📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Local Marketing Specialist (Davenport & Champaign) - House of Sport
🔹 Company: DICK'S Sporting Goods
🔹 Location: Davenport, IA & Champaign, IL
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: July 10, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Overseeing local marketing efforts for two House of Sport locations
- Developing and fostering community partnerships and sponsorships
- Planning and executing in-store events and in-market activations
- Managing local marketing budget and related expenses
- Serving as a cross-functional liaison between House of Sport, Corporate Support Center (CSC), and external partners
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, strong communication skills, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have a passion for sports and a deep understanding of the local community.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Partnership, Sponsorship, and Activation Planning: Develop and foster strong relationships with local partners, drive company initiatives, and increase brand awareness through sponsorships and activations.
✅ Local Marketing Capabilities: Develop and activate local marketing outreach strategies to drive incremental awareness and acquisition, provide market intel, and manage customer outreach.
✅ Event/Program Execution: Support the execution of all House of Sport marketing activities, vendor events, and other related initiatives, capture content for owned channels, and evaluate event success.
✅ Donations and Giving: Serve as the local representative for The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation, provide equipment donations, community grants, and other programming to communities in need, and evaluate and fulfill donation requests.
✅ Miscellaneous: Deliver a high level of professionalism, seamless communication and collaboration across teams, develop relationships with vendors and service organizations, and serve as an approved media-trained associate.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a significant amount of travel between the two locations and may require some overnight stays.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Advertising, Business Administration, or Communications
Experience: 1-3 years of related experience as a regional or company marketer, brand ambassador, or professional in a retail environment
Required Skills:
- Excellent interpersonal and team-building skills
- Ability to multi-task and work independently in a fast-paced environment
- Flexible availability, including some nights, weekends, and holidays
- Valid driver’s license and ability to pass comprehensive criminal background and motor vehicle checks
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with event planning and execution
- Knowledge of the local sports community and market trends
- Fluency in Spanish (for the Davenport location)
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with CRM software (e.g., Salesforce) would be beneficial for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $45,000 - $60,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for a Marketing Specialist with 1-3 years of experience)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Employee discount on merchandise
- Paid time off and holidays
- Tuition reimbursement
Working Hours: Full-time, with flexible scheduling including some nights, weekends, and holidays
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Marketing Specialist with 1-3 years of experience. The actual salary may vary depending on factors such as the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the company's performance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Retail, specifically focused on sporting goods and equipment
Company Size: 10,001+ employees, providing a large network of resources and opportunities for growth
Founded: 1948, with a rich history and established brand in the sporting goods industry
Company Description:
- DICK'S Sporting Goods is a leading retailer of sporting goods, offering a wide range of products for various sports and outdoor activities
- The company operates over 800 retail stores, 5 distribution centers, and a corporate/customer support center in Pittsburgh
- DICK'S also owns and operates Golf Galaxy and House of Sport stores, as well as GameChanger, a youth sports mobile app
Company Specialties:
- Retail and eCommerce
- Merchandising and product development
- Technology and innovation
- Community engagement and giving
Company Website: DICK'S Sporting Goods Careers
ASSUMPTION: DICK'S Sporting Goods is committed to providing a positive and inclusive work environment, with a strong focus on employee development and growth.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the marketing department and the company as a whole
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Marketing Manager for the House of Sport locations in Davenport and Champaign
Work Arrangement: On-site, with a significant amount of travel between the two locations and some overnight stays
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement within the marketing department, such as a promotion to Marketing Manager or a similar role
- Expansion into other areas of the business, such as merchandising, product development, or store management
- Opportunities to work on high-visibility projects and initiatives, demonstrating skills and potential for growth
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will have a strong desire to grow within the company and take on new challenges as they arise.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Retail store environment, with a focus on customer service and community engagement
Office Location(s): Davenport, IA and Champaign, IL
Geographic Context:
- Davenport, IA: Located in the Quad Cities metropolitan area, with a population of approximately 102,000
- Champaign, IL: Home to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with a population of approximately 84,000
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible scheduling including some nights, weekends, and holidays. This role may require some overnight travel between the two locations.
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will be comfortable working in a fast-paced, retail environment and have a strong understanding of the local community and market trends.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the marketing team
- Background check and reference verification
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Marketing and event planning skills
- Community engagement and partnership-building abilities
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Adaptability and problem-solving skills
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant marketing and event planning experience in your resume
- Tailor your cover letter to the specific requirements and responsibilities of the role
- Prepare examples of successful marketing campaigns or events you have planned and executed
- Research the local sports community and market trends to demonstrate your understanding of the role and its requirements
ATS Keywords: Marketing, Event Planning, Community Engagement, Partnership Building, Sponsorship Management, Local Marketing, Brand Awareness, Retail, Sports, House of Sport
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will have a strong understanding of the local sports community and market trends, as well as a passion for sports and a deep commitment to customer service.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce)
- Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
- Event planning and management software (e.g., Eventbrite, Cvent)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in these tools and technologies is not explicitly required but would be beneficial for this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Passionate
- Committed
- Skilled
- Driven
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Customer-focused and results-driven
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong passion for sports and a deep understanding of the local sports community?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, retail environment and collaborating with a diverse team of professionals?
- Do you have a proven track record of success in marketing and event planning, with a focus on driving brand awareness and engagement?
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will be a strong cultural fit for DICK'S Sporting Goods, with a deep commitment to the company's values and a passion for sports and customer service.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a dual-location role, with significant travel between Davenport and Champaign
- Balancing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, retail environment
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with local partners and vendors
- Adapting to changes in the market and responding to new opportunities and challenges
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will be adaptable, resilient, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique to the House of Sport concept, with a focus on community engagement and brand awareness in a retail setting
- Similar roles in the industry may include Event Coordinator, Marketing Coordinator, or Community Relations Manager, but this role is distinct in its focus on the retail environment and community partnerships
- Career progression in this role may lead to opportunities in marketing management, merchandising, or store management within the company
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will have a strong understanding of the unique aspects of the House of Sport concept and a deep commitment to the company's mission and values.
📝 Sample Projects
- Planning and executing a grand opening event for a new House of Sport location, including vendor management, promotional materials, and community outreach
- Developing and implementing a local marketing campaign to drive brand awareness and engagement in the community, including partnerships with local sports teams, leagues, and events
- Managing a local sponsorship portfolio, including activation planning, asset distribution, and ROI tracking for a diverse range of partners and events
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will have experience with similar projects and a strong understanding of the unique aspects of the House of Sport concept.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical work schedule for this role, including any overnight travel requirements?
- How does this role collaborate with other departments within the company, such as merchandising, product development, or store management?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does the company support the growth and development of its employees, particularly in the marketing department?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in this environment?
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will be proactive and engaged in the interview process, asking thoughtful questions and demonstrating a strong understanding of the role and its requirements.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the DICK'S Sporting Goods Careers website
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant marketing and event planning experience, as well as any experience with community engagement or partnership building
- Write a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and its requirements, as well as your passion for sports and customer service
- Prepare examples of successful marketing campaigns or events you have planned and executed, highlighting your skills and accomplishments in the field
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role and confirm receipt of your materials
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
