Horizon Hobby, Inc

Director of Community Engagement

Horizon Hobby, Inc$100K — $115K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in community or experiential marketing
  • Demonstrated ability to engage with and grow enthusiast communities
  • Strong background in loyalty and rewards programs
  • Experience building strategic partnerships in motorsports or outdoor recreation
  • Hands-on experience with event and program execution

Responsibilities

  • Develop a long-term vision for community engagement across various enthusiast categories
  • Create scalable programs to increase participation at all levels
  • Build a network of clubs, influencers, and retailers to engage enthusiasts
  • Establish signature company events as key experiences for hobbyists
  • Design and launch national programs to elevate grassroots competition
  • Create structured pathways for novice enthusiasts to grow within the community
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer loyalty initiatives

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision coverage
  • HSA and FSA options
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
  • Employee discounts on products
  • Internal rewards programs
Full Job Description
This is a full-time, on-site position at our Champaign, IL location. Working hours are Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.

Typical pay for this position is $100,000-$115,000. The final offer for this position will be based on the unique experience and qualifications of the candidate selected. This position may also be eligible for a bonus not included in the base pay range.

Build the Future of Enthusiast Performance.

There are brands that participate in communities.

Then there are brands that create them.

We are seeking an exceptional leader to help define the next chapter of our community, competitive, and experiential marketing strategy. As the Director Community Engagement, you will be responsible for transforming a category leading brand into a mainstream enthusiast movement. You will create and execute a national vision that inspires participation, fuels competition, cultivates loyalty, and creates unforgettable moments where customers engage with our brand.

This is an opportunity to shape the future of one of the most passionate enthusiast communities in the world while building strategic partnerships with some of the most recognizable organizations in motorsports, aviation, and outdoor recreation.

Key Responsibilities

Architect a National Community Movement

  • Develop the long-term vision for community engagement across aviation, surface, marine, and emerging enthusiast categories.
  • Create scalable programs that drive participation at local, regional, and national levels.
  • Build a connected ecosystem of clubs, tracks, flying fields, ambassadors, influencers, retailers, and enthusiasts.
  • Establish signature company-owned events that become destination experiences for hobbyists and families alike.


Create the Future of Competition

  • Design and launch national driving and flying programs that increase participation and elevate competitive engagement at a grassroots level.
  • Create structured pathways that encourage new hobbyists to enter and advance through the community.
  • Position the company as the undisputed leader in organized RC competition.


Drive Customer Loyalty and Lifetime Engagement

  • Partner with eCommerce, CRM, and marketing leadership to create compelling customer value propositions, including:
  • Loyalty and rewards programs
  • Premium membership experiences
  • Branded financial products
  • Community recognition initiatives
  • Exclusive event access
  • Brand ambassador programs


You'll help transform customers from purchasers into lifelong members of our community.

Success Looks Like

Three years from now:

  • Participation in our events has doubled.
  • Our national racing and flying programs are recognized as the gold standard in the industry.
  • Major motorsports and aviation organizations view us as a strategic partner.
  • Our loyalty ecosystem is driving measurable increases in customer lifetime value.
  • New audiences are discovering the hobby through our programs every day.
  • The company is recognized not only as the world's leader in RC innovation but as the company that inspires people to get involved.


Why This Role Matters

This is not an event management role.

This is not a trade show role.

This is not a sponsorship role.

This is a chance to lead the growth of one of the world's most passionate enthusiast communities and create experiences that inspire the next generation of pilots, racers, builders, and innovators.

If you're driven by building movements, creating unforgettable experiences, and shaping the future of enthusiast culture, we'd like to meet you.

The Ideal Candidate:

Is already a hobby enthusiast and is active in the RC community.

Will have a strong sense of community engagement.

Has previous hands-on experience with loyalty/reward programs and ambassador programs.

The passion to encourage new consumers and grow excitement in the RC world!

Physical Requirements

  • Occasional lifting of office supplies and materials, up to 20 pounds.
  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working on a computer.


The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Benefits & Other Perks

  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • HSA and FSA options
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance and Supplemental Life Insurance
  • 401(k) with a company match
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Internal Rewards
  • Discounts on Products
  • Additional Coverage such as accident, critical, hospital and pet insurance


Horizon Hobby is a progressive, innovative company and, as such, is constantly reevaluating and reinventing the processes and procedures associated with each job. The essential duties and responsibilities of this position may change at any time. In addition, employees may be asked to work on special projects or to assist with other work necessary or important to the operation of Horizon. Your cooperation and assistance in performing such additional work is expected and appreciated.

About Horizon Hobby, Inc

Horizon Hobby, Inc is a distributor and retailer of radio-controlled models, model trains, and other hobby products. The company was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Champaign, Illinois. Horizon Hobby, Inc has a large selection of products from various brands and offers repair and maintenance services. The company has a strong online presence and operates several retail stores across the United States.
Learn more about Horizon Hobby, Inc
Size
1,000 employees
Industry

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