π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Marketing Associate 1
πΉ Company: Sports Warehouse, Inc.
πΉ Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
πΉ Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site
πΉ Category: Marketing
πΉ Date Posted: 2025-07-30
πΉ Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)
πΉ Remote Status: On-Site (San Luis Obispo, CA)
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing social media channels for Riding Warehouse
- Creating engaging content and graphics for digital platforms
- Supporting broader marketing campaigns and event coordination
- Conducting market research and analyzing performance metrics
- Collaborating with the marketing team to ensure brand consistency
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the equestrian industry and social media marketing to create authentic and engaging content.
π Key Responsibilities
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Oversee the coordination and functionality of the department's activities, providing essential administrative assistance such as preparing reports, managing databases, and supporting event or promotion coordination.
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Assist in the development of marketing plans and campaigns, including email marketing, promotions, and events, ensuring alignment with the overall marketing strategy.
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Create, schedule, and manage content across multiple platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, TikTok), ensuring brand consistency, engagement, and timely posting based on a well-maintained content calendar.
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Assist in developing graphics, copy, and multimedia for social media, email campaigns, blogs, and other marketing materials.
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Respond to social media comments and messages to foster relationships and maintain brand presence.
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Conduct market research, analyze trends, competitor activities, and audience preferences, and monitor social media performance to adjust strategies and assess campaign effectiveness.
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Directly manage the brand ambassador program, coordinating content creation, sending quarterly results, and researching potential new additions to the program.
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Ensure all content and marketing materials align with the companyβs brand voice and guidelines.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive approach to managing social media channels and a keen eye for detail to ensure consistent branding across all platforms.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 0-2 years of experience in social media marketing, content creation, or a related role
Required Skills:
- Proven experience managing social media accounts
- Strong understanding of the equestrian industry
- Excellent communication and active listening skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and social media management tools
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
- Familiarity with SEO best practices
- Bilingual or multilingual skills
ASSUMPTION: While a degree in a related field is preferred, relevant experience and a strong portfolio may be considered in lieu of formal education.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $20.00 - $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits
- Paid vacation time
- Life and short-term disability insurance
- Merchandise discounts with all Sports Warehouse companies
- Access to on-site fitness facility
- Paid sick time
- 401(k) and profit-sharing programs
- Opportunities for growth
- Employee appreciation events
Working Hours: Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for entry-level marketing roles in San Luis Obispo, CA.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Online and Mail Order Retail
Company Size: 501-1,000 employees
Founded: 1992
Company Description:
- Sports Warehouse represents a group of specialty sporting good retailers, including Riding Warehouse
- Offers a wide range of sports gear at guaranteed lowest prices
- Committed to providing excellent customer service and product knowledge
Company Specialties:
- Tennis
- Running
- Skate Boarding
- Fishing
- Tackle
- Roller Hockey
- Ice Hockey
- Horseback Riding
- Pickleball
- Derby
- Customer Service
- Product Knowledge
- How-to Videos
- Product Reviews
- Warehouse
- and Customer Experience
Company Website: http://tennis-warehouse.com
ASSUMPTION: Sports Warehouse is a well-established company with a strong presence in the online retail market, offering a wide range of sports gear and excellent customer service.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Marketing Manager
Work Arrangement: On-site, Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to Marketing Associate II or similar role with increased responsibilities
- Potential to take on leadership roles within the marketing department
- Opportunities to gain experience in various aspects of marketing, including event planning, campaign management, and content creation
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for candidates looking to build a career in marketing within the equestrian industry.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate office with a collaborative work environment
Office Location(s): 181 Suburban Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Geographic Context:
- San Luis Obispo is a mid-sized city located on California's Central Coast
- The city offers a mix of urban and rural living, with easy access to outdoor activities and a vibrant downtown area
- San Luis Obispo has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm, dry summers
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with a one-hour lunch break)
ASSUMPTION: San Luis Obispo offers a high quality of life, with a pleasant climate, abundant outdoor activities, and a strong sense of community.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR department
- In-person or video interview with the Marketing Manager
- Final interview with the Marketing Director
Key Assessment Areas:
- Understanding of the equestrian industry and target audience
- Social media marketing skills and experience
- Creativity and ability to generate engaging content
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Organizational skills and attention to detail
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Include examples of your social media marketing work, such as campaigns you've managed or content you've created
- Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the equestrian industry and how you would apply that knowledge to create engaging content
ATS Keywords: Social Media Marketing, Content Creation, Equestrian Industry, Marketing Campaigns, Brand Consistency, Administrative Support
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's understanding of the equestrian industry, social media marketing skills, and ability to work collaboratively within a team.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social)
- Graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is preferred, but not required. Training will be provided as needed.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer Focus
- Integrity
- Teamwork
- Innovation
- Accountability
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and proactive
- Adaptable and open to feedback
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong understanding of the equestrian industry and its target audience?
- Are you comfortable managing multiple social media channels and creating engaging content?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative work environment and enjoy working as part of a team?
- Are you able to manage your time effectively and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines?
ASSUMPTION: Sports Warehouse values employees who are passionate about the sports industry, customer-focused, and committed to working collaboratively within a team.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple social media channels and creating engaging content can be time-consuming and require careful planning
- Working in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines may be challenging for some candidates
- The role may require occasional weekend or evening work to support events or campaigns
- San Luis Obispo's cost of living may be higher than in other areas, which could impact the candidate's budget and lifestyle
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be mitigated by effective time management, prioritization, and open communication with the marketing team.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on the equestrian industry and requires a strong understanding of its target audience
- Compared to other marketing associate roles, this position offers a higher degree of responsibility and autonomy in managing social media channels
- Career progression in this role may lead to opportunities in event planning, campaign management, or content strategy within the equestrian industry
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the equestrian industry or a strong passion for horses may find this role particularly appealing and well-suited to their interests and skills.
π Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a social media campaign to promote a new line of Riding Warehouse products
- Creating engaging content for Riding Warehouse's social media channels, including graphics, copy, and multimedia
- Managing Riding Warehouse's brand ambassador program, including coordinating content creation and sending quarterly results
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are designed to give candidates an idea of the types of tasks and responsibilities they may encounter in this role.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the biggest challenges facing the Riding Warehouse brand currently, and how can this role help address them?
- How does this role fit into the overall marketing strategy for Riding Warehouse and Sports Warehouse as a whole?
- What opportunities are there for growth and advancement within the marketing department and the company as a whole?
- How does the marketing team collaborate and communicate with other departments within the company, such as sales and customer service?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how does this role fit into that philosophy?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the company, and the marketing department's goals and strategies.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your social media marketing work, such as campaigns you've managed or content you've created
- Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the equestrian industry and how you would apply that knowledge to create engaging content
- Follow up with the HR department one week after your interview to express your continued interest in the position
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.