We’re hiring a Manager of Merchandise & Licensing to be accountable for the Washington Spirit’s merch strategy and execution. Your background in the apparel/merchandise industry allows you think in an innovative way about how a sports organization brings product to life. You have experience working with licensees and designers, monitoring trends, and managing vendors of all types. You report directly to the Head of Brand. You work very closely with our Marketing, Fan Experience, and Community Development teams.
The Manager of Merchandise and Licensing will:
- Build out a 24-month product calendar with the goal of raising YoY revenue
- Secure new/unique retail, licensee & distribution partners
- Manage our concessionaire, Soccer Post, from internal orders to revenue reporting.
- Manage the approval process and communication between retail partners and the league offices.
- Collaborate internally with the content and marketing teams on the promotion and listing of new merch items on the website.
- Hire and manage seasonal teammates for matches
Our ideal candidate has:
- 3+ years of similar experience
- Proven ability to deliver fresh new ideas
- Thorough understanding of apparel industry & fashion trends including fit, color, & future thinking
- Experience positively managing vendors/agencies
- Relationships within the design, fashion community
- Ability to implement long-term planning & deliver short-term execution
- Can push self- & others in an ambiguous environment
- Entrepreneurial spirit and innovative mindset
- Models positive energy & handles stress well
Job Requirements
- Must be fully vaccinated against Covid 19
- Available to work nights, weekends & holidays as needed based on sporting and events calendar
While the listed qualifications are important, we recognize that unique skills and experiences can bring fresh perspectives to our team. If you’re excited about the opportunity to contribute your diverse talents, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t match every requirement listed above.
Location:
This role is based between our training facility in Leesburg, VA and our Falls Church, VA office, with occasional work in Washington, D.C. Our front office team follows a hybrid arrangement, requiring presence in the office 3 days a week.
ABOUT THE WASHINGTON SPIRIT
The Washington Spirit is a founding club in its 11th season of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) proudly representing the Washington, DC metropolitan area. It is the first franchise to have a minority woman hold a majority stake. A visionary entrepreneur, Michele Kang, is leading a new era for women’s sports with a vision to:
1. Become the most preeminent sports organization in the world;
2. Build a high-performance culture of winning on and off the pitch;
3. Train women as women; and
4. Motivate and inspire the next generation of girls and women.
We offer a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package, including health and wellness benefits, retirement plans, unlimited vacation time off, as well as flexible work schedules, hybrid work, and opportunities for career development.
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.
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