Interim Trade Marketing Specialist

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Marketing department brings the ALOHA Collection brand to life through immersive brand experiences, meaningful community connections, and engaging retail initiatives.

ALOHA Collection is seeking an experienced, highly organized, and proactive temporary Trade Marketing Specialist to support the execution of retail marketing initiatives, store openings, and outside events. This individual will be responsible for managing day-to-day event planning, coordinating cross-functional teams, overseeing vendor relationships, and ensuring that all retail marketing initiatives and events are executed successfully, on time, and within budget.

Reports to the Senior Manager, Retail Marketing, who owns day-to-day priorities and resource decisions. Partners with the Marketing Project Manager on creative workflow and provides leadership updates as requested. Vendor commitments, budget changes, and material changes to event scope require approval under ALOHA’s authorization guidelines.

The ideal candidate is a strong project manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment, is comfortable managing multiple priorities independently, and brings a hands-on approach to event execution.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Retail Event Management & Store Openings

• Retail Marketing & Event Execution: Support the planning and execution of retail marketing initiatives, including seasonal promotions, product launches, brand collaborations, Gift with Purchase (GWP) campaigns, and customer engagement events under the strategic direction and approval of the Senior Manager, Retail Marketing.
• New Store Openings: Assist with the planning and execution of grand opening events, including event logistics, vendor coordination, creative needs, and cross-functional deliverables. The Senior Manager, Retail Marketing maintains overall ownership of the store opening process and approval of key event plans and decisions.
• Project Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with the Senior Manager, Retail Marketing, Marketing Project Manager, Retail Operations, and Creative teams to coordinate project timelines, creative deliverables, event logistics, and execution, ensuring alignment across departments.
• Event Production & Print Deliverables: Coordinate the production of event signage, promotional materials, and print assets, ensuring timely approvals, production, and delivery in collaboration with Creative and Retail teams.
• Marketing Calendar & Event Documentation: Maintain retail marketing and event calendars, track key milestones and deadlines, and develop planning materials, including event one-sheets, decks, checklists, and run-of-shows.
• Retail & Internal Communication: Serve as a key point of contact for assigned retail marketing and event initiatives, communicating event details, responsibilities, timelines, and updates to retail leadership, store teams, and internal stakeholders.

Vendor Management & Event Logistics

• Vendor Coordination: Manage relationships with event vendors, production partners, printers, and external service providers.
• Event Logistics: Coordinate event equipment, shipping, inventory needs, staffing schedules, permits, insurance requirements, and other operational details.
• On-Site Event Management: Oversee event setup, execution, and breakdown, ensuring smooth operations and a positive customer experience.
• Event Staffing: Coordinate event staffing needs and provide clear instructions, schedules, and expectations to participating teams.
• Event Asset Management: Maintain and coordinate reusable event fixtures, signage, equipment, and activation materials.
• Problem Solving: Troubleshoot event-related challenges and proactively identify solutions to keep projects on schedule.

Creative, Marketing & Content Coordination

• Creative Requests & Production: Submit and manage event-related creative requests, including signage, invitations, promotional materials, and branded assets. Partner with the Marketing Project Manager to coordinate creative timelines, approvals, production, and delivery.
• Retail Signage & Deliverables: Support the coordination and production of retail signage and related deliverables under the direction and oversight of the Senior Manager, Retail Marketing, who maintains overall ownership of these initiatives.
• Event Marketing Support: Collaborate with Marketing and Social Media teams to coordinate event promotions, customer communications, and digital marketing needs.
• Content Support: Assist the Social Media team with on-site event content capture, including photography, video, and behind-the-scenes footage as needed.
• Community & Grassroots Event Support: Support the planning, coordination, and execution of grassroots marketing initiatives, local partnerships, and community events under the strategic direction and oversight of the Senior Manager, Retail Marketing. Assist with partner communication, event logistics, and on-site execution to strengthen local community engagement and brand awareness.
• Brand Consistency: Ensure all event materials, activations, and community initiatives align with ALOHA Collection's brand guidelines and established marketing strategies.

Budget Management & Event Reporting

• Event Budget Tracking: Manage and track approved event budgets, ensuring spending remains aligned with established allocations.
• Vendor Invoices & Payments: Coordinate vendor estimates, contracts, invoices, and payment requests with internal teams.
• Budget Reporting: Maintain accurate expense trackers and provide regular budget updates to Marketing leadership.
• Event Performance Reporting: Collect and report event metrics, including revenue, foot traffic, customer engagement, and email/SMS acquisition.
• Post-Event Recaps: Prepare event recap reports highlighting performance, key learnings, and opportunities for improvement.
• Leadership Communication: Provide regular project status updates, flag potential challenges, and communicate key decisions requiring leadership approval.

Temporary Coverage & Project Continuity

• Project Ownership: Takes ownership of assigned retail marketing and event projects during the maternity leave coverage period, ensuring continuity, timely execution, and alignment with established strategies under the guidance, oversight, and approval of the Senior Manager, Retail Marketing.
• Independent Execution: Manage day-to-day responsibilities independently while maintaining alignment with established marketing strategies and leadership direction from the Senior Manager, Retail Marketing.
• Project Prioritization: Balance multiple projects, deadlines, and event needs while proactively identifying and resolving challenges.
• Process Documentation: Maintain organized project files, vendor contacts, timelines, budgets, and event documentation to support a seamless transition.
• Leadership Alignment: Communicate regularly with the Senior Manager, Retail Marketing and relevant stakeholders regarding project progress, upcoming deadlines, and decisions requiring approval.
• Transition Support: Participate in onboarding and handoff processes before and after the coverage period to ensure continuity of responsibilities.

EXPERIENCE WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, Event Management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 2–4 years of experience in retail marketing, event planning, experiential marketing, or related roles. Experience in apparel, accessories, DTC retail, or consumer brands is preferred.
• Proven experience coordinating retail events, store openings, product launches, brand activations, and community initiatives.
• Experience managing event logistics, vendor coordination, print production, budgets, and on-site execution.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Marketing, Creative, Retail Operations, and external partners.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, project management tools (Asana preferred), and presentation software.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE TABLE

• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects, timelines, vendors, and deliverables at once.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, team-first approach.
• A proactive, detail-oriented, solutions-driven mindset, with the ability to work independently while following established strategies and leadership direction.
• A customer-focused perspective, with an understanding of brand consistency, retail experiences, and community engagement.
• The ability to quickly learn existing processes, take ownership of assigned projects, and maintain continuity throughout the temporary coverage period.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Willingness to travel to retail locations and event venues as needed.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends based on event schedules.
• Comfortable supporting hands-on event setup, execution, and breakdown.

WHAT WE OFFER 

From the start, our founders, Heather and Rachael, envisioned a company culture that was dynamic, intentional and sustainable. We provide education about Hawaiian culture and opportunities for personal and professional growth for every member of Team ALOHA. We believe in work-life balance and trust, which is why we offer flexible remote working options and show up with compassion when life’s unexpected moments arise. And if you haven’t heard, we LOVE working together!

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule

• Role Duration: Temporary, starting January 2027 with a tentative end date of August 2027.
• Location: Our office is in Carlsbad, CA.
• Hybrid: Minimum of 2–3 days in the office per week.
• Additional requirements: This role requires regular travel and availability to work weekend events as needed.

Pay

• $70,000 - $85,000