Manager, Fan Development & Marketing

WE’D LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN US! San Diego Wave Fútbol Club is on a mission to build a world class home for players and fans. We are seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking individual to join our mission to share our story, win championships, increase, and delight our fans. We’re making memories and engaging our community through this beautiful game. Position Overview

The Manager, Fan Development & Marketing is responsible for leading and executing grassroots marketing initiatives, traditional marketing, community activations, and local brand campaigns designed to grow the San Diego Wave FC fan base and drive ticket and merchandise sales.

This role focuses on expanding the Club’s presence throughout the San Diego region through marketing partnerships, pop-up activations, watch parties, and influencer collaborations.

Working closely with the Director of Marketing and internal departments including Ticketing, Partnerships, Merchandise and Community Relations, this position plays a key role in bringing the Club’s marketing campaigns to life in the market. The position drives key decisions and advises executive leaders in regards to grassroot marketing initiatives, activation budgeting, and ticket and merch sales.

Core Responsibilities

Event & Activation Operations* Manage logistics and operational planning for grassroots events and pop-up activations including staffing, vendor coordination, permits, and production needs.

• Develop activation plans and run-of-show documents to ensure seamless event execution.
• Manage promotional inventory and marketing assets used in grassroots activations.

Grassroots & Community Marketing* Lead grassroots marketing initiatives designed to grow the Club’s fan base and drive ticket demand

• Plan and execute community activations including pop-up marketing activations, youth soccer events, and local brand partnerships.
• Identify opportunities for Wave FC to activate in high-traffic community spaces, youth tournaments, festivals, and city events to drive brand exposure and revenue opportunities.
• Manage the planning and execution of watch parties and local fan engagement events across the region.
• Support the development of a local bar network and community partner ecosystem, as primary point of contact, to expand the club’s visibility.

Marketing Campaign Execution* Plan and execute marketing initiatives tied to club campaigns including ticket sales promotions, player moments, kit launches, and major club announcements.

• Collaborate with the marketing team to align grassroots activations with digital campaigns, email marketing, influencer partnerships, and ticketing initiatives.
• Ensure all community marketing efforts align with club brand standards and campaign messaging.
• Work with Club marketing partners to align on timing and budget with out-of-home media, including but not limited to billboards, bus shelters, commercials, and more.

Influencer & Creator Activations

• Support the execution of influencer and creator partnerships tied to club marketing initiatives.
• Coordinate creator outreach, campaign timelines, deliverables, and event participation.
• Manage influencer activations connected to club events, pop-ups, and key brand moments.
• Track creator campaign performance and maintain creator partnership databases.

Reporting & Performance Tracking* Track performance metrics tied to grassroots marketing including lead capture, attendance, and ticket conversion. Advise senior leaders on adjustments to meet targets.

• Prepare event recaps and insights to inform future marketing strategies.
• Assist with budgeting and financial tracking for grassroots activations and community events.

If you meet the above qualifications and are ready to take on the challenge of leading our professional soccer club to success, we want to hear from you. Please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for the position. APPLY TODAY Our people are our club. We believe different backgrounds and experiences bring new ideas and perspectives. We encourage talented candidates from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds to apply. We’re excited to welcome new members of our team who share our passion. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.