2020 Big Top Events Internships

Big Top Events is the largest and most successful summer collegiate ownership group in the nation attracting more than 400,000 fans in 2019. BTB annually hires more than 70 interns for its franchises, the , , , and Rapids Rafters. Each team plays 36 home games from late May through August. Internships run from mid-May through the completion of the season, near the end of August. Every summer the interns work directly with the management staff. Interviews have begun and will continue until all positions are filled.

Currently 80% of Big Top Events’ full-time staff completed an internship or seasonal position with one of its four teams prior to their full-time employment. Former interns have gone on to work for the Carolina Panthers, , , TREK Bicycles, and various minor league and summer collegiate league baseball teams.

All Interns must receive college credit for this internship OR this internship must qualify for a graduation requirement. All Interns will receive a $1,750 housing & travel stipend for this internship plus the opportunity to for up to $500 in bonuses. There are educational and work components to this position. Some of the work components may include tasks such as hanging signs, preparing the ballpark prior to the season, deliveries and other miscellaneous outdoor work.

Besides game day duties, each intern will be responsible for helping prepare and maintain the ballpark prior to the start of the season as well as participating in offsite catering events. All interns will participate in a weekly sports management class that will be instructed by front office personnel or outside speakers that have gained success in the industry.

In addition to your specific area of focus, all interns will have the opportunity to work with the staff to gain experience in the marketing and ticket sales department. Sales tasks will include calling renewals and single game ticket buyers, creating surveys to gauge the fan experience, answering incoming phone calls, placing ticket orders, and delivering tickets to clients. Marketing tasks will include creating on field promotions and nightly promotions as well as brainstorming ideas for new sponsorship prospects.

Roles are subject to change as needed. SEE FOLLOWING PAGES FOR JOB DESCRIPTIONS.

Public Relations (Writing) Internship

The Madison Mallards are seeking an individual to assist in the team’s public relations for the summer. This individual will write preview, recap and feature stories about the Mallards team, update the Mallards website with new and exciting content, and maintain the Mallards daily and season game programs. When applying, please provide writing examples or a link to your portfolio.

Responsibilities Include: - Write game previews and post-game recaps for every game, home and away - Providing new content to MallardsBaseball.com, including writing unique feature stories and press releases - Produce the Mallards game day program - The Quack Report o Analyze team stats to determine highlights - Assist local media outlets with interview requests, both television and print - Score all home games using Pointstreak software

Required Skills: - Exemplary writing ability, preferred experience in sports writing - Advanced knowledge of the game of baseball o Experience scoring baseball is preferred but not required o Training on Pointstreak software will be provided - Ability to adapt on the fly in a fast-paced environment - Ability to learn new software quickly - Excellent writing, language and communication skills - Adobe Suite, specifically InDesign and Photoshop, experience is a plus - Ability to meet tight deadlines

Graphic Design/Video Board Manager Internship

The Madison Mallards are seeking an individual to operate the team’s full color outfield video board for all 37 home games this summer and produce digital media for the team. This individual will also assist the Director of Marketing to ensure that all sponsorship and advertising contracts are fulfilled. They will also assist the PR Intern on editing photos for the team’s website. Please provide examples of graphic design work or a link to your portfolio with your application.

Responsibilities Include: - Become an expert with our video board software - ClickEffects - Design images with sponsor logos to be shown on the video board throughout the game - Design player cards for all home and visiting players - Coordinate with PA Announcer on timing and execution of in-game requirements and game- day script - Assist with various graphic design projects as needed - Assist the PR Intern in creating graphics MallardsBaseball.com - Assist the Video Production and Webcast Intern in producing video content for use on the video board - Creating motion graphics/animations if you have the skills

Required Skills: - Extensive knowledge of Adobe Photoshop is a must o Experience in Adobe AfterEffects and Premiere Pro a huge plus - Must be a creative thinker and do well in a fast-paced environment - Must have an extensive knowledge of the flow of a baseball game - Ability to problem solve on the fly - Excellent organization skills and attention to detail - A general understanding of baseball is preferred - Laptop and Photoshop not provided o Video board software provided

Video and Webcast Production Internship

The Madison Mallards are seeking an individual to assist in producing a 4-camera webcast for each of their 37 home games that is streamed live on the Northwoods League (NWL) Stretch Internet platform. This individual will manage a crew of 7-10 camera operators. Please provide examples of video work or a link to your portfolio with your application.

