What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager of Merchandise and Licensing position at Washington Spirit?
The Manager of Merchandise and Licensing is responsible for developing, executing, and overseeing the Washington Spirit merchandise and licensing strategies. This role aims to strengthen the Washington Spirit brand presence, maximize revenue opportunities, and ensure consistent and engaging fan experience through merchandise offerings and licensing partnerships.
The Manager of Merchandise and Licensing will:
The Manager of Merchandise and Licensing will:
- Develop and execute comprehensive merchandise plans aligned with the Washington Spirit branding and marketing goals.
- Oversee product development, sourcing, inventory management, and sales channels (retail, online store, events).
- Collaborate with designers, Nike, vendors, and store vendors to create innovative, fan-centric merchandise collections.
- Manage licensing agreements with third-party vendors, ensuring compliance and brand integrity.
- Identify licensing opportunities that expand the Washington Spirit brand footprint.
- Monitor licensing performance and ensure revenue targets are met.
- Drive sales strategies through marketing campaigns, promotions, and exclusive product launches.
- Analyze sales data to inform future product offers and licensing initiatives.
- Stay informed on industry trends, competitor activities, and fan preferences.
- Gather and analyze customer feedback to improve product offers.
- Work closely with marketing, sales, operations, legal teams to ensure seamless execution of merchandise and initiatives.
- Coordinate with external vendors, licensing agents, and partners.
Our ideal candidate:
- Bachelor’s degree in business
- Marketing, Sports Management, or related field.
- 3 to 5 years of experience in merchandise management, licensing, or brand management, preferably within sports or entertainment industries.
- Proven track record of developing successful product lines and licensing programs.
- Strong negotiation, project management, and analytical skills.
- Passion for women’s sports and commitment to promoting gender equity in athletics.
- Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
- Knowledge of e-commerce platforms and digital marketing.
- Creativity and a keen eye for design and branding.
While the listed qualifications are important, we recognize that unique skills and experiences can bring fresh perspectives to our team. If you’re excited about the opportunity to contribute your diverse talents, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t match every requirement listed above.
Location:
This role is primarily based at our Falls Church, VA office, with occasional work in Washington, D.C. Our front office team follows a hybrid arrangement, requiring presence in the office 2 days a week.
ABOUT THE WASHINGTON SPIRIT
The Washington Spirit is a founding club in its 11th season of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) proudly representing the Washington, DC metropolitan area. It is the first franchise to have a minority woman hold a majority stake. A visionary entrepreneur, Michele Kang, is leading a new era for women’s sports with a vision to:
- Become the most preeminent sports organization in the world;
- Build a high-performance culture of winning on and off the pitch;
- Train women as women; and
- Motivate and inspire the next generation of girls and women.
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.
