Social Media & Content Specialist Sports

SUMMARYOverview of the positionThe Social Media & Content Specialist – Sports Cards & Memorabilia is responsible for developing and executing social-first strategies that drive demand, engagement, and collector loyalty across Upper Deck’s sports portfolio. This role blends strategic planning, copywriting, and hands-on content creation to bring trading cards, premium memorabilia, and athlete moments to life across digital platforms.You will play a key role in amplifying product releases, showcasing high-value collectibles, and capturing the energy of athlete signings and appearances—translating them into compelling, platform-native content that resonates with both seasoned collectors and new fans. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an individual assigned to this job. Other duties may be assigned.Social Strategy & Campaign PlanningSupport the development and execution of integrated social media strategies across trading cards and memorabilia product lines.Build content calendars and campaign plans aligned to:Product releases (boxes, sets, drops)Athlete signings and memorabilia launchesKey sports moments (All-Star Games, playoffs, drafts, milestones)Develop structured workback schedules ensuring all social deliverables align with release timing and business objectives.Identify opportunities to extend product lifecycle through multi-phase content (tease→launch→sustain→secondary market conversation).Copywriting & MessagingWrite compelling, conversion-minded copy across all platforms, including:Social captions (Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook)Video scripts (Reels, Shorts, TikTok)Athlete-related storytelling and promotional messagingTranslate product features into collector-driven value propositions (rarity, chase elements, autographs, patches, provenance).Adapt tone and messaging by platform and audience segment (hardcore collectors vs casual fans).Ensure all copy aligns with brand voice, licensing requirements, and athlete agreements.Content Creation & ProductionConceptualize, shoot, and edit photo and video content including:Pack openings and case breaksHigh-end card and memorabilia showcases“Hit” moments and rare pullsBehind-the-scenes at athlete signings and eventsInterviews with key athletes and internal team membersCapture real-time content at athlete appearances, including:Autograph sessionsAthlete interviews and quick-hit social segmentsFan interactions and experiential momentsDevelop short-form, platform-native content optimized for reach and engagement (hooks, pacing, trends).Create multiple content outputs per shoot to maximize content efficiency and frequency.Creative Operations & Cross-Functional CollaborationDevelop and manage creative briefs for design, photography, and video teams.Partner with Brand, Product, Licensing, and Legal to ensure timely approvals and compliance, particularly for athlete likeness and IP usage.Coordinate with internal teams to ensure accurate product representation and storytelling.Community & Collector EngagementActively manage community interaction:Respond to comments, DMs, and tagged postsEngage with collectors, breakers, hobby shops, and fan communitiesIdentify and amplify user-generated content (UGC) such as:Big pulls and personal collectionsDisplay setups and memorabilia showcasesBuild and maintain relationships with:Hobby influencers and breakersCollector communities and card shopsFoster conversation around secondary market trends, rarity, and collector culture.Athlete & Event IntegrationSupport promotion and content capture for:Athlete signings and exclusive memorabilia dropsLive events, conventions, and hobby showsCreate athlete-first storytelling that connects fans to:The moment behind the signatureThe significance of the collectibleExecute live and near-live content strategies to capitalize on in-the-moment engagement.Real-Time & Cultural MarketingIdentify and act on real-time sports moments:Record-breaking performancesDebuts, milestones, highlight playsRapidly create and publish reactive content tying athlete performance back to:Available cards and memorabiliaHistorical collectibles and momentsLeverage tentpole events (e.g., playoffs, draft, All-Star) to drive high-volume, high-engagement content.Analytics, Reporting & OptimizationTrack and analyze key performance metrics:Engagement rate, reach, impressions, video completion rateFollower growth and audience demographicsClick-through and conversion indicatorsMonitor collector sentiment across social platforms, forums, and live streams.Deliver post-campaign insights and optimize future content based on performance data.Utilize social listening and AI tools to:Identify trending players and productsOptimize posting cadence and formatImprove copy and creative performanceCustomer Experience & Feedback LoopEscalate customer service issues and product feedback to appropriate internal teams.Provide insights on collector behavior, demand signals, and product reception to inform marketing and product strategy.EDUCATION/YEARS EXPERIENCE3–4 years of experience in social media, content creation, or sports marketingStrong understanding of sports trading cards, memorabilia, and collector cultureProven experience in copywriting and short-form video content creationProficiency with content tools (Adobe Creative Suite, CapCut, or similar)Deep understanding of platform best practices (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, X)Experience capturing content at live events or athlete appearances preferredFamiliarity with the sports collectibles market and secondary marketplaces preferredExperience working with influencers, breakers, or hobby shops preferredKnowledge of analytics and social listening platforms preferredREQUIREMENTSTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIESStrategic thinking with strong executional abilityHigh-quality copywriting and storytellingVisual and video content production expertiseDeep understanding of collector mindset and behaviorReal-time responsiveness and trend awareness