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Football Operations Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Stranger Soccer

License Owner, Chicago

Chicago, IL · On-site

This is not your traditional management job- it is designed for entrepreneurial individuals who want to build, operate, and grow their own local football operation while creating a meaningful impact ...

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Football Operations Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$32K

$65.4K

$122.2K

How much do football operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for football operations manager in Chicago, IL is $65,421.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $79,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a football operations manager?

Football Operations Managers are professionals who oversee the logistical, administrative, and operational aspects of a football team or organization. Their responsibilities include coordinating team travel, managing facilities, ensuring compliance with league regulations, and supporting coaching staff with day-to-day needs. They often act as a liaison between players, coaches, and front-office staff to ensure smooth team operations. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of the sport are essential for this role.

How does a football operations manager typically collaborate with coaching staff and players?

A Football Operations Manager works closely with coaching staff and players by coordinating logistics such as training schedules, travel arrangements, and equipment needs. They serve as a key point of contact between management and the team, ensuring smooth communication and addressing any operational concerns that might arise. This collaboration is essential for maintaining a professional environment and supporting the team's overall performance, requiring the manager to be proactive, organized, and adaptable to the fast-paced nature of football operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a football operations manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Football Operations Manager, you need a solid understanding of sports administration, event planning, and team logistics, typically supported by a degree in sports management or a related field. Familiarity with scheduling software, budgeting tools, and compliance systems like NCAA or FIFA regulations is essential. Strong leadership, organizational abilities, and effective communication skills help in managing teams and coordinating with multiple stakeholders. These skills ensure smooth team operations, regulatory compliance, and successful execution of football programs.

What is the difference between Football Operations Manager vs Football Coach?

AspectFootball Operations ManagerFootball Coach
Primary FocusManaging team logistics, administration, and operational tasksTraining players, developing game strategies, and on-field performance
Required CredentialsExperience in sports management, relevant certifications often preferredCoaching certifications, playing experience, and tactical knowledge
Work EnvironmentOff-field, administrative, and organizational settingsOn-field, training facilities, and game days
Industry UsageUsed across professional, college, and youth football organizationsPrimarily in coaching staff roles at all levels

The Football Operations Manager focuses on managing the administrative and logistical aspects of a football team, ensuring smooth operations behind the scenes. In contrast, the Football Coach concentrates on player development, game strategy, and on-field performance. Both roles are essential but serve different functions within a football organization.

How to become a football operations manager?

To become a football operations manager, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in sports management, business, or a related field, along with experience in sports administration or team operations. Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills are essential, and familiarity with sports regulations and management software can be beneficial.

What career paths exist in football operations?

Career paths in football operations include roles such as Football Operations Coordinator, Assistant Manager, and Director of Football Operations. These positions often require experience in team management, logistics, and sports administration, with opportunities to advance to executive or general manager roles. Skills in communication, organization, and knowledge of the sport are essential for progression.

What are the most commonly searched types of Football Operations jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Football Operations jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Football Operations Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Football Operations Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Football Operations Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Football Operations Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Football Operations Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Football Operations Manager job openings:

Football Operations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Football Operations Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,421 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

Marketing Manager - Flag Football

Wilson Sporting Goods Co.

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago

Wilson Sporting Goods rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 62 rated fashion and textile manufacturers

