Sr. US Community & Partnerships Manager, Running

Job Summary

The Senior Community & Partnerships Manager, Running partners with the VP of Marketing to shape and operationalize KEEN's U.S. running community and partnerships strategy in alignment with global priorities. This role leads the strategy and execution of key community, partnership, event, and activation programs that build brand presence, deepen consumer connection, and drive commercial impact across the U.S. market.

About the Role

This role leads the strategy and execution of key community, partnership, event, and activation programs that build brand presence, deepen consumer connection, and drive commercial impact across the U.S. market. Working closely with cross-functional partners, including the Run Specialty Business Development team, this role influences and aligns stakeholders to ensure programs are executed effectively and consistently across community, retail, and event touchpoints.

Responsibilities

• Lead race, event, and sponsorship activations, including strategy, planning, partner coordination, execution, and post-event recaps.
• Lead the U.S. running ambassador program, including program strategy, partner relationships, budgets, and deliverables.
• Develop and execute run club, grassroots partnership, and digital community programs that drive engagement and support long-term community growth.
• Create the activation strategy, brand experience frameworks, and playbooks for retail community activations and run van/experiential programs.
• Provide strategic oversight of community program budgets, agencies, vendors, and reporting, including performance recaps and recommendations.
• Partner with the VP of Marketing to shape and operationalize the U.S. running community and partnerships strategy in alignment with global priorities.
• Influence cross-functional teams and key external partners to align community activations with wholesale, Tier Zero, and key account opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field required.
• Seven (7) years of experience in community marketing, brand marketing, partnerships, experiential marketing, event marketing, or related fields.
• Expert knowledge of run and outdoor community marketing, partnerships, experiential activations, and brand-building programs.
• Extensive experience leading race events, sponsorships, grassroots activations, and ambassador or community programs.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Advanced project management, planning, and organizational skills with the ability to lead multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing program budgets and prioritizing investments.
• Experience leading agency, vendor, and external partner relationships to achieve business objectives.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate program performance, synthesize insights, and develop strategic recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and adapt in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and standard business tools.

Preferred

• Passion for and experience in the trail running, outdoor, sport, or lifestyle industry.
• Experience leading ambassador, athlete, creator, or community partnership programs.
• Experience developing retail/community activation strategies and wholesale brand programs.
• Experience leveraging digital community engagement platforms (e.g., Strava) to drive community growth and brand engagement.
• Passion for running, the outdoors, and community-centered brand building.

Travel

Yes, up to 40-50% of the time, domestically.

Base Salary

$130,770 - $138,000

Work Location

Hybrid This role is based in the Portland, OR area and follows a hybrid work model. Employees are expected to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of our Portland office and generally work on-site four days per week, with flexibility based on business and team needs.

About KEEN

Driven by a passion for life outside, KEEN is a values-led, independently owned brand from Portland, Oregon, that’s on a mission to create original and versatile products, improve lives, and inspire outside adventure. Founded in 2003, KEEN launched a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the Newport adventure sandal and has donated more than $18 million to non-profit organizations and causes around the world to promote responsible outdoor recreation, including conservation efforts to protect open spaces. KEEN strives to show the world through its products and its actions that a business for good can actually be good for business. By giving back, reducing impact, and activating communities and individuals to protect the places where we work and play, KEEN puts its values in motion and takes action to leave the world a better place. At KEEN, we believe in a more just and equitable future for all people. As a global brand, we acknowledge that our business, buildings, and daily lives exist within the traditional territories of indigenous peoples. We strive for a future that recognizes the knowledge, rights, and resilience of these peoples.