Event and Promotion Intern

Hartford Athletic • Windsor, CT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in event operations and promotions within a professional soccer organization. The intern will be involved in various aspects of gameday fan experiences, community outreach, and mascot management. This role requires a proactive and enthusiastic individual who is eager to learn and contribute to the success of Hartford Athletic.

Requirements

• Current undergraduate or graduate student seeking academic credit, or an individual willing to serve as a volunteer.
• Availability for the full semester for the majority of monthly synchronous opportunities home matchdays (schedule available at HartfordAthletic.com), community appearances, and in-person responsibilities; scheduling for every available date is not guaranteed. Remote office hours are asynchronous.
• Availability on weekdays and weekends between 7:00 a.m. and 11:30 p.m.; specific times vary by event because this is an on-call role, and a single event will not span these full hours.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, with the understanding that this behind-the-scenes role provides limited opportunity to watch matches.
• Reliable transportation.
• Comfort working with and representing our mascot in a non-verbal environment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds, including boxes and event equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of and interest in the sports industry.
• Charismatic, outgoing, and approachable, with an understanding of the Club and its values.
• Strong customer service skills and comfort interacting with fans of all ages.
• Strong communication skills, including communicating early and often about availability, questions, and comfort level with assigned tasks.
• Ability to work well as part of a team.
• Positive attitude and problem-solving approach.
• Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in Sports Management, Marketing, Communications, Event Management, Business, or a related field are encouraged to apply, and academic credit may be available through the student’s college or university.

Responsibilities

• Attend Men’s and Women’s First Team home matches, including friendly, preseason, regular season, tournament, and playoff matches, as well as STEM and Camp Days.
• Deliver gameday fan experiences such as, but not limited to, Play on the Pitch, Ball Kids, postgame on-field photos, halftime challenges, and the halftime t-shirt toss.
• Serve as a mascot handler for Dillon at home matches and community appearances, communicating with and on behalf of Dillon in a non-verbal environment.
• Provide crowd control for on-field post-match activations.
• Staff community appearances include watch parties, partner locations, stadium appearances, season ticket member events, sports tournaments, schools, professional and college sporting events, birthday parties, and occasional player appearances.
• Load, unload, set up, and break down at home matches and community appearances.
• Speak with guests at table and soccer activity locations to promote upcoming matches, players, team events, the Youth Academy, and stadium events.
• Capture photo and video content of Dillon at matches, appearances, and, as needed, in-person office hours. According to Club guidelines, submit your two best pieces of mascot social media content for each concept.
• Brainstorm and follow through on ideas for mascot social media content.
• Sign, inventory, and maintain mascot collateral; assist with regular mascot upkeep.
• Receive promotional materials such as fliers and cards, help plan their distribution, distribute them, and track and report distribution data.
• Keep availability current in the scheduling system and respond to schedule, email, and text updates by the stated deadline.
• Submit company-approved parking and mileage reimbursements in a timely manner.
• As needed: assisting with load out and in; transporting mascot and other supplies; restocking and assisting with inventory; monthly mascot upkeep.
• Assist other departments as needed and check out with the Event and Promotions Supervisor before leaving each shift.

Benefits

• Parking and mileage reimbursement for company-approved off-site appearances and marketing outreach.
• Complimentary parking, water, post-match meal, and home match tickets.
• Merchandise discount.
• Brand Ambassador commission.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed