Job Title: Manager, Brand Marketing [Chicago Steel & Fifth Third Arena]
Department: Chicago Steel
Reports To: President, Chicago Steel
Location: Chicago / United Center (In-Office) & Fifth Third Arena
Travel: Ability to travel up to 25% to the offices of the Chicago Steel in Fox Valley through 2026
Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm / Monday - Friday
Status: Full-time Exempt
# Direct Reports: 1 - 2
Compensation: The annual budgeted salary range for this position is $70,000 - 75,000
The Chicago Steel is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, religion or religious creed, color, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance, or regulation and will not be discriminated against on these bases. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
The Top Shelf:
The Chicago Steel & Fifth Third Arena are looking for a Manager, Brand Marketing who will be the brand steward for the Chicago Steel Hockey Team (United States Hockey League) and Fifth Third Arena (official training center of the Chicago Blackhawks). This position will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure consistent brand messaging and successful marketing strategies & campaigns across multiple entities. This position will split their time between Chicago Steel and Fifth Third Arena, supporting and contributing to the success and revenue growth of these organizations.
When complete in January 2026, the newly-expanded Fifth Third Arena will boast more than 250,000 square feet of community hockey space, state-of-the-art training facilities, and versatile areas for the best athletes in the world, rising stars, and the next generation of players. The expansion includes construction of a Championship Arena which will serve as the permanent home of the Chicago Steel starting with the 2026-2027 season. In addition to adding two new ice surfaces, this expansion will transform Fifth Third Arena into a versatile venue that successfully hosts events of all sizes.
The Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in developing and executing integrated marketing strategies, a passion for the sports & entertainment and recreation industries, and the ability to drive results. The ideal candidate must have a strong balance of strategic thinking, creative aptitude, project management, budget oversight, and people skills. This position requires the ability to multitask and manage several projects while providing clear direction and guidance to others. This position is a key liaison between cross-functional teams supporting the organization’s overall growth strategies.
How You’ll Contribute:
- Serve as the organizational brand marketing strategist for the Chicago Steel and Fifth Third Arena’s long-term, annual, and seasonal initiatives.
- Develop and execute marketing and brand strategies; defining the target audience, key performance indicators (KPIs), and overseeing the tracking & analysis of marketing campaigns with extensive use of data and analytics.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams across multiple business entities and external partners to ensure clear and effective brand messaging across all channels.
- Guide the marketing campaign development and execution process, while ensuring campaigns are on brand, and positioned to deliver against marketing and business objectives.
- Develop editorial planning calendars to track channel marketing and the cross-channel asset timelines & processes to ensure timely delivery of assets.
- Partner with in-house creative and/or creative agencies, and other departments in the development and execution of marketing plans, creative assets, campaigns, and programs.
- Manage the day-to-day communication and approval process of internal & external creative partners.
- Collaborate and participate in both internal led and agency creative brand productions.
- Oversee all digital marketing channels, website, applications, emails and mobile for multiple entities; plan and execute paid digital marketing campaigns.
- Conceptualize and strategize organic social media content ideas across multiple entities.
- Manage marketing & brand budgets, estimates, and reconciliation process with internal and external partners.
- Assist marketing leaders in the ongoing development of brand architecture, purpose, and values, ensuring overarching brand guidelines & usages are maintained.
Player Stats and Qualifications:
- A minimum of 5 years of marketing experience that includes working across brand, digital, PR, creative, social and experiential disciplines. Sports experience a plus.
- Dynamic and performance-driven, with interpersonal skills to motivate and inspire others across the organization at multiple levels.
- Confident & creative thinker with strong experience in brainstorming and developing unique, breakthrough content strategies.
- Ability to develop strong consumer lead strategies for multiple core businesses enterprises.
- Strong experience in managing marketing vehicles, such as digital media, ecommerce, or social media.
- Demonstrated aptitude for driving results.
- Excellent project management skills and attention to detail.
- Passion for, and in-depth knowledge of, current trends of content consumption across traditional and non-traditional media; up to date understanding of the zeitgeist in sports, entertainment, pop culture, and tech.
- Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and as a team; both nights and weekends.
- Ability to address, adapt to, and overcome challenges in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. Basic knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.
- Demonstrates organizational core values of integrity, curiosity, empathy, collaboration, and originality.
- Bachelor’s degree, with an emphasis in Marketing, or equivalent preferred.
Perks and Benefits:
Competitive total rewards package, full benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401k matching, paid life insurance), comprehensive PTO package, social events, volunteer opportunities, focused learning and development, and access to United Center events.
What It’s Like Working Here:
The Chicago Steel and Fifth Third Arena experience isn’t just on the ice. Our offices, located at the United Center and Fifth Third Arena, promotes a fun, engaging, fast-paced and collaborative atmosphere where we can celebrate both hockey and each other. Our commitment to curating an environment where all individuals feel empowered to bring their best self to work each day can be seen throughout our organization. Whether you are a job seeker looking to join the organization, a current member of our amazing team, or someone looking to help support our mission, our goal is the same – to reimagine the potential of hockey, which we strive to achieve through memorable, inclusive experiences.