Job description

Overview
Marketing Manager - Flag Football | Chicago, IL (Hybrid)
At Wilson, we are here to empower every human to live like an athlete. Passion. Creativity. Integrity. Teamwork. Ambition. Innovation. These are the qualities that have made Wilson Sporting Goods Co. the number one sports equipment brand in the world. We come together to win, grow, and celebrate. We all play for Team Wilson. We all have a role to play within our organization and are working towards the same goal. One team, one dream.
We believe that being an athlete isn't something you do, it's who you are. It's a universal code of conduct, a way of seeing the world and how you show up every day. We seek out diverse voices and welcome all perspectives. Our team is composed of individuals with unique backgrounds, points of view, and experiences. These perspectives create a rich and diverse culture in which we learn from one another through empathy and inclusion.
Evolving the sports world and being the best partner for players, athletes, and our community is no small task. We are continually looking to add enthusiastic, ambitious, team-first individuals who desire to make a difference - and who love to help others win. Together, we will create a better world through sport. Join us.
What You'll Do
The Marketing Manager will lead marketing plans and activities to support avid player outreach & grassroots engagement for the Team Sports Business Unit, specifically for flag football.
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Build, manage, and track 360-degree global flag football marketing plans and budgets to ensure strategic alignment, operational efficiency, and measurable business impact via retail sales and brand growth.
  • Partner cross-functionally with Marketing, E-Commerce, PR, Social, Sales, Retail, Creative, and Commercial teams to develop and execute consumer-relevant, on-brand marketing programs that deliver business results in American football.
  • Support the Marketing Director in developing and executing grassroots activation platforms designed to engage target consumers and grow participation globally.
  • Identify, secure, and manage strategic partnerships while supporting key football organizations, including NFL FLAG, IFAF, and various grassroots partners, to ensure annual contractual deliverables are executed effectively.
  • Build a scalable ecosystem of global flag football partnerships by evaluating organizations across youth, high school, and adult segments and developing clear points of view on strategic fit and value.
  • Develop strategic marketing briefs for avid-focused product launches and initiatives, providing clear, actionable feedback to creative teams to ensure deliverables meet brand and business objectives.
  • Identify content needs and manage the creation process through internal and external resources, partnering with social media teams to execute flag football content across relevant channels.
  • Oversee flag football ambassador program, including contract management, recruitment, campaign planning, and ongoing program execution.
  • Communicate marketing strategies, consumer insights, and category priorities in core team planning sessions, sales meetings, and cross-functional business reviews.
  • Plan, attend, and manage experiential event activations, ensuring each event is executed to brand standards, reaches the target consumer, and supports overall flag football growth objectives.
  • Other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For
This role requires a bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in Marketing, Communications, or a related area; an MBA with a focus on marketing is preferred. We are seeking candidates with a minimum of 5 years of consumer marketing experience for a brand or a marketing agency.
Other qualifications include:
  • Experience building and leading marketing campaigns, across digital, social, experiential, and retail.
  • Experience writing creative briefs and working collaboratively with design team to bring new campaign assets to life.
  • Experience managing contract negotiations with organizations and/or talent.
  • Familiarity with American football, especially flag football, is desirable.
  • Excellent written/verbal, time management and quantitative/analytical skills.
  • Advanced PowerPoint skills - from content development to professional, streamlined formatting.
  • Proven ability to work with limited resources and budgets.
  • Self-motivated and empowered to take initiative & ownership, developing new programs and strategies, continually looking for ways to improve processes and platforms.
  • Hyper efficient with proven ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment with strong organizational, communication and follow-through skills.
  • Highly collaborative problem solver who thrives in a team environment working cross-functionally.
  • Positive thinker who sees challenges as opportunities and translates them into actionable items.
  • Avid Fan - can speak authentically about sports, specifically American football.
  • Experience working with content creators is desirable.
  • Retail marketing experience desirable, in-store and e-commerce.
  • Available to travel approximately 50% of the time, including work weekdays, weekends, and evenings as required by events and business needs.

What We'll Provide
A reasonable estimate of the pay range is $85,000 - $110,000 per year at the time of this posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors such as job-related skills, relevant experience, education, and/or training. Please note that the range details reflect the base pay only and does not include our competitive bonus program.
Located in the vibrant, sports-centric city of Chicago, Wilson Sporting Goods Co. global headquarters sits along the lakefront with first-class access to a burgeoning creative, innovative, energetic and active professional community. We offer an open, collaborative, high tech work environment with best in class amenities and perks, including:
  • Medical, dental and vision
  • Pre-tax transit discounts
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Life insurance
  • Paid maternity/paternity leave
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Volunteering programs
  • Team building outings
  • Discounts on Wilson and Amer Sports products
  • On-site health club
  • Summer hours
  • Company-sponsored sports leagues/teams
  • Fun, active company outings around major sports events

Wilson Sporting Goods Co. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristics.

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