FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE

Chicago Bears • Lake Forest, IL

7d • $20 - $20 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Development Program is a paid 12-month full-time (temporary) experience designed for early-career individuals or those beginning their professional careers. A bachelor’s degree, relevant certification, or a combination of related education and experience aligned with the responsibilities of the role is required. Relevant coursework, training, or equivalent experience is valued. The format allows for structured professional development and hands-on learning.

The Football Development Associate is responsible for assisting with the implementation of youth football, high school football, girls flag football and NFL Flag football programming, coordination of community events, appearances and department administrative duties. The Football Development department focuses on growing the game of football by making it accessible and inclusive from grassroots to advanced levels, locally and internationally. This role works out of our headquarters, Halas Hall, located in Lake Forest, IL; however, travels frequently throughout the greater Chicago(land) area with the ability for some remote work. In addition, the associate will be required to work all home games at our Soldier Field stadium location.

2026-27 Associate Development Program Dates: Monday, June 1, 2026 – Friday, May 21, 2027

Requirements

• Passion for working with youth and the community at large
• Must be organized, detail oriented and able to use good judgment
• College degree preferred (not required)
• Strong computer skills including Windows based applications and Microsoft programs
• Excellent communication skills including the ability to work with and develop relationships with diverse groups
• Must be dependable, flexible and able to adapt to a variety of situations
• Must be able to effectively work in a fast-paced environment
• Able to work non-traditional hours, in non-traditional settings, including weekends and evenings
• Ability to stand/walk for long periods of time in varying weather conditions, climb up/down stairs, lift heavy objects
• This role involves driving on behalf of the club. Candidates must be eligible for coverage under the company’s commercial vehicle insurance policy, which currently requires drivers to be 23 years of age or older, possess a valid driver’s license, and meet established motor vehicle record criteria.
• Reliable transportation is required for this role.

Nice To Haves

• Experience coaching and/or participating in youth sports is preferred (not required)

Responsibilities

• Assist the Football Development team with coordination, execution and build awareness of key programs, including Mini Monsters (youth football), Mini Monsters Tackle (youth tackle football) and Monsters Flag (flag football) and respective on-site clinics
• Participate in planning and execution of high school and flag football tournaments (Nike 11On & Girls Flag Nike 7s) and coaches clinics for youth, high school, and girls flag football
• Assist with implementation of coaches and players recognition programs such as Coach of the Week, Player of the Week and Community High School All-Stars
• Provide support for regular Football Development department lives impacted metrics, tracking and reporting
• Manage the submission process for department internal content requests for photography, video, brand creative, etc.
• Help promote Chicago Bears clinics via social media channels and in person events
• Occasionally drive the Mini Monsters Truck including loading and unloading equipment of a min of 50lbs.
• Manage distribution and collection of post clinic surveys for Mini Monsters and Monsters Flag
• Assist with football development events, community events and player relations
• Prepare gift bags for visiting groups
• Assist with gameday recognitions, scrimmages, and activations
• Provide input for the Bears annual Community publication
• Research new ideas and initiatives for Football Development programs
• Provide administrative support to the FD team including organizing storage areas, ordering supplies, filing, data entry, mailings, copying, etc.
• Perform additional duties and special projects assigned

Benefits

• Optional medical coverage (employer paid premium + employee paid deductible)
• Up to 2 days a week of remote work (role dependent)
• 5 days of paid vacation time, 3 paid sick/mental health days plus 10 paid holidays, paid time off to volunteer
• complimentary preseason tickets for one game, ability to buy additional tickets for home & away games
• FREE breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks, access to onsite fitness facilities and BearsFit, complimentary Calm app access
• Social events for staff and their families, Employee Resource Groups, and more
• complimentary LinkedIn Learning access, professional development sessions, guest speakers, mentorship

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level