SVP, Brand Marketing
Job Description
Position Overview
The Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing is a visionary leader responsible for shaping and implementing the Detroit Pistons’ brand identity across multiple platforms. In this role, you will drive the development and execution of innovative brand and marketing strategies to elevate the franchise’s presence locally, nationally, and globally – all while fostering a diverse, inclusive, and creative environment. Join a team of dedicated go-getters focused on serving and uplifting the community.
Key Responsibilities
- Brand Leadership & Strategy:
- Develop brand strategies that drive fan growth, emotional connection, and commercial success.
- Evolve the Detroit Pistons’ brand positioning to remain culturally relevant, forward-thinking, and globally aspirational.
- Lead initiatives that grow brand awareness and fan engagement in strategic U.S. and international markets.
- Create scalable campaign frameworks that can be localized for regional audiences.
- Team Management & Leadership:
- Exhibit strong business insight into operations, financial management, and organizational dynamics.
- Identify growth opportunities and drive business expansion.
- Foster innovation and encourage creative solutions to business challenges.
- Lead change initiatives and manage organizational transitions.
- Plan and implement strategies that align with the Detroit Pistons’ vision and growth goals.
- Analyze issues and develop effective solutions and processes.
- Encourage productive collaboration across departments.
- Influence and gain support for strategic initiatives.
- Achieve measurable outcomes to drive the organization toward its objectives.
- Maintain deep understanding of industry trends and competitive landscape.
- Oversee multiple departments or business units with strategic direction.
- Creative Oversight:
- Lead and mentor cross-functional teams including Social Media, Content Production, Brand Experience, Retail, and Lifestyle/Culture Marketing.
- Inspire high-impact storytelling across video, digital, experiential, and emerging formats.
- Foster a highly collaborative, creative-first environment that attracts top industry talent.
- Oversee big brand retail opportunities, product development, and go-to-market retail strategies.
- Content & Social Ecosystem:
- Oversee creation and distribution of content across owned and partner platforms to drive engagement and innovation.
- Ensure the brand’s social voice is distinct, real-time, and resonates with diverse audiences.
- Leverage data and insights to guide content strategy and understand fan behavior.
- Develop player-focused content with a strong focus on music and sound design.
- Culture, Community & Lifestyle Marketing:
- Drive culturally attuned marketing that authentically connects with key fan bases both locally and globally.
- Foster deep-rooted relationships with musicians, artists, creators, tastemakers, influencers, and cultural partners.
- Lead brand efforts to position the team at the center of local and national cultural conversations.
- Develop robust brand experiences and events that enliven strategic partnerships.
- Strategic Partnerships & Collaborations:
- Develop and manage high-profile brand collaborations across music, lifestyle, fashion, and media sectors.
- Collaborate with corporate partnerships and business development teams to align initiatives with strategic goals.
- Identify and activate innovative opportunities to extend the team’s influence beyond basketball.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
- 12+ years of experience in brand strategy, marketing, or related roles, preferably in sports, entertainment, or lifestyle industries.
- Executive-level leadership experience managing large teams and cross-functional initiatives.
- Proven leadership in managing creative teams, campaigns, and content ecosystems at scale.
- Deep understanding of digital culture, sports fandom, and entertainment media trends.
- Experience driving collaborations with high-profile brands and navigating complex partner environments.
- Strategic problem-solver with a creative approach, balancing long-term vision with daily execution.
- Passion for basketball, culture, and community impact.
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with a passion for sports and entertainment.
- Willingness to work irregular hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
- Capacity to handle highly confidential information.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.