Associate Manager, Fastpitch Grassroots & Partnerships

Associate Manager, Grassroots and Partnerships – Fastpitch (Softball) | Chicago, IL (Hybrid)

At Wilson, we are here to empower every human to live like an athlete. Passion. Creativity. Integrity. Teamwork. Ambition. Innovation. These are the qualities that have made Wilson Sporting Goods Co. the number one sports equipment brand in the world. We come together to win, grow, and celebrate. We all play for Team Wilson. We all have a role to play within our organization and are working towards the same goal. One team, one dream.

We believe that being an athlete isn't something you do, it's who you are. It's a universal code of conduct, a way of seeing the world and how you show up every day. We seek out diverse voices and welcome all perspectives. Our team is composed of individuals with unique backgrounds, points of view and experiences. These perspectives create a rich and diverse culture in which we learn from one another through empathy and inclusion.

Evolving the sports world and being the best partner for players, athletes, and our community is no small task. We are continually looking to add enthusiastic, ambitious, team-first individuals who desire to make a difference — and who love to help others win. Together, we will create a better world through sport. Join us.

What You'll Do

The Associate Manager, Grassroots and Partnerships – Fastpitch supports the planning and execution of fastpitch grassroots events, primarily at tournaments, that drive brand objectives for the Baseball/Softball Business Unit. This role is responsible for identifying and evaluating high-impact event opportunities and supporting end-to-end activation execution, including planning, logistics coordination, on-site setup, and post-event analysis. The position requires attendance at 15+ events annually to maximize brand visibility and consumer engagement. This individual will also support the amateur NIL program for both baseball and fastpitch by collaborating with high potential youth athletes to amplify brand and product storytelling through social media engagement, regional and national influence, and participation in brand photoshoots. Additionally, the role will be involved in supporting our collegiate fastpitch partnerships.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manage the execution, including staffing and logistics, for branded grassroots fastpitch events by collaborating with external resources (display vendors, agencies, etc.) and utilizing internal resources (creative services, brand marketing team, etc.) to drive product demonstrations and wholistic brand experiences to create brand preference with fastpitch consumers; provide analysis of initiative performance through metrics to key team members.
• Identify and evaluate high impact fastpitch events nationwide to expand our event calendar and ensure alignment with product launches and brand priorities such as bat demos and EvoShield guard fittings. Partner with internal stakeholders and sales team to identify opportunities within academy and club fastpitch networks, as well as national events hosted by organizations such as Triple Crown, PGF, Alliance, and others.
• Lead our amateur NIL efforts by developing the program, identifying top youth athletes, coordinating agreements across product categories, and ensuring execution of contractual elements by all parties. Assist broader marketing efforts by organizing social content, photoshoot participation, and other activation needs in partnership with the Brand Marketing and Product teams.
• Serve as the internal subject matter expert on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), advising cross-functional teams on evolving state laws, NCAA guidelines, and compliance considerations while monitoring industry trends, best practices, and the competitive landscape to inform the brand's NIL strategy and partnerships.
• Assist the Manager of Events and Partnerships – Fastpitch in delivering best-in-class service to collegiate fastpitch programs. Provide support with order entry, equipment design events, and additional program touchpoints throughout the season.
• Monitor competitive brand activity – including sponsorships, event presence, and consumer insights – to stay informed on fastpitch marketing trends and share relevant feedback with the business unit.
• Maximize budgetary resources by strategically allocating funds and optimizing spending to drive a strong ROI and enhanced value while ensuring alignment with organizational financial objectives.
• Other duties as required.

What We're Looking For

This role requires a Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management or Business Administration, or a related field. We are seeking candidates with a minimum of 2 years planning and executing grassroots events, with increasing responsibility managing partnerships and/or business relationships.

Other qualifications include:

• Effective communication skills (listening, verbal, and written), with the ability to express ideas, problems, and solutions with clarity.
• Strong sense of initiative, drive, creativity, sound decision making, and teamwork.
• Ability to take a plan from concept to execution and align the plan with business objectives.
• Ability to manage a budget.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish strong rapport with internal and external partners.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities with ease and composure, while prioritizing workload effectively and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Can effectively inform and communicate with broader team while owning projects.
• Passion for and experience in sports is a major plus, especially Baseball/Softball.
• The ability to speak authoritatively and authentically as a means of developing authentic deliverables against a focused sports audience is important.
• Strong computer proficiency required in Excel, Word and PowerPoint. SAP experience is helpful but not required.
• Travel requirements vary depending on the time of year but are up to 50%. Travel will be heaviest during spring to early fall aligning with travel softball schedule.

What We'll Provide

A reasonable estimate of the pay range is $75,000 - $85,000 per year at the time of this posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors such as job-related skills, relevant experience, education, and/or training. Please note that the range details reflect the base pay only and does not include our competitive bonus program.

Located in the vibrant, sports-centric city of Chicago, Wilson Sporting Goods Co. global headquarters sits along the lakefront with first-class access to a burgeoning creative, innovative, energetic, and active professional community. We offer an open, collaborative, high tech work environment with best in class amenities and perks, including:

• Medical, dental and vision
• Pre-tax transit discounts
• 401(k) with company match
• Life insurance
• Paid maternity/paternity leave
• Professional development opportunities
• Volunteering programs
• Team building outings
• Discounts on Wilson and Amer Sports products
• On-site health club
• Summer hours
• Company-sponsored sports leagues/teams
• Fun, active company outings around major sports events

Wilson Sporting Goods Co. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristics.