Executive Director, Brand & Fan Marketing

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Set Strategic Direction by developing long-term strategic plans for the Integrated Marketing and Brand & Fan Development teams.
• Lead strategy and planning for tentpole and marquee activations that align brand and revenue goals in collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Develop and implement fan engagement strategies based on audience insights, behavioral data, and brand values to drive affinity, loyalty, and conversion.
• Play a pivotal role in developing overarching marketing strategies to support ticket sales.
• Drive collaborative efforts to develop programs and initiatives supporting corporate partnership sales and activation.
• Drive the development of the organization's youth marketing strategy.
• Ensure org-wide alignment on initiatives spanning multiple departments such as ticketing, partnership sales, theme nights, and cause marketing.
• Own fan development initiatives to attract new fans and deepen existing relationships.
• Manage and direct the Bulls institutional assets (e.g., drops, in-arena signage) to maximize their use and impact.
• Steer collaborative efforts with other Chicago teams, groups, and vendors to expand brand reach and strengthen relationships with fans.
• Explore partnership opportunities with brands inside and outside of the sports industry for cross-promotional collaborations.
• Identify data capture opportunities to bring fans into the Bulls ecosystem and develop approaches to report revenue and brand value.
• Work with the Business Strategy & Analytics team to develop processes to track and measure marketing efforts.
• Manage, mentor, and develop full-time staff members, encouraging a collaborative and inclusive environment.
• Represent the Marketing team in larger org-wide working groups.
• Manage the marketing budget, monitor expenses, and increase value.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of proven experience in marketing, brand strategy, or a related field.
• Experience in sports or entertainment is a plus.
• Proven experience managing multiple full-time staff team members.
• Experience handling large budgets and departmental operations.
• Working familiarity with data capture, digital channels, creative development, and events.
• A strategic thinker comfortable with high-level planning and hands-on execution.
• Profound understanding of marketing principles and methodologies.
• Strong ability to adapt to changing timelines and ad hoc requests.
• Excellent leadership skills that inspire teams and promote continuous learning.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a track record of influencing stakeholders and senior leaders.
• Ability to multi-task, stay organized, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• High levels of professionalism, sensitivity, integrity, and attention to detail.

Nice to Have

• Experience in sports or entertainment industries.

Qualifications

• High degrees of professionalism, sensitivity, and integrity.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, both oral and written.
• Experience in managing large budgets and departmental operations.
• Familiarity with data capture, digital channels, creative development, and events.
• Ability to develop and execute strategic marketing plans.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive salary range of $125,000 - $150,000 annually plus discretionary bonus.
• Low premiums for healthcare, dental, and vision coverage.
• 100% paid premium for basic life insurance and disability coverage.
• 401(k) plan with employer match and annual discretionary contribution.
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care, and commuter benefits.
• Paid time off including unlimited vacation, sick leave, holidays, and parental leave.
• Complimentary home game tickets, parking, and gym access.
• Complimentary snacks, lunch, and dinner during games/events.
• Pet insurance.
• Workplace flexibility with a requirement to be located in or willing to move to the Chicagoland area.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.