HOKA Milan Community Specialist

Job TitleHOKA Milan Community Specialist at HOKALocationMilan, ItalyCompany OverviewAt Deckers Brands, Together, Every Step is a promise kept that every employee can bring their authentic self, is valued and supported, as a whole person, at work and beyond. Together, Every Step is how we continue to deliver exceptional business results, experience an amazing place to work, and have a positive impact on the communities and world around us.Position SummaryIn this role, you will act as the face of HOKA within Milan and ignite authentic connections between the brand and local running & cultural communities. The role is rooted in community and grassroots activation and event amplification through HOKA retail and wholesale channels. This role will activate new HOKA retail stores with compelling brand moments, lead owned RunClub activations, and create buzz around key cultural and sports moments through unforgettable experiences. You will work at the intersection of performance and lifestyle, bringing hyper‑local stories to life while building strategic relationships with RunClubs, influencers, ambassadors and wholesale partners. This role will activate Milan's unique identity through bold initiatives.Key ResponsibilitiesExecution of 360‑degree Key City Amplification Plans within the HOKA Flywheel ecosystemCollaborate cross‑functionally with sports marketing, PR, social media, and content teams to amplify local activationsManage the campaign briefing and reporting process, collaborating with internal teams to drive executionDesign and execute a local calendar of activationsServe as primary connector with local runclubs, influencers, and ambassadors through product seeding, exclusive access, and collaborative content creationBuild authentic relationships within running, lifestyle, fashion, and cultural scenes to expand brand reach organicallyActivate new HOKA retail stores around key brand and product launch moments and deliver in‑store activationsCollaborate with trade marketing on wholesale partner initiatives to drive visibility, sell‑through and enhance retailer relationshipDevelop hyper‑local brand stories and content that connect with city‑specific culture while maintaining global brand consistencyRequired QualificationsFluency in Italian and EnglishDeep cultural understanding of MilanAbility to spot and leverage cultural trends, with a finger on the pulse of local sports and lifestyle scenesUnderstanding of wholesale partner collaboration and trade marketing initiativesAuthentic connector, able to build genuine relationships and serve as credible brand ambassadorEntrepreneurial mindsetSelf‑motivated with ability to identify opportunities and drive initiativesPreferred ExperienceExperience in marketing, brand activation, or community managementActive participation in the local running scene with genuine passion for performance and lifestyle cultureExperience planning integrated campaigns across events, digital, retail, and PR touchpointsExposure to the sports/lifestyle/outdoor/retail industry is a plusExceptional communication and relationship‑building skills with ability to connect authentically across diverse communitiesBenefits & CompensationCompetitive pay and bonuses – competitive compensation programs to foster career development and reward successHolidays + Bank holidays & some time off – generous holiday allowance and half‑day Fridays when work is finished for the weekExtras, discounts, perks & volunteering opportunities – generous discounts and community‑based programsGrowth and development – extensive personal and professional development opportunities including Global Mentorship ProgrammeHybrid & flexible working environmentSeniority LevelNot ApplicableEmployment TypeFull‑timeJob FunctionOtherIndustriesRetail Apparel and Fashion, Manufacturing, and RetailEqual Employment OpportunityDiversity and inclusion are key to our success. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome qualified applicants who embrace their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, and all of the other beautiful parts of their identity.#J-18808-Ljbffr