Entry, EKIN PRE, Retail Marketing, Ann Arbor at Nike

Who we are looking for:

Does showing up at 6am at the local running store before it’s open for a morning run with the owners sound like a dream? Does holding pace while talking market share, recent race results and running culture sound like something you could do a few times a week? Do you get fired up at the opportunity to lead a group of running store employees through a technical session on the difference between Nike running shoes? Are you down to stand on the sales floor of a running store and watch the customers come in for a packet pick-up? Do you love retail and watching “the moment of truth” when a local runner chooses what shoes they are going to log the next few hundred miles in?

If so, we believe this could be the job for you!

We’re looking for runners with a passion for building community to join our Performance Running EKIN (PRE) team in service of Running Specialty Stores. This role will ensure day-to-day consistency, cohesion, and impact of Nike Running by way of encouraging relationships and delivering elevated runner experiences in partnership with culture-driving Running Specialty retail locations.

Steve Prefontaine famously held titles as the American record holder in all seven distance track events. In Nike’s early days, he was also National Director of Public Affairs, an unofficial Sports Marketing rep, occasional store sales associate, and group run leader.

He did it all as an ambassador for the Swoosh – way before being an ambassador was a thing. To this day, Pre remains the “Soul of Nike” for his grit and determination on the track as well as his dedication to serving athletes off it.

If you think you can even come close to matching some of his spirit, please apply!

We are looking for a Performance Running EKIN to join our team based in Ann Arbor.

The ideal candidate brings a dedicated approach, outstanding passion for running, and some background in (and love for) retail. It’s how we started 50 years ago at 3107 Pico Blvd and the combination of these qualities will power Nike Running in compelling ways to better serve our consumers at Running Specialty for the next 50 years.

What you will work on

• Identifying accounts’ needs to drive running culture in their markets
• Bringing key running moments to life in partnership with RSG accounts as Nike Running’s boots-on-the-ground
• Applying marketplace expertise to localize Nike Running’s presence in partnership with the RSG accounts
• Using your passion for and position in running to authenticate brand stories in the marketplace
• Actively participating in the running community. You will integrate and collaborate with the community to advance running culture through the lens of Running Specialty
• Be the pulse of the consumer, community & competition across the broader running marketplace, identifying key themes & emergent opportunities for Nike Running.

Who you will work with

You will report into the Territory PRE Manager and will work closely with your Territory Run Specialty Sales counterparts, EKIN teammates, Geography marketing teams, and RSG partners to prioritize seasonal opportunities. You will collaborate with the NA Running Specialty Marketplace team to inform Nike’s service model for Running Specialty. The NA RSG Marketplace team and your accounts’ marketing and store teams will serve as execution partners. Additionally, you will manage external vendor partners in the creation of events.

What you bring

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communication, sports management, or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training
• 2 years of retail, sales, customer service, mentoring, or instructing experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of the running market as it relates to consumer trends, local market hot spots, and retail destinations
• Ability to connect and encourage people, meeting facilitation and making strategic recommendations
• Ability to drive a culture of always-on testing and learning, including the rapid application of consumer signals into strategy, planning, and content iteration
• Must have a deep passion for running and the Nike brand
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 75% of the time
• Must lift heavy objects and sample bags that weigh up to 50 lbs.
• Experience with an event agency or large scale special events preferred but not required

#MYNEXT: Be Empowered to Grow within Nike and Create the Future

We offer a number of accommodations to complete our interview process including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. If you discover, as you navigate our application process, that you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.