DIRECTOR OF MARKETING presso Chicago Bears Football Club, Inc.

 Job Title: Director of Marketing

Department:  Marketing

Reports To:  VP of Fan Development & Brand Marketing

Supervises People:  Yes  

About the Role

The Director of Marketing builds and executes programs that grow, protect, and enhance the Bears business and brand. This leader collaborates closely with Business Analytics, Brand Creative, Digital, Communications, and Partnerships to set the strategic direction for the brand creating deeper, more meaningful connections with fans, future fans, partners and the community.  They are responsible for developing marketing objectives, strategies, KPIs and tactics as well as executing brand-building marketing programs.  

The Director of Marketing, reporting into the VP of Fan Development & Brand Marketing, will lead and influence through a positive approach to communication and collaboration with colleagues to help them capitalize on marketing opportunities. They are a savvy marketer able to balance fan, brand and business goals as well as a creative thinker that’s willing to take calculated risks and try new things to achieve resonating impact with fans. 

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Alongside the VP of Fan Development and Brand Marketing, ideate and execute programs that establish the Chicago Bears as a lifestyle brand that diverse fans (and future fans) want to be associated with.
• Lead the development of “big idea” and creative/copy strategy and execution across tentpole brand/team events moments as well as internal scale marketing platforms. 
• Develop strategies for cultivating Bears fans from youth through maturity.  Identify and prioritize fan segments and associated triggers from casual to avid fans. Guide and consult on marketing and engagement programs and events for priority segments
• Alongside the VP of Fan Development and Brand Marketing, lead the Chicago Bears’ global marketing strategy, with a primary focus on the UK and Spain with the potential to reach additional markets. This role will play a key part in expanding the Club’s international footprint through innovative fan engagement, brand-building campaigns, and market-specific content and activations.
• Collaborate with Corporate Partnership Sales and Activation, Digital & Social, and Communications to develop collaborative marketing programs that utilize Bears assets to build the Bears brand and the partner/prospect’s brand. Establish co-branded strategies and drive the collaborative process on cross-channel creative ideas to help sell-in new partners and elevate current partners.
• Partner closely with Business Analytics to interpret internal and external research sources to uncover and identify fan motivations and the “why” behind fan behaviors.  Use insights to inform strategies and messaging to drive connections with fans to take action with the Bears; watch, attend, participate, buy.

Department Management & Execution

• Lead the Fan Development and Brand Marketing and Integrated Marketing teams with a focus on cultivating the next generation of Bears fans and streamlining cross departmental collaboration.
• Grow the team’s influencer network and leverage their participation to reach new audiences.  Work closely across the organization to ensure there is a cohesive look, feel and message across organization, and business priorities are met.
• Identify and share best practices for marketing in the sports industry and beyond, have a passion for continuous improvement, learning, and professional growth.
• Partner with the VP of Fan Development and Brand Marketing to ensure maximization of company resources to achieve stated goals.
• Build relationships with other leaders and staff across the organization to establish a Club-wide standard for the Club’s Marketing experience.
• Support annual planning and budget process as well as long term strategic planning for the Marketing team. 

People Management & Development

• Oversee the development of Marketing staff by providing clear direction, support, and feedback.   Create and maintain a positive culture by leading and motivating assigned team members, while establishing goals and developing accountability within the department. Ensure staff align with club values and position expectations.
• Identify team members skills, aptitudes, interests, motivations and ambitions.  Leverage their areas of responsibility and projects to create learning situations, achievable successes and stretch goals for growth and achievement. 
• Conduct 1:1 meetings with direct reports regularly to ensure frequent communication, goal monitoring, as well as assistance with various internal and external needs. 
• Actively participate in leadership and other development opportunities provided by the Club.
• Other projects and duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing or communications preferred.
• Minimum seven (7) years’ experience in marketing and promotions with some P&L oversight. Direct experience in sports and/or entertainment marketing is a plus.
• Management experience including leading direct reports and cross functional leadership is required.
• Experience in establishing brand strategy and driving breakthrough brand growth and affinity.
• Proven ability to glean insights from observations, research and data, translating said insights into actionable marketing strategies and tactics.
• Experience in dovetailing creative brand building opportunities with business sales or revenue opportunities.
• Creative conceptualization and ability to provide clear creative direction.
• Interest and drive to learn new industry trends in a fast-paced environment.
• Optimistic problem solver, attracted to unique solutions to challenges or opportunities.
• Experience in leading and managing internal team as well as agencies and partners.
• Enthusiastic, charismatic and collaborative personality that can quickly earn the trust of other department heads and foster relationships and an environment for success.
• Fluent in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, Teams).
• Able to work non-traditional hours, in non-traditional settings. This includes in-season commitments that fall on weekends, evenings and holidays.

What We Offer 

We remain committed to upholding the standard of being a first-class organization and employer of choice. Our goal is to provide quality support and a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for our most important resource, our people.   

COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY PAY 

The Director of Marketing s is a full-time non-contract position. This position is a salaried (exempt) role. The expected salary range for this role is $115,000 - $130,000 per year. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and other job-related factors. 

BENEFITS & PERKS 

Our full-time offerings include but are not limited to:  

• Core Coverage: 100% paid premium for healthcare and dental coverage, affordable vision offerings, 100% paid premium for disability and employee life insurance coverage, paid FMLA (including paid paternity leave)  
• Investments: employer paid pension plan, 401K with matching   
• Flexible Work Location: Up to 2 days a week of remote work (role dependent)  
• Time to Recharge: Minimum of 10 paid vacation days, 5 paid sick/mental health days, 4 paid floating holidays, 2 paid days to volunteer, 2 paid days to volunteer, plus 10 paid holidays 
• Experiences: complimentary home game tickets & parking, ability to buy tickets to away games and fan events  
• Gear: annual Chicago Bears gear package plus 50% off at the Bears Pro Shop  
• Wellness: FREE breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks, access to onsite fitness facilities and BearsFit, complimentary Calm app access  
• Connection: Social events for staff and their families, Employee Resource Groups, Service Milestones, and more  
• Professional Development: complimentary LinkedIn Learning access, leadership programming, guest speakers, mentorship, and more   

Additional information on employee benefits can be found by visiting www.ChicagoBears.com/jobs.   

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion  

The Chicago Bears organization continues to deepen its commitment to establishing an inclusive, equitable work environment that reflects the diversity within our communities and fan base. We value, respect and appreciate diversity at all levels, on and off the field, and are guided by a vision of success that includes integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into our club's DNA and culture. The Chicago Bears seek to attract, retain and develop top talent, regardless of personal characteristics, and we invite and encourage all individuals to apply for positions of interest. 

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. Chicago Bears Football Club, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.