theaudl.com/union
IG @gochicagounion
The Marketing & Operations Manager will drive fan acquisition. They will execute our sales & marketing plan, run in-person promotions, and drive group ticket sales. They will be responsible for ensuring Chicago Union fans have memorable game day experiences along with compelling entertainment and merchandise. They will support the team on away game road trips by coordinating and managing travel logistics. To campaign for the organization and sport, this person will engage with and form relationships with the local community, sponsors, and partners. This person will report to the Chicago Union ownership, advisory board, and team captains/coaches.
Roles & Responsibilities
Sales & Marketing
- Liaise with AUDL Marketing leadership & staff
- Attend and manage In-person Promotions (Youth Events, Stadium, Local leagues, Pickup, City Events, Sponsors, etc.) throughout the year
- Source and contact businesses, organizations, and community groups for Group Ticket sales and Sponsorships
- Generate and execute promotional ideas to drive ticket and merchandise sales
- Generate content in various forms: written articles and email copy, supporting images with graphics, clip and format highlights for social media, player interviews and other video content
- Manage digital marketing team
Sponsors
- During offseason, source and contact Sponsor targets, have follow up conversations, and negotiate agreements for the season
- Ensure fulfillment of Sponsorship agreements and report to Sponsors on performance
Gameday & Ultimate Events
- Oversee Gameday Manager and logistics on all gamedays, including setup, training, and pack out
- Determine Gameday staffing needs, source staff, and ensure coverage on Gameday including operations, ticketing, entertainment, and medical
- Plan gameday logistics including gameday scripts, stadium setup, ticketing, merchandise, etc.
- Oversee planning and execution of other events, including winter tournaments, tryouts, and Union training camp weekend
- Source and manage printed materials and signage
- Liaise with stadium partners and all vendors
Youth Camps & Clinics
- Communicate with area park districts and schedule summer camps and clinics
- Recruit, train, and schedule coaches for programming
Team Support
- Coordinate player availability and plan travel logistics for away games including booking travel, hotels, and transportation for players, coaches, and staff
- Travel with team on all away game road trips (6 per season), managing travel logistics, liaising with opponents, and planning meals and accommodations
- Manage field reservations for practices (March-August)
- Meet with captains and coaches on a weekly basis
Merchandise
- Evaluate and recommend annual merchandise products
- Source, design, determine quantities, and order merchandise
- Fulfill orders and maintain inventory via Shopify throughout the year
- Provide customer service, tracking, and reporting
Administration
- Coordinate with Chicago Union ownership group and advisory board during weekly meetings and quarterly reviews
- Source and make purchases based on agreed upon budgets and plans
- Manage sponsor and vendor agreements
- Liaise with League and other division teams
Based on Annual Schedule:
Preseason (January - April)
Season (May - August)
Offseason (September - December)
Details:
- Primarily Work from Home
- Must reside in Chicago metro area
- Greatest workload during the Preseason and Season
- Lighter workload in the Offseason
- Flexible weekly work schedule based on team schedule and events
- Will include weekends and some evenings / early mornings
- In-person presence required for all games and local events during the Preseason and Season
- Travel required to away games during the Season and other Preseason and Offseason events
Compensation
The Marketing & Operations Manager is an independent contractor position. Weekly hours will vary based on the time of the year (Preseason, Season, Offseason), but expect 30-45 hours per week. Compensation includes:
- Yearly Salary
- Bonus based on game attendance growth
- Commission based on Ticket Sales, Sponsorships, & Events
Qualifications
Must pass background check and complete youth sports training
Education
- Degree in Marketing or Sports Management preferred
Experience
Required
- Sales & Customer Service
- Marketing
Preferred
- Event Management
- Management & Leadership
- Team Sport Athlete
Skills
Required
- Verbal and written communications
- Word processing, spreadsheets, and online tools
- Reliable transportation year round
- Ample storage to house inventory
Preferred
- Copywriting
- Email Marketing (Mailchimp, Hubspot)
- E-commerce (Shopify)
- Organic Social Media (Hootsuite, Buffer)
Nice to Have
- Paid Social Media (Facebook Ad Manager)
- Graphic Design (Canva, Photoshop)
- Video editing (Filmora)
- Photo editing
- Quickbooks Online
- Business Analytics
Personal Characteristics
- Reliable and Accountable
- Friendly, Energetic, and Hospitality Focused
- Attention to Detail and Well Organized
- Outgoing, Enthusiastic, and Engaging
- Entrepreneurial and Ambitious
Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Professional development assistance
Schedule:
- Self-determined schedule
- Weekend availability
- Weeknight availability
Supplemental pay types:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Chicago, IL 60616: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Experience:
- Marketing: 1 year (Preferred)
- Sports Entertainment: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60616
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.
