Marketing & Graphic Design Manager - COMBAT Sports; Wrestling & Jiu Jitsu

3

STEP Sports is building a newly created individual contributor role to lead the day-to‑day marketing execution and graphic design for its Combat division, covering Wrestling & Jiu Jitsu. Based in Glenview, IL (onsite), this position will own the Combat digital footprint across social media, email, and website, while staying hands‑on with design for campaigns and event coverage.

• Design social graphics, event promotion materials, signage, website banners, and email assets for the Combat division.
• Create and maintain branded templates and digital assets that can flex across multiple brands while preserving distinct visual identities.
• Collaborate with brand leadership and the national marketing team to support growth through creative initiatives.
• Own the day-to-day social content calendars, posting cadence, and community management for the Combat brands.
• Coordinate with external partners to support day-to-day social media for joint events.
• Drive email marketing performance, including strategy, content, and segmentation to support registration.
• Manage Combat brand websites, including copywriting, landing page creation, link management, SEO, and basic site updates.
• Build and maintain marketing calendars across social, email, and web based on event and programming needs for each Combat brand.
• Manage and hire contractor content creators to support on‑site social coverage at Combat brand events and capture and publish real‑time content.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders (brand leaders and event directors, plus the national marketing team) and external stakeholders (key partners, joint events, and sponsors).

• Combat (Wrestling or Jiu Jitsu) sports team or athletic experience is required.
• 1–3 years of design experience (agency or in‑house), including internships or freelance work.
• 1–3 years of marketing experience with exposure to social media, email, website management, and analytics.
• Portfolio submission with your resume.
• Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop
  ; familiarity with the broader Adobe Creative Suite and/or Canva is a plus.
• Strong sense of layout, typography, and color, with the ability to align to brand guidelines while exploring creative options.
• Understanding of marketing principles and digital trends.
• Strong communication and organization skills, able to translate vision into deliverables while incorporating feedback and prioritizing projects.
• Comfort working in a fast‑paced youth sports environment.

Adobe Photoshop
, Adobe Creative Suite
, Canva

Monday–Friday business hours plus evenings and weekend hours as needed, with travel to sites, tournaments, and events locally and/or nationally.

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, FSA/HSA accounts, life insurance, paid holidays, and generous PTO, plus other elective insurance options
• 401K retirement savings plan with company match
• Paid Parental Leave

Important note: 3

STEP Sports is not accepting agency resumes or outreach for this position at this time.

Disclaimer: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Responsibilities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.