability to provide a portfolio of events you personally developed and led, including:Photos and/or videos, social proof (attendance numbers, engagement, promotions, or press), and clear explanation of your role and responsibilities

Not a Fit If:

Events were a secondary or “as-needed” part of your role
You primarily managed a store, brand, or team and only supported events occasionally
You cannot demonstrate ownership of events from concept through execution

Ideal Candidate Traits

Visionary builder who thrives in experience-driven retail
Highly organized, operationally strong, and detail-oriented
Comfortable leading large groups in energetic environments
Strong marketer and storyteller who understands urgency and community
Deep passion for trading cards, sports, and collector culture

What We Offer

Ownership of a growing, experience-driven in-store event program
Creative autonomy to design a standout retail experience
Competitive compensation aligned with experience
Opportunity for future growth as the event program and team scale
A chance to become a recognized leader in the Columbus trading card and sports community

How to Apply

Please submit:

Your resume
A portfolio or case studies of events you personally led
A brief explanation of how your background aligns with owning and scaling in-store retail events

Local Columbus, Ohio candidates only.