2027 Long-Term Merchandise & Licensing Intern

USGA•Bernards Township, NJ

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The USGA is seeking Long-Term Merchandise & Licensing Interns to support its Merchandise and Licensing department. The internship provides exposure to the department’s functions and the lifecycle of a major sports championship, including preparation for and on-site work at the U.S. Open and/or U.S. Women’s Open. Interns will work in the USGA office in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, and at championship locations, collaborating with merchandise brands, vendors, staff, and volunteers. The internship runs from January 2027 through early September 2027. Work hours vary considerably over the term, from approximately 40 hours per week during office and post-event periods to approximately 90–105 hours per week during championship operations. The role is based at the Liberty Corner campus on a hybrid schedule, with three office days per week between Monday and Thursday. Extensive travel is required during championship weeks in May and June, and travel may span multiple weeks, including weekends and holidays. Housing is not provided for interns working in the New Jersey office; USGA business travel housing, meals, and transportation are provided and/or reimbursed. Pay is $20.00 per hour, subject to applicable overtime laws.

Requirements

Teamwork and the ability to work with fellow interns to complete daily tasks.
Strong communication skills.
Leadership and the ability to lead volunteers and serve as a resource for merchandise staff communicating with vendors and USGA staff.
Creativity, ownership of projects, and willingness to present new ideas.
Flexibility to move quickly between tasks and adjust plans as circumstances change.
Ability to meet the extensive travel and variable, long work hours required during championship periods, including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

Gain cross-functional exposure to the USGA and its Merchandise & Licensing strategy and functions.
Contribute to department activities, including the Merchandise Volunteer Program, vendor relations, operations, services, marketing, and licensing programs.
Organize merchandise samples and the showroom; maintain documents; assist with mailing projects and presentations; and create a guide for short-term interns.
Assist with on-site office setup and organizational projects at championship locations.
Receive incoming merchandise, count products, and load and organize boxes onto trucks in the merchandise compound.
Represent the USGA while working with merchandise brands and vendors.
Maintain the on-site office, help onboard short-term interns, receive smaller orders, and assist with volunteer packets and vendor credentials.
Assist with U.S. Open volunteer orientation and training sessions.
Support the Volunteer Apparel Exchange Program by setting up apparel at an off-site location and providing size exchanges before and during the championship.
Set up merchandise tents and visual displays, move and organize products and back-stock, and clean or move fixtures in preparation for opening.
Help prepare the Merchandise Pavilion and Satellite Tent, including creating signage, organizing point-of-sale stations, and assisting with mannequin displays.
Assist with public relations projects, promotions, and mailings related to the pre-championship merchandise opening.
Support the full-time merchandise staff in operating the Merchandise Pavilion and Satellite Tents, including customer service and inventory management.
Help manage volunteers and support efficient operation of merchandise areas; assist the Merchandise Volunteer Chairman with check-in.
Check in replenishment orders on the dock and prepare products for the sales floor, including applying barcodes or removing packaging as needed.
Help break down the merchandise operation, conduct post-event sales and inventory procedures, coordinate donations, pack trailers with the fixture company, and coordinate staff sale activities after returning to Liberty Corner.