Sports Activation Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description

At Vibram, we're driven by curiosity, creativity, and innovation. We value bold thinking, diverse perspectives, and a passion for pushing boundaries. We're looking for achievers and forward-thinkers who are ready to make an impact and help shape what's next.

We're looking for a dynamic and experienced Sports Marketing Manager to join our North America Marketing team. Based in Boulder, Colorado, this role will lead athlete and sports marketing initiatives, drive strategic regional partnerships, and build meaningful connections within the outdoor and endurance communities to elevate brand presence and engagement.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Sports Marketing 

• Manage and maintain the U.S. Vibram Team roster by recruiting, signing, and supporting athletes across trail and ultra running, climbing, cycling/mountain biking, and other outdoor sports
• Develop, negotiate, and manage athlete contracts in collaboration with the Vibram legal team.
• Maintain consistent communication with athletes and support their responsibilities to the Vibram brand, including product testing and development, content creation, and brand representation at competitions, events, and clinics.
• Serve as the internal expert on all aspects of sports marketing, providing insights and cross-functional leadership across Marketing, Innovation/Product Development, and Sales teams.
• Collect, organize, and translate athlete and consumer feedback into actionable insights for the Innovation, R&D, Product, and Design teams, creating a structured "field-to-lab" process
• Collaborate with the Testing Team on wear testing, prototype testing, athlete trials, and real-world validation programs, ensuring clear reporting, timelines, and measurable outcomes.
• Partner with the North America Marketing team and Global Brand team to develop sports marketing content for Vibram channels, brand partners, and media outlets.
• Identify competitions, events, and partnership opportunities that elevate Vibram's brand awareness, adoption, and leadership position within the industry.
• Lead sponsorships and activations for competitions and sponsored events, including UTMB, Natural Selection Tour, International Climbers' Festival and others.
• Work closely with the Global Sports Marketing team to adapt international processes and tools for the U.S. market while implementing region-specific strategies.
• Create reporting systems and communication tools for major competitions, including top winners, leading brands, post-event reviews, and consumer insights.
• Develop and manage the regional sports marketing budget.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Regional Partnership Marketing

• Lead marketing communications with regional brand partners, including The North Face, Crocs, Xero Shoes, Lems, La Sportiva, and Scarpa in partnership with the North America Commercial team.
• Develop seasonal marketing plans and activation strategies for regional partners.
• Coordinate co-marketing initiatives, including product training, content development, media opportunities, and grassroots events.
• Support regional activations for brand and retail partners, including brand education, demo shoe trials, and community engagement initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Global Brand team on social media content and campaigns.
• Provide regular partnership updates across the organization.

Community Marketing

• Lead community partnership outreach efforts throughout Boulder and the Rocky Mountain region.
• Build and strengthen relationships with organizations such as the American Alpine Club and the Access Fund, as well as local educational institutions.
• Support local events and community engagement initiatives that elevate the Vibrambrand.
• Connect athletes and employees with volunteer opportunities.

Requirements

• 4-5 years of experience in sports marketing, event planning, or marketing management, preferably within the footwear or outdoor industry.
• Strong industry network, market knowledge, and passion for outdoor sports, including trail running, climbing, cycling/mountain biking, snow sports, and outdoor recreation.
• Deep understanding of athlete communities and how Vibram and its partner products can maximize athlete exposure, product insights, and partner collaboration.
• Strong awareness of athlete and community news, with the ability to share relevant insights internally.
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field preferred.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with social media content creation, including copywriting and content production.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and basic project management 
• Hybrid work environment: 3 days onsite and 2 days remote (subject to change).
• Frequent travel throughout the Rocky Mountain region, with occasional national and international travel (up to 30%).
• Ability to work outdoors in varying conditions, including cold, snow, rain, and heat, while supporting athletes at events, competitions, clinics, and photo/video shoots.
• Occasional evening and weekend event work.
• Ability to lift and move items up to 40 lbs during event setup and activation support.

Vibram is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.