Mascot and Handler

Coconino Community College•Flagstaff (Lone Tree Campus), AZ

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Coconino Community College Marketing and Communications team is seeking enthusiastic and responsible students to serve as Coco the Comet, the official mascot of CCC. As Coco, you’ll bring energy, positivity, and school spirit to athletic, campus, and community events throughout the school year. Mascot staff help create memorable experiences for fans of all ages by entertaining crowds, supporting CCC teams and events, and representing the Comet spirit wherever they go. This position works closely with the Marketing and Communications team to plan, perform, and capture engaging mascot appearances, including dancing, photos, and community interactions. Student mascots report to the Marketing and Communications Department. Hours will vary from week to week. This is an on-call position (only needed when available), with engagements running approximately one hour at a time with breaks included. This is a fun, flexible opportunity to represent CCC and bring smiles to our community while gaining experience in marketing, events, and performance. Coconino Community College is a Equal Employment Opportunity.

Requirements

Currently enrolled CCC or CCC2NAU students in good standing.
Reliable, punctual, and able to work collaboratively with a team.
Physically able to lift up to 30 pounds and perform active movements (walking, dancing, posing) while in costume.
Comfortable interacting with diverse audiences, including children.
Available for flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
Participants must participate in a Mascot and Handler training provided by the Marketing and Communications department.
Reliable, punctual, and able to work collaboratively with a team.
Physically able to lift up to 30 pounds and perform active movements (walking, dancing, posing) while in costume.
Comfortable interacting with diverse audiences, including children.
Available for flexible hours, including evenings and weekends - approximately one to two hours a week.
Students must also be comfortable in an enclosed space, such as the mascot suit.

Nice To Haves

Prior mascot, theater, or performance experience preferred.
Dance or choreography experience a plus.
Comfortable being in costume for extended periods.
Ideal height range approximately 5’5”–6’0” (costume fit dependent).
Energetic, creative, and passionate about spreading CCC spirit!

Responsibilities

Attending athletic, school and community events in costume to entertain fans of all ages
Being an uplifting presence to students, athletes and staff during athletic/school events and competitions.
Serving as a spirited representative of CCC.
The mascot will plan, develop, and implement dance, photography, and other activities in collaboration with the Marketing and Communications team.
Display enthusiasm and high energy at all times.
Meet and greet fans and attendees.
Dance at events to enhance the event or game-day experience for students and fans.
Preserve the identity of the mascot without deviating from established character (e.g., body language/mannerisms, attitude, fan interaction, team/College representation).
Work effectively in a team environment.
Take care of costume and props when in your possession.
Attend training events.
Understand and perform a series of nonverbal signals to be used with the mascot handler during appearances (e.g., break signal, distress signal, back away signal).
Comply with CCC Student Code of Conduct at all times.
Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications team to brainstorm new mascot ideas, poses, reels, photos and activities for social media or live events.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Always accompany mascot and always be within arm’s reach.
Answer questions and provide other responses for mascot as needed (Coco does not speak).
Manage crowd interaction (e.g., assist fans with taking pictures and obtaining autographs, answering questions about the mascot).
Act as mascot actor’s "eyes and ears" in regard to game progression, in-game scheduling, location visits, fan requests and potential hazards.
Carry mascot supplies (e.g., autograph cards, T-shirts, signs).
Take photos for CCC social media.
Transport costume to and from appearances.
Assist mascot with various duties that may arise.
Assist mascot with costume as needed.
Be prepared to substitute as the scheduled mascot actor or arrange for an approved Coco substitute.
Coordinate with Marketing and Communications staff before and after each event to review logistics and share media content.