Develops, coordinates, and directs all marketing, communications and community engagement activities for organization to create passionate and raving fans. Position leads marketing strategy for club including campaigns, branding and audience engagement. This position is also responsible for planning, organizing, staffing, training, and managing all marketing functions to achieve the company objective of sales, growth, profits and visibility while ensuring a consistent brand and positioning that is consistent with the vision of the Club.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Lead the marketing department through to the lens of the Club’s Why: “We ignite and unite through Service, Soccer and Soul so that San Diego is Activated, Elevated, and Celebrated”

• Implement the four values of “Competition, Commitment, Connection and Camaraderie” into all marketing and leadership decisions.

• Provides leadership for all PR, community engagement, communications, marketing, creative design, branding, digital and event/entertainment staff and activities.

• Serves as primary relationship builder for club and its key partners, customers, fans and stakeholders. Work with leadership and staff to develop strategic partners for referencing, credibility and alliances.

• Member of executive team and integral part of organizational decisions and strategic growth.

• Remains strategic, tactical and program oriented, in that order. Responsible for competitive analysis, marketing strategies and tactics.

• Researches, analyzes, writes and implements strategic marketing plans for club.

• Represents club to the press and public by acting as chief club spokesperson for all non-soccer related issues. May participate in local committees and boards on behalf of club.

• Help manage third-party relationships including marketing or advertising agencies.

• Conduct and analyze market research to determine risk and marketability of potential products and product features. Supply information to appropriate personnel.

• Measures effectiveness of the marketing programs, optimizes and implements improvements.

• Work with Tickets and Corporate Partnerships for product(s) pricing, name, positioning, packaging, and definition.

• Serves as contact for USL for all high-level broadcast decisions and leads the content strategy for the broadcast and video content.

• Leads or works with agency on media buying plan and placement of all advertising.

• Oversees all branded collateral including but not limited to ads, signage, promotional items, uniforms, digital assets and consults on merchandise design.

• Oversees all social media and online engagement and drives strategy behind the tone, voice and growth of these platforms. Supports staff in its implementation.

• Oversees all website and digital strategies including website content, contests and the sites “look and feel.” Supports staff in its implementation.

• Plans and strategizes organization's communications strategies, policies, and procedures and coordinates accordingly with communications staff and contractors.

• Develops contacts and relationships with media representatives to create opportunities for keeping the company and its products or services in front of the public and the trade.

• Maintains database of corporate, media and industry influencer contacts.

• Oversees and implements key initiative platforms including but not limited to Leal Sin Muros, Soccer Capital SD, Heart of SD, Mission Gratitude, Together San Diego and Community 18-86.

• Assists coaches, players and company staff with public speaking engagements and presentations.

• Lead on-going listening sessions with fans, community, corporate & civic leaders to better understand how San Diego Loyal can help make San Diego a better place to live, work and play.

• Develops and manages department budgets.

Supervisory Responsibilities  

Supervises Marketing, Communications and Design department staff members including the hiring, coaching, counseling, performance management, growth and development.

Supervisor Skills

Must have experience managing and training direct reports including intern programs, hiring and creation of employee development plans. Thrives in team environments.

Leadership and Strategic Thinking

Strong problem-solving skills required. Strong cross-functional project management and presentation skills. Demonstrable leadership abilities in changing, ambiguous and challenging situations. Excellent strategic instincts and collaborative skills.

Computer/Digital Skills  

Lead Hubspot utilization. Proficient in all Microsoft Office products including, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Ability to use Adobe products and a CRM a bonus. Must be proficient and experienced using basic social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.   

Writing and Presentation Skills

Outstanding writing skills required, including experience writing press releases and similar media communications, and ability to create proposals and presentations. Comfortable, confident, friendly on-camera presentation skills.