Community & Activation Manager, NYC

Job Description

OVERVIEW

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ZICO Rising, Inc., maker of ZICO branded coconut water products, is looking for a passionate, ambitious, and energetic marketer to join our dynamic, high-growth company and team.

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At ZICO, we are focused on attracting the best and brightest talent. We are dedicated to shaping a collaborative, passion-driven culture that drives excellence, rewards performance, and inspires the best in our people.

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ZICO is a pioneer and leader in coconut water-based beverages and is one of the first brands to bring coconut water to U.S. consumers. Coconut water is one of the original hydration beverages, beloved by health-minded consumers and athletes alike looking for a healthier alternative to artificial beverages and sugar-laden sports drinks. Coconut water is the fastest growing beverage segment for 3+ years running, and ZICO has consistently grown 4-5X category rates.

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ABOUT THE ROLE

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We're seeking a passionate, ambitious, and energetic Community & Activation Manager, NYC to become the face of ZICO in New York City and the Northeast. Because “tasting is believing,” sampling is our best vehicle to win consumers — and this role will build grassroots buzz through authentic activations, premium sampling experiences, and premium experiential events in New York's sport-forward, culture-driving communities. You’ve got your finger on the pulse, and you know how to infuse the brand authentically in NYC culture and influential local scenes while leading field activations, retail demos, trade shows, and conferences. You'll work daily with brand ambassadors, influencers, partners, and customers. You'll also share learnings and best practices as we expand into new territories.

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This role reports to the Director, Brand, Culture & Community, and will work closely with the California Community & Activation Manager to build a cohesive field marketing approach nationwide.

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WHAT YOU WILL OWN

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• Own the regional field marketing strategy and become the face of ZICO in New York City.
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• Infuse ZICO’s philosophy and strategies into field activities, focusing on building a local presence for our global brand.
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• Identify and build powerful partnerships with leaders driving local sports and culture, including run clubs, fitness studios, hospitality groups, retailers, creators, surf communities, universities, and cultural institutions.
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• Spot emerging cultural moments and events and make sure ZICO shows up first and authentically.
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• Create new and innovative ideas that bring the brand to life by tapping into local networks, scenes, and opinion leaders. Execute these ideas using your knowledge and ownership of the region while aligning with ZICO's national priorities.
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• Personally lead premium sampling experiences, guerrilla activations, launches, experiential events, in-store demos and trade shows.
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• Ensure that every consumer experience with the brand is positive by paying close attention to detail and delivering premium execution at all field marketing activities.
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• Recruit, train and manage a high-performing local network of brand ambassadors and activation staff, including temporary outsourced staff as needed.
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• Own budgets, inventory, logistics, permits and sponsorship negotiations.
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• Set and report on KPIs to continually improve field marketing effectiveness.
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• Deliver market intelligence — on trends, competitors and consumer experience — that informs national marketing and partnership strategy.
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• Partner with the broader Marketing team to keep campaigns aligned and profitably grow market share.
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• Develop a network of long-term local partnerships that consistently drive awareness, trial, and retail growth.
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• Retail and demo support in stores as needed.
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• Ability to identify and manage local content creators to capture and translate IRL activations into socially relevant content
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WHO YOU ARE

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You love events — getting people together IRL, hustling to set up an activation solo, and dialing in every logistical detail to make it happen. You're a connector and community builder with outstanding written and oral communication skills, and you have real relationships across New York's sports, running, wellness, hospitality, fitness, creative, and cultural scenes. You're just as happy loading coolers and setting up an activation as you are introducing thousands of people to ZICO and thinking strategically to ensure ZICO shows up with the right communities in all the right moments. You’re fired up to build the next culture-defining, sport-forward natural hydration brand — and you bring the energy, positive attitude, and work ethic to make it happen.

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QUALIFICATIONS

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• Bachelor’s Degree
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• 2–6+ years of experience in field marketing in Beverage Category preferred
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• Valid driver's license required; fluent English (additional languages a plus).
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• Working knowledge of retailer marketing and in-store experience preferred.
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• Strong networking and relationship-building skills. Excitement to work hand in hand with our team and grow our partnerships.
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• Strong planning, organizational, and project management skills.
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• Consumer-led mindset, with the ability to see things from the perspective of shoppers, retail partners, and ZICO management alike.
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• Fluency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Google Docs.
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• Detail-oriented and highly organized, able to juggle multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
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• Skilled at managing budget and expenses.
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• Creative problem-solver and strategic thinker who brings passion, enthusiasm and fresh ideas.
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• Flexible team player.
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• Remote role with potential for significant travel (approximately 1–2+ weeks/month); ability to lift 50+ lbs.
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Base: $70,000 - $80,000

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Location: Remote in NYC, NY