Job Title: Manager of Fan Development & Brand Marketing
Department: Marketing
Reports To: Director of Marketing
Supervises People: Yes
About the Role
The Manager of Fan Development & Brand Marketing is responsible for building the Chicago Bears brand to attract new fans and drive fan affinity and avidity to support future org-wide growth. In collaboration with the Director of Marketing, this individual will develop strategies and lead tactical execution of campaigns and initiatives that resonate with the next generation of fans, ultimately moving the brand forward. This includes leading and supporting fan development initiatives and programs including brand campaigns, retail brand collaboration efforts and influencer marketing and collaborations, aimed at reaching younger and diverse audiences, along with oversight of scale fan marketing programs. The Manager will also support other brand-building activities, including hands-on execution. This is a full-time role, with one direct report, based out of our headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois.
The ideal candidate is a motivated leader with proactive, effective communication and collaboration skills, enabling optimal performance both internally, across departments, and externally with partners.
Responsibilities
Fan Development and Brand Marketing:
- Alongside the VP of Fan Development & Brand Marketing and Director of Marketing, build out strategy and materials to ensure the organization is aligned on brand development tactics and goals. Ideate and grow programs that establish the Chicago Bears as a cultural and lifestyle brand that a wide variety of fan groups will want to be associated with, always keeping in mind brand values and objectives.
- Partner with the Director of Marketing to bring ideas to life for new and creative campaigns and grassroots executions that celebrate tentpole team/fan moments. Lead best-in-class execution of these campaigns.
- Identify opportunities and execute marketing-based programs that support club-wide initiatives as defined by the leadership team.
- Work across departments including Digital, Communications, and Partnerships to develop strategic direction, set KPIs and work with content producing and distribution teams on campaign delivery.
Retail Brand Collaborations
- Lead the strategy and execution of retail marketing initiatives tied to brand collaborations, product launches, and co-branded campaigns.
- Identify strategic brand partners aligned with the team’s values, audience, and market position to elevate retail presence and cultural relevance positioning the Chicago Bears as a lifestyle brand.
- Serve as the primary marketing liaison between the team and external brand partners, licensees, and retail collaborators. Manage retail collaboration timelines from concept through launch.
- Coordinate with internal stakeholders (Brand Creative, Digital, Communications, Game Presentation) to ensure brand alignment and cohesive storytelling.
- Plan and execute in-venue and off-site retail experiences tied to collaborations, including pop-ups, influencer/creator events, and product unveilings.
- Track performance KPIs (sell-through, impressions, fan engagement) and provide regular reporting and recommendations for future campaign.
- Monitor market trends in sports, fashion, and culture to inform future collaborations.
Influencer Marketing
- Build and maintain a robust network of Chicago Bears influencers/creators through establishing a rapport and relationship in specific areas (art, fashion, music, entertainment, etc.) to reach new audiences and identify deeper connections.
- Partner with other departments to manage strategy and hands-on execution of influencer and creator marketing programs, including identifying strategic collaborations between key departments and specific influencers.
- Identify opportunities for the Chicago Bears to connect with and support a wide variety of communities and team initiatives through influencer/creator collaborations (including partners where appropriate).
- Remain current with cultural trends and utilize all available tools and databases to identify opportunities for establishing and sharing new influencer relationships.
- Set, monitor, and report on KPIs for influencer/creator marketing programs and collaborations.
Scale Fan Marketing Initiatives
- Oversee the development and execution of scale fan marketing initiatives such as the Chicago Bears Kids Club and Baby Bears (along with other such future programs).
- Work with the Fan Development & Brand Marketing Coordinator to identify program objectives and strategies that support overall annual marketing objectives, support day-to-day execution of programming.
People Management & Development
- Manage 1 direct report; including but not limited to overseeing their projects, providing guidance, and supporting workload prioritization as needed
- Mentor and support direct report by providing clear, actionable feedback on performance in real time, in regular 1:1 meetings, and as part of annual performance reviews.
- Partner closely with the Director of Marketing on coaching and development needs for direct report as necessary.
- Look for ways to leverage skills, interests, and motivations of staff to maximize productivity and job satisfaction.
- Identify and share best practices in the sports industry and beyond, have a passion for continuous improvement, learning, and professional growth.
- Actively participate in leadership and other development opportunities provided by the Club.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or related field.
- 5+ years’ experience in brand marketing and promotions with some P&L oversight.
- Proven leadership experience, including successful oversight, support, and development of direct reports.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to provide clear creative direction and effective feedback.
- Experience developing and executing influencer/creator marketing programs, including initiating professional relationships with people and industries that are new and unfamiliar.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interface effectively with staff across all levels, business partners, vendors, and influencers.
- Enthusiasm for developing new marketing platforms based on marketing objectives and strategic direction.
- Experience setting measurable goals/KPIs, plus reporting on and identifying learnings to enhance future programs.
- Experience turning message strategy into impactful fan-facing copy.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, Teams).
- Willing and able to work non-traditional hours, in non-traditional settings. This includes all home games, events, and other commitments that fall on weekends, evenings and holidays.
- Spanish-language fluency a plus.
- Prior sports, entertainment, or agency experience a plus.
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 Manager of Fan Development & Brand Marketing is a full-time non-contract position. This position is a salaried (exempt) role. The expected salary range for this role is $90,000 - $115,000 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.