Brand Activation & Communications Manager Pickleball H/F

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Core duties and responsibilities include the following. It's not all-inclusive and there are likely additional duties and responsibilities for this job:

• Develop and coordinate the annual global Pickleball brand activation and communications plan, aligned with Babolat brand strategy and international business priorities.
• Develop scalable global campaigns and activation frameworks, partnering with regional teams to adapt execution to local consumers, communities and market opportunities.
• Lead the global Pickleball digital and social content direction, including planning around product launches, athletes, events, education and community stories.
• Coordinate internal and external creative partners to deliver consistent, adaptable Pickleball content and measure performance against agreed KPIs across markets.
• Partner with the Pickleball PLM, Global Marketing and regional Sales teams to coordinate international go-to-market plans for key product launches.
• Translate product technologies and performance benefits into compelling global messaging, launch assets, toolkits and product education for local markets.
• Develop a coordinated brand presence across priority international tournaments, consumer events, demos, retail activations, club programs and other Pickleball experiences.
• Oversee global activation guidelines and support regional event execution, including planning, budgets, partners, assets and post-event evaluation.
• Support the development and activation of Babolat's international Pickleball athlete, ambassador and influencer network in coordination with regional teams.
• Build relationships across the international Pickleball ecosystem, including clubs, facilities, coaches, players, tournament organizers and retail partners.
• Partner with regional Sales and key-account teams to support retail activation, product launches, merchandising, demos and consumer experiences.
• Coordinate global Pickleball PR messaging, media relations support, product storytelling and major brand announcements with relevant markets.
• Monitor international competitors, consumer behavior, market maturity, events, platforms and activation strategies; share insights and best practices across regions.
• Manage assigned global marketing and activation budgets; define shared KPIs and evaluate performance, engagement and return on investment across markets.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's Degree from four-year college or university (concentration in Marketing, Communications, Business, Sports Marketing or related discipline), and a minimum of three to five years of relevant experience and/or training in marketing, brand activation, communications or sports marketing experience; or equivalent combination of education and related experience is required.
• Pickleball industry experience or significant professional involvement in the Pickleball ecosystem is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of Pickleball consumers, communities and cultures across international markets, with awareness of regional differences.
• Experience developing and executing integrated brand activation campaigns.
• Strong knowledge of digital marketing, social media, content strategy and community engagement.
• Experience with events, experiential marketing, athlete or ambassador programs and/or sports partnerships.
• Ability to translate product features and technical information into compelling consumer communications.
• Strong project-management, written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Approximately 30% - 35% of both international and domestic travel is required, including visits to priority markets, events, and Babolat teams.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Targeted Hiring Range: $80,000 - $95,000 annual base salary with 10% bonus potential based on both quantitative and qualitative objectives. Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental and vision coverage, employer-matched 401(k) plan, disability/life insurance and more!