Associate Manager, Fastpitch Grassroots & Partnerships

Overview

Associate Manager, Grassroots and Partnerships – Fastpitch (Softball) | 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 Associate Manager, Grassroots and Partnerships – Fastpitch supports the planning and execution of fastpitch grassroots events, primarily at tournaments, that drive brand objectives for the Baseball/Softball Business Unit. This role is responsible for identifying and evaluating high-impact event opportunities and supporting end-to-end activation execution, including planning, logistics coordination, on-site setup, and post-event analysis. The position requires attendance at 15+ events annually to maximize brand visibility and consumer engagement. This individual will also support the amateur NIL program for both baseball and fastpitch by collaborating with high potential youth athletes to amplify brand and product storytelling through social media engagement, regional and national influence, and participation in brand photoshoots. Additionally, the role will be involved in supporting our collegiate fastpitch partnerships.

 

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manage the execution, including staffing and logistics, for branded grassroots fastpitch events by collaborating with external resources (display vendors, agencies, etc.) and utilizing internal resources (creative services, brand marketing team, etc.) to drive product demonstrations and wholistic brand experiences to create brand preference with fastpitch consumers; provide analysis of initiative performance through metrics to key team members.
• Identify and evaluate high impact fastpitch events nationwide to expand our event calendar and ensure alignment with product launches and brand priorities such as bat demos and EvoShield guard fittings. Partner with internal stakeholders and sales team to identify opportunities within academy and club fastpitch networks, as well as national events hosted by organizations such as Triple Crown, PGF, Alliance, and others.
• Lead our amateur NIL efforts by developing the program, identifying top youth athletes, coordinating agreements across product categories, and ensuring execution of contractual elements by all parties. Assist broader marketing efforts by organizing social content, photoshoot participation, and other activation needs in partnership with the Brand Marketing and Product teams.
• Serve as the internal subject matter expert on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), advising cross-functional teams on evolving state laws, NCAA guidelines, and compliance considerations while monitoring industry trends, best practices, and the competitive landscape to inform the brand’s NIL strategy and partnerships.
• Assist the Manger of Events and Partnerships – Fastpitch in delivering best-in-class service to collegiate fastpitch programs. Provide support with order entry, equipment design events, and additional program touchpoints throughout the season.
• Monitor competitive brand activity – including sponsorships, event presence, and consumer insights – to stay informed on fastpitch marketing trends and share relevant feedback with the business unit.
• Maximize budgetary resources by strategically allocating funds and optimizing spending to drive a strong ROI and enhanced value while ensuring alignment with organizational financial objectives.
• Other duties as required.

What We're Looking For

This role requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management or Business Administration, or a related field. We are seeking candidates with a minimum of 2 years planning and executing grassroots events, wit