Director of Marketing

PORTLAND THORNS

Founded in 2012, Portland Thorns FC have set the standard for fan support and on-field success in women's soccer since its inaugural 2013 season. One of the world's most supported women's soccer clubs, Portland has led the league in attendance for eight seasons and set a new club playoff attendance record last year with 25,218 fans supporting Thorns FC in the 2023 semifinal match at Providence Park. Thorns FC have won the NWSL Championship a league-record three times (2013, 2017, 2022) and finished as runners-up in 2018. The club has made the postseason a league-high nine times and has won the NWSL Shield in 2016 and 2021.

WHO ARE THE PORTLAND THORNS?

We are the Portland Thorns.

We will be the #1 women's football franchise in the world.

We fight to protect the integrity of our team and to inspire our city.

We are stewards of innovation...on and off the pitch.

We have a storied history of winning with a championship pedigree.

We believe in inclusiveness and demonstrating an authentic commitment to the community.

We are diverse, multi-cultural and we take action with purpose and intent.

We will relentlessly be a thorn in our opponent's side and forever be the crown jewels of Portland.

We are the Portland Thorns.

THE ROLE:

The Portland Thorns FC are searching for a seasoned marketing professional to serve as the Director of Marketing. In this role, you will play a leadership position within the Marketing team, overseeing marketing campaigns that drive fan acquisition, revenue and brand storytelling through our owned and paid channels. The person in this role should be a master collaborator, managing key internal relationships for Marketing with departments including Partnerships, Creative Design, Community Impact, and Ticketing, as well as external relationships with vendors and partners. They will have a proven track record of aligning stakeholders and translating business objectives into marketing plans that have driven business results. As a strategic thought partner with the VP of Marketing, they will help lead the team, grow the Thorns fanbase, and reach our business goals. This role requires a proactive individual with a passion for sports, particularly women's soccer, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

WHAT YOU'll BE UP TO:

• Own, develop and implement the club's digital ecosystem and content strategy with a focus on channel differentiation.
• Lead cross-functional marketing initiatives, projects, and goals to ensure alignment and achieve overall organizational objectives, including revenue and brand.
• Collaborate with the VP of Marketing in the development and implementation of marketing strategies and campaigns to promote the Thorns, its players, ticket sales, initiatives, and events.
• Oversee, and continually assess the success of the club's comprehensive digital marketing strategy to enhance brand awareness and fan engagement.
• Collaborate with ticketing, merchandise, game day and partnership teams to integrate digital efforts into revenue strategies.
• Lead the development of marketing plans, creative briefs and marketing recaps.
• Collaborate with community impact, ticketing and partnership in the planning and execution of events, including match days, community outreach programs, and promotional events.
• Set clear goals, provide professional development opportunities, and ensure high performance within the team.
• Manage and mentor direct reports including a Social Media Manager, Web Coordinator, Marketing Coordinator and Paid Media/Email Manager.
• Lead the Paid Media/Email Manager in the strategy, development and execution of targeted paid media campaigns (traditional and digital) to drive ticket sales, merchandise, purchases, and sponsorship ROI.
• Work with the Paid Media/Email Manager on the negotiation for digital and traditional ad buys.
• Work closely with the Social Media Manager to support internal content development, extend Marketing initiatives and partnered programs, and maintain the brand across digital channels.
• Brief and collaborate with the design team to produce high-quality marketing collateral, inclusive of graphics and videos for own and paid channels.
• Manage, execute and lead integrated marketing efforts in support of revenue goals including ticket sales, partnerships, game day revenue and merchandising.
• Responsible for all performance marketing campaigns.
• Create and implement comprehensive SEO plans for paid and organic search with the goal of driving website traffic.
• Analyze campaign performance using KPIs such as engagement, conversions, and revenue impact.
• Responsible for creating the club's survey strategy and NPS goals.
• Stay updated on trends in digital marketing, social media, and sports entertainment to leverage new opportunities.
• Ensure consistency in tone, voice, and messaging across platforms.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and activities to inform marketing strategies.

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A THORN:

• Bachelor's degree in digital marketing, communications, or related field.
• 7 - 10 years of experience in a relevant field, with a proven track record of managing and executing marketing campaigns with a focus on digital channels.
• Strong understanding of marketing strategy and digital marketing channels.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management skills, able to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
• Creative thinker with the ability to generate new ideas and concepts for marketing initiatives.
• Has a deep understanding of the digital ecosystem, the nuanced differences of the different digital channels and can develop and optimize creative for each channel.
• Understands how to map out the customer journey for different campaigns based on goals and objectives
• Strategic mindset with a focus on performance and analytics and a deep understand of A/B testing.
• Has a comprehensive understanding of Google and Meta Analytics.
• Has a basic understanding of UX/UI.
• Highly collaborative with the ability to function as the hub for all marketing and creative initiatives
• Experience and interest in sports, sports culture, and fan engagement.
• Passion for the growth and development of women's soccer, with a vested interest in advancing the sport and engaging fans through digital channels.

BENEFITS:

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives, Salary Range $100,000 - $120,000.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Dynamic, collaborative and fun work environment.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the growth of women's soccer.

Ready to Be a Thorn in the Best Possible Way? Apply Now!

If you're ready to shape the future of the Portland Thorns, send us your application. Let's make history together!

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.

Job Questions:

1. Are you able to work in the US without sponsorship?
2. This position is located in Portland Oregon are you currently located in the area, or would you be able to relocate?
3. Do you have 7-10 years of experience managing and executing marketing campaigns with a focus on digital channels?