Marketing Events Manager

Detroit Lions•Detroit, MI

About The Position

The Marketing Events Manager for the Detroit Lions supports the day-to-day operations of the marketing department, with a primary focus on creating a best-in-class fan experience at Lions tentpole events and game days. The role leads planning and execution of major events and fan activations, oversees vendor relationships and event staff, and coordinates with internal departments and marketing partners. It also manages departmental budget tracking and supports additional Lions and Detroit Lions Properties initiatives. The position may require work from both the Ford Field Management Office and the Meijer Performance Center. The schedule is flexible and may include nights, weekends, and holidays to support football operations, events, and marketing activities.

Requirements

At least 4 years of prior event management or game-day promotional experience for a professional sports team or Division I collegiate organization.
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Journalism, Sports Management, or a related field.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with and relate to staff, management, clients, and vendors at all levels.
Proficiency with MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Publisher, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.
Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Experience working in diverse environments and connecting with individuals of all statures; ability to interact professionally with employees, marketing partners, and club affiliates.
Team-oriented attitude, relationship-building skills, and a professional demeanor and appearance.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to demonstrate professionalism when interacting with high-profile individuals and external partners.
Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
Motivated, reliable, and able to work independently or as part of a team.
Ability to work in a timely and productive manner and communicate effectively with team members.
Creative, innovative, and detail-oriented.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary organizational contact and manage the agency relationship with Activate for scheduling and activating the Detroit Lions Mobile Marketing Unit at tentpole, community, partner, festival, and school events.
Lead fan experience initiatives for Detroit Lions Training Camp and open fan practices, including event preparation, hospitality vendor management, ingress and egress, parking, entry, giveaways, promotions, communications, and intern oversight.
Lead planning and execution of marquee events, including Training Camp, NFL Draft parties, watch parties, and brand marketing events.
Assist with planning and execution of pre-game, in-game, and post-game promotional elements that affect overall game-day satisfaction, including Pride Plaza tailgate activation, power hour and concourse activities, contests, and special recognitions.
Lead events for the Detroit Lions Cub Club, Pride Unleashed, Lady Lions, and other fan affinity groups, and assist the Marketing Manager with execution.
Develop and implement activations for the Detroit Lions tailgate area and Pride Plaza, and assist with related game-day responsibilities.
Collaborate with internal departments to conceptualize and execute activities supporting NFL and Lions theme initiatives, including Play Football, Crucial Catch, Salute to Service, Homecoming, My Cause My Cleats, Inspire Change, and Fan Appreciation.
Work with the partnership marketing team on tentpole event activations to ensure contractual partnership marketing assets are fulfilled.
Supervise and oversee onboarding of the Marketing Associate, Training Camp Assistants, and Detroit Lions Hype Squad, including the Game Day Promotions team and Flag Crew.
Track and maintain marketing department budgets, process invoices, track spending, and provide budget updates throughout the year.
Assist with marketing execution for Lions and Detroit Lions Properties supplementary initiatives, including the MAC Championship Game, Community Relations events, and other Lions initiatives.
Perform administrative duties such as data entry, correspondence, meeting facilitation, procurement and care of operational supplies, staff communications, and other office and event responsibilities.
Adjust work schedule as needed to meet departmental demands, including non-standard hours, weekends, and holidays.
Accept other responsibilities and duties required by the supervisor that are consistent with the position’s objectives and essential functions.