Located in Minneapolis or Denver metro areas 

About Us

At Independent Pet Partners (IPP), we’re more than a retailer—we’re a community of passionate pet experts dedicated to making life better for pets and the people who love them. Loving your pet is the easiest thing in the world. Taking care of them should be just as easy. 

IPP brings everything pet parents need into one trusted place. Through our local pet store brands, Chuck & Don’s and Kriser’s, we create welcoming neighborhood stores where knowledgeable team members help pet parents make the best choices for their pets’ health and happiness. 

Our approach is guided by the 5 Pillars of Pet Wellness®, a philosophy that shapes everything we do - from the products we carry to the services we offer and the advice we share. With more than 77 neighborhood pet stores, we’re proud to serve pet communities across Minnesota, Illinois, Kansas and Colorado.

Position Summary 

The Community Marketing & Partnerships Specialist is responsible for driving new customer acquisition and local market awareness through grassroots marketing, community partnerships, and field-based outreach. This role will focus on building strong relationships with local pet-focused businesses and organizations while supporting store teams with strategies and tools to effectively engage their communities. 

This position plays a critical role in accelerating the ramp of new store openings and strengthening customer acquisition in existing markets. The ideal candidate is an outgoing, relationship-driven professional who thrives in the field and is passionate about connecting pet parents with our brand. 

Success in this role will be measured through customer acquisition growth, partnership development, new store activation performance, and measurable impact from local outreach initiatives. 

Essential Job Function

Key Responsibilities 

Customer Acquisition & Market Outreach 

• Lead grassroots customer acquisition initiatives through local partnerships, community outreach, and market engagement. 
• Identify and develop relationships with local, pet-friendly businesses such as veterinarians, rescues, shelters, boarding facilities, and other organizations. 
• Research and identify local events, partnerships, and community opportunities that drive brand awareness and customer growth. 

New Store Market Activation 

• Support new store openings through pre- and post-opening market outreach and awareness initiatives. 
• Build early relationships within communities to accelerate customer acquisition and store ramp performance. 
• Support grand openings and local market launch activities. 

Community Partnerships 

• Establish and manage partnerships with local organizations, rescues, and businesses to strengthen community engagement. 
• Represent the brand in local markets and serve as a trusted partner within the pet community. 

Store Support 

• Provide guidance to district leaders and store managers on community outreach, partnerships, and local engagement opportunities. 
• Share best practices to help store teams successfully execute grassroots marketing initiatives. 
• Partner with Training and Development team to develop training for store team members on the best practices for community engagement.  

Events & Local Engagement 

• Assist stores with planning and executing community events and local activations. 
• Lead planning and execution of corporate-led community initiatives and partnership events. 
• Represent the brand at community events and activations. 

Measurement & Insights 

• Track and evaluate the impact of outreach activities, partnerships, and events. 
• Identify successful programs and recommend opportunities to expand or improve customer acquisition efforts. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 

• 2+ years of experience in marketing, partnerships, community engagement, or customer acquisition. 
• Experience building partnerships or managing events. 
• Experience in retail, services, lifestyle, fitness or multi-location consumer businesses preferred. 
• Experience supporting new store openings or local market development is a plus. 

Skills:  

• Strong relationship-building and networking abilities 
• Excellent communication and influencing skills 
• Self-starter with strong organizational and project management skills 
• Ability to translate outreach and partnership activities into measurable business outcomes 
• Comfortable working in the field and engaging directly with community partners 

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to travel regularly to support stores and community partnerships 
• Passion for pets and the pet parent community 
• Located in Minneapolis or Denver metro areas 
• Must be able to work around pet hair and dander. 

Program and Benefits

Full-time team members enjoy the following: 

• Programs and benefit eligibility will vary based on average hours worked and length of service.  
• Paid bi-weekly on a W2 basis 
• PTO (paid time off) – 2 weeks in first year, 3 weeks in second year 
• Paid Parental Leave and Paw-Ternity (paid Pet Adoption bonding time) 
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance 
• Health Savings Account (HSA)/ Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – medical and dependent care 
• 401(k) Program 
• Greatly discounted, employer-subsidized pet insurance 
• Generous discounts on goods and services 
• $25K life insurance policy (employer paid) 
• Short and Long-term disability (employer paid) 
• Employee Assistance Program/ 24X7 – completely confidential 

$60,000.00 - $70,500.00 Annually DOE/DOQ

Subject to change depending on State/City/County minimums.

IPP is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with applicable law, we prohibit discrimination against any applicant or team member based on any legally recognized basis, including but not limited to: race, color, national origin or ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions) gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed servicemember status, sexual orientation, age (40 or over), or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

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