Community Relations Intern

Who we are: We’re the West Michigan Whitecaps, High-A Minor League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. The Whitecaps are in the fun business and our mission is to provide affordable family entertainment that strengthens the West Michigan community. We create memorable experiences by offering a fun, friendly and inclusive environment. We pride ourselves on our stellar customer service and our dedication to providing friendly faces, open minds, and our time and energy to our fans. We’ve been here for 30 years and are ready to be here for at least 30 more.

Why we want you: The Community Relations Intern will be responsible for assisting the Community Relations Manager with a variety of activities on game nights and at special events during the months of February-September. Other responsibilities are listed below, and we encourage those of you to apply that have proficiency and or a desire to grow your knowledge of sports marketing and hone transferrable skills in this position with the West Michigan Whitecaps.

We will provide an overall learning experience that provides a solid foundation for understanding the Marketing and Community Relations side of professional sports and entertainment. The Intern will have the unique opportunity to be a part of the marketing of a sports franchise and contribute to the creation and execution of marketing to a growing fan base. But there’s more!

Why you want to work here: We sum up our mission in three words: Fun. Community. Experiences. The Whitecaps internship program is designed to provide an extensive hands-on career development training and job shadow program for those navigating the selection of appropriate careers. We provide internship positions that are meaningful and compatible with education and aspirations. We work very hard, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously; we realize how important things like office darts and puppy visits and staff happy hours are. You will also receive a monthly stipend, free baseball tickets & food (your friends will love you!), a free health club membership, and opportunities to get discounted or free tickets to various shows and events in West Michigan. We’re also pretty great people to work with.

­­­­­What you’ll do: The Internship runs from mid-January 2024 through mid-September 2024 with expectations to be available for 9-5p workday operations and all game nights and special events held at LMCU Ballpark and availability to work evenings, weekends and holidays as required. The Intern is expected to be at all home games as well as play key roles in executing special events taking place at LMCU Ballpark and community events throughout West Michigan. Days off are granted throughout the season to help alleviate the challenging schedule. We love to have fun, but please note, there are 66 home games throughout the season plus weekly community events which can sometimes be a challenging schedule. Marketing and Community Relations Intern receives a $900.00/mo stipend. Like the rest of us, you’ll also wear many hats for different games and events, and you’ll also tarp the field a few times…. You’ll have fun doing it all!

Let’s do this: If you’re ready to apply, we look forward to getting to know you. Submit your resume and drop us a cover letter letting us know why you’d be a good fit. We’ll be in touch!

Here's the extra-innings info:

Duties Include

• Assist in the coordination of all Community Relations home game day activities; (50/50 Raffle volunteer program, Live Player Jersey Auctions, Fan experience opportunities, etc.)
• Coordination of Reading Month initiative by working with local school districts in West Michigan, scheduling mascot appearances, etc.
• Assist in planning and facilitation of Community Relations/LMCU Ballpark/Whitecaps Community Foundation special events, Community Mascot appearances;
• Assist with Community Relations Manager with documentation and data tracking of community involvement for the West Michigan Whitecaps
• Assist with organization and inventory of all Community Relations program items (Mascots, give away items, won auction items, storage facility etc.)
• Represent the Whitecaps within the community and at events and games, interacting with people in a professional, customer service oriented manner
• Assist as needed with generating content for Whitecaps Foundation and Whitecaps organization, including taking photographs, filming/editing/producing videos, writing copy, creating graphics, social posts
• Promote a positive fan experience and work as a part of a creative team

Requirements

• Pursuing a degree in a related field such as Communications/Community Relations, Social Media, Marketing, Business Administration or related preferred;
• Available for 9-5p workday operations and all game nights and special events held at LMCU Ballpark; availability to work evenings, weekends and holidays
• Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Premiere Pro) to design graphics and videos for social media and other digital platforms
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Professional appearance and conduct with positive attitude as well as demonstrate initiative;
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
• Ability to meet deadlines as they are presented and be detail orientated;
• Possess computer skills including a working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Produce an end of season re-cap of all achievements met during internship program to present to Front Office team

Whitecaps Professional Baseball provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.