***Candidates must already live in Chicagoland***
The Marketing & Operations Intern will assist with driving fan acquisition. They will have exposure to and participate in our sales & marketing plan, in-person promotions, and group ticket sales. They will be responsible for ensuring Chicago Union fans have memorable game day experiences along with compelling entertainment and merchandise. They will support the team on away game road trips by coordinating and managing travel logistics. To campaign for the organization and sport, this person will engage with and form relationships with the local community, sponsors, and partners. This person will report to the Marketing & Operations Manager and have regular access directly to Chicago Union ownership, advisory board, and team captains/coaches.
Roles & Responsibilities
Sales & Marketing
- Source and contact businesses, organizations, and community groups for Group Ticket sales and Sponsorships
- Generate content in various forms: written articles and email copy, supporting images with graphics, clip and format highlights for social media, player interviews and other video content
- Engage with digital marketing team and internship programs
- Generate and execute promotional ideas to drive ticket and merchandise sales
- Liaise with UFA Marketing leadership & staff
- Attend and manage In-person Promotions (Youth Events, Stadium, Local leagues, Pickup, City Events, Sponsors, etc.) throughout the year
Sponsors
- During offseason, source and contact Sponsor targets, have follow-up conversations, and negotiate agreements for the season
- Ensure fulfillment of Sponsorship agreements and report to Sponsors on performance
Gameday & Ultimate Events
- Assist Gameday Manager with logistics on all gamedays, including setup, training, and pack out
- Determine Gameday staffing needs, source staff, and ensure coverage on Gameday including operations, ticketing, entertainment, and medical
- Plan gameday logistics including gameday scripts, stadium setup, ticketing, merchandise, etc.
- Oversee planning and execution of other events, including winter tournaments, tryouts, and Union training camp weekend
- Source and manage printed materials and signage
- Liaise with stadium partners and all vendors
Youth Camps & Clinics
- Communicate with area park districts and schedule summer camps and clinics
- Recruit, train, and schedule coaches for programming
- Execute marketing plan for Youth events
Team Support
- Coordinate player availability and plan travel logistics for away games including booking travel, hotels, and transportation for players, coaches, and staff
- Travel with team on all away game road trips (6 per season), managing travel logistics, liaising with opponents, and planning meals and accommodations
- Manage field reservations for practices (March-August)
- Meet with captains and coaches on a weekly basis
Merchandise
- Evaluate and recommend annual merchandise products
- Source, design, determine quantities, and order merchandise
- Fulfill orders and maintain inventory via Shopify throughout the year
- Provide customer service, tracking, and reporting
Administration
- Coordinate with Chicago Union ownership group and advisory board during weekly meetings and quarterly reviews
- Source and make purchases based on agreed upon budgets and plans
- Manage sponsor and vendor agreements
- Liaise with League and other division teams
Based on Annual Schedule:
Preseason (January - April)
Season (May - August)
Offseason (September - December)
Details:
- Primarily Work from Home
- Must reside in Chicagoland
- Greatest workload during the Preseason and Season
- Lighter workload in the Offseason
- Flexible weekly work schedule based on team schedule and events
- Will include weekends and some evenings / early mornings
- In-person presence required for all games and local events during the Preseason and Season
- Travel required to away games during the Season and other Preseason and Offseason events
Compensation
The Marketing & Operations Intern is an unpaid internship position and can fulfill course credit. Weekly hours will vary based on the time of the year (Preseason, Season, Offseason) and can be flexible around class scheduling. Commission is also possible based on Ticket Sales.
Education
- Major in Sport Marketing or Sports Management preferred
- Graduate students and MBA candidates preferred
Experience
Preferred
- Event Management
- Management & Leadership
- Team Sport Athlete
Skills
Required
- Verbal and written communications
- Word processing, spreadsheets, and online tools
- Reliable transportation year round
- Ample storage to house inventory
Preferred
- Copywriting
- Email Marketing (Mailchimp, Hubspot)
- E-commerce (Shopify)
- Organic Social Media (Hootsuite, Buffer)
Nice to Have
- Paid Social Media (Facebook Ad Manager)
- Graphic Design (Canva, Photoshop)
- Video editing (Filmora)
- Photo editing
- Quickbooks Online
- Business Analytics
Personal Characteristics
- Reliable and Accountable
- Friendly, Energetic, and Hospitality Focused
- Attention to Detail and Well Organized
- Outgoing, Enthusiastic, and Engaging
- Entrepreneurial and Ambitious
Job Types: Part-time, Internship
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Evanston, IL 60208
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
