Marketing Manager

Job Description:

The United Pickleball Association (UPA) is seeking an experienced and strategic Marketing Manager to lead its marketing efforts and elevate the organization’s brand as the voice and leader in the pickleball community. In this role, you will drive awareness, membership growth, and engagement across all levels of the pickleball community, from amateur players to professional athletes. You will oversee the UPA’s marketing initiatives and manage a talented team of marketing professionals, working closely with partners, sponsors, and key stakeholders to ensure the organization’s continued growth and success.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the UPA’s overarching marketing strategy to increase brand awareness, drive membership growth, and reinforce the organization’s position as the premier governing body of pickleball.
• Lead a collaborative, high-performing marketing team focused on delivering measurable results.
• Create and implement integrated marketing campaigns that connect with players, coaches, and fans, leveraging digital platforms, social media, email marketing, events, and PR.
• Conduct market research and leverage analytics to identify key trends, insights, and opportunities to enhance the UPA’s marketing strategies.
• Collaborate with event organizers and sponsors to promote tournaments, clinics, and community initiatives that align with the UPA’s mission.
• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets and influencers to generate positive coverage and build credibility for the UPA.
• Oversee branding and messaging to ensure consistency across all marketing materials, enhancing the association's visibility and impact.
• Manage the marketing budget and optimize resource allocation to maximize ROI and achieve organizational goals.
• Track and analyze marketing performance metrics to inform data-driven decisions and refine campaign strategies.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, technologies, and best practices in sports marketing and community engagement to ensure the UPA remains innovative and relevant.
• Foster collaboration with external agencies, vendors, and partners to amplify the UPA’s reach and deliver impactful marketing campaigns.
• Represent the UPA at events, conferences, and key community activities to strengthen the organization’s presence and influence.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, or a related field. A master’s degree is a plus.
• 5 years of progressive marketing experience, preferably in sports, nonprofit organizations, or associations.
• Proven track record of creating and implementing successful marketing strategies that drive growth and engagement.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse group of professionals.
• Expertise in digital marketing, social media management, content creation, and public relations.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data to optimize marketing initiatives.
• Excellent communication and storytelling abilities, with experience building compelling campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with marketing automation tools, CRM platforms, and data analytics.
• Knowledge of the pickleball community, industry trends, and the broader sports landscape is a significant advantage.
• Passion for fostering community, inclusivity, and growth within sports.

Why Join the UPA?

As the Marketing Manager for the UPA, you’ll have the unique opportunity to shape the future of pickleball, a rapidly growing sport beloved by players and fans around the world. Be part of an organization that values innovation, collaboration, and the joy of bringing people together through the sport of pickleball.

If you’re a dynamic and innovative marketing leader with a passion for sports and community engagement, we’d love to hear from you!