Sports Marketing Specialist

Reports To: General Manager of Sports Classification: Exempt Job Type: Full-Time Location: World Equestrian Center – Ocala Overview Are you ready to design the playbook while calling the live plays? Sports at WEC is rewriting the standard for elite, non-equestrian sports destinations. We are looking for an entrepreneurial, high-ownership Sports Marketing Specialist to step onto the ground floor of our expanding multi-sport portfolio. This isn't a traditional corporate marketing role where you inherit a static checklist—this is a rare opportunity to launch, scale, and shape a premier sports brand from the ground up. Serving as the dedicated marketing champion within the Sports division, you will manage vital initiatives, campaigns, and digital channels while directly leveraging the powerhouse delivery tools, distribution pathways, and creative assets of the centralized resort marketing ecosystem. Strategic Ownership Runway This role is a high-impact individual contributor position designed for an ambitious executor. You will be accountable for driving the localized sports campaign engine, channel engagement, and event visibility. Key Responsibilities Division Liaison: Serve as the primary marketing liaison for Sports at WEC, maintaining a clear understanding of programming, facilities, and promotional priorities to align them with central marketing pathways. Campaign & Registration Drive: Support the development and execution of agile marketing plans that drive program and tournament participation, and facility bookings. Central Matrix Integration: Partner closely with the Senior Manager, Resort Marketing and designated partners to support paid media campaigns, contributing localized audience insights, messaging parameters, and sports-specific campaign inputs. Social Media Channel Ownership: Own and manage Sports at WEC social media channels, including content capture (photo and video), creation, publishing, and day-to-day community engagement. Guest Sentiment Monitoring: Monitor and respond to guest feedback, reviews, comments, and messages across sports platforms in a timely and brand-appropriate manner, escalating issues as needed. Digital Content Management: Write and manage high-impact content across digital channels, including website updates, email campaigns, and social media. Asset Collaboration: Collaborate with internal teams (graphic design, video, and project management) to develop and deliver premium marketing assets on time and aligned with campaign goals. Brand Quality Control: Maintain ongoing production, accuracy, and relevance of all Sports at WEC brand content to protect venue aesthetics. B2B & Industry Presence: Manage the facility's physical marketing presence and logistical activation within regional sports commissions, convention & visitors bureaus, trade shows, and relevant professional associations. Performance & Profitability Tracking: Partner closely with property-wide teams to track project profitability relative to Sports and deliver operational marketing Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reports regarding reach, engagement, and conversion metrics. Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Sports Management, or a related field. Experience: 3+ years of hands‑on marketing experience, preferably within a premium hospitality, sports tourism, or regional convention framework. Core Competencies: Strong copywriting and content development skills with a proven track record of creating engaging, on‑brand messaging for web, social, and digital campaigns. Project Execution: Excellent organizational and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, campaigns, and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment. Technical Proficiency: Working knowledge of digital marketing tools including email platforms, content management systems (CMS), and social media scheduling software. Schedule Flexibility: Must be able to work highly flexible schedules including weekends, nights, and holidays to support active tournament execution and real‑time event content capture. Execution DNA: Self‑motivated team player with a proactive, solution‑oriented approach and an uncompromising attention to detail. Compensation & Benefits Dedicated Base Salary Structure. Comprehensive corporate benefits package. Mandatory Candidate Application Questionnaire The following short-answer questions must be completed by all applicants to be considered for initial interview review: Content Capture Experience: Please describe your experience capturing photo and video content in live‑event, sports, or fast‑paced environments using professional camera equipment. Include any cameras, lenses, and professional editing software you are proficient with (Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Lightroom, Photoshop, etc.). Copywriting Experience: Please describe your professional copywriting experience, including writing for social media, websites, email marketing, event promotion, and/or other consumer‑facing brand communications. World Equestrian Center is managed by Columbus Hospitality Management; a company committed to providing quality service and memorable guest experiences in a positive and welcoming work environment. We are focused on supporting the needs of our team through our commitment to the family/work life balance and by providing development opportunities. Status: All applicants will be required to successfully submit to a comprehensive background check prior to employment. Drug-Free Workplace / Equal Opportunity Employer. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class. #J-18808-Ljbffr World Equestrian Center