Responsibilities Include: - Manage and schedule crew of 7-10 camera operators - Direct four-camera webcast broadcast for all 37 Mallards home games - Update rosters and stats graphics for use in game production - Create commercial breaks for every game - Option to produce pre- and post-game shows for each broadcast o Can serve as on-air talent if interested in advancing broadcasting skills - Setup, breakdown, and maintaining of video production equipment - Manage Mallards YouTube channel - Assist with motion graphic creation for in-stadium video board, including motion player cards using a green screen - Working with the Director of Marketing and Digital Media Production intern to create short videos that can be used online and on the video board to enhance the fan experience at the "Duck Pond." Examples include, nightly video with our Chef, video spoofs, mascots doing crazy things, etc…

Required Skills: - Experience with video editing and software - Previous experience directing a broadcast preferred but not required - Proficient in video techniques, including camera positioning, lighting, etc. - Must be a creative thinker with the ability to think of new, fun ideas to improve the fan experience through video - A general understanding of baseball is preferred - Ability to problem solve on the fly - Ability to work independently and take initiative - Excellent communication skills - Must be well organized and detail oriented - A computer for webcast production that has necessary webcast and editing software will be provided

Radio Broadcasting Internship

The Madison Mallards are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious individual to join the front office as the Radio Broadcaster. This is a seasonal internship, beginning in May 2019 and ending in mid- August. The candidate will serve as the radio broadcaster, traveling with the team during the season.

Responsibilities include:

• Sole play by play broadcaster for all 72 Northwoods League games on The Zone FM and AM stations including pre- and post-game shows, during the regular season (and playoffs if necessary) • Write post-game recaps when traveling with the team for the team website • Produce radio commercials for the Mallards and business partners • Work closely with GM and Corporate Service team to include all sponsor and promotional live reads each game

Optional Responsibilities: • Assist with content production for the Mallards game day program • Coordinate with video production intern to produce pre and post game shows for live webcast • Participate in weekly sports management classes, marketing experience program, and intern sales program

Required Skills:

• Proven experience doing play-by-play for baseball games • Ability to work and travel long hours, including weekends • Strong written and verbal communication skills • Willingness to assist where needed

Hours:

The radio broadcasting intern’s schedule will be dictated by the team’s travel schedule. This intern should expect to arrive at the ballpark four hours before first pitch for home games and work through the completion of the game and any post-game duties. When the team is traveling, this intern will be responsible for reporting to the bus prior to team departure time. No additional office hours will be required on days when the team is on the road.

Ticket Operations Internship

The Madison Mallards are seeking individuals to assist in the Mallards Ticket Office. The ticket operations interns will be assisting the Mallards staff in day-to-day ticket sales duties as well as operations as needed.

Responsibilities Include:

- Answering phones and directing customers to the appropriate Mallards staff member - Fulfilling orders, ticket swaps, and voucher redemptions - Working with our ticketing software to sell tickets over the phone and at the box office - Printing and managing will call tickets & windows - Setting up and tearing down tents for private will call booths - Delivering and pickup of tickets, signage and other general deliveries - Informing customers of different seating options and ticket packages the Mallards offer - Helping other departments as needed - Closing duties of the office and parts of the ballpark - Maintaining overall cleanliness of the front office and front gate area - Fulfilling donation requests from local fundraising groups - Coverings ticket office shifts on non-game days

Required Skills:

- Customer service background or prior experience - Ability to work in a fast-paced environment - Outgoing personality - Excellent organization skills - Strong verbal communication skills - Ability to multitask - Knowledgeable with computer software (Microsoft Excel, Word, and Email) - Ability to work well in a team setting - Flexibility to work outdoors rain or shine

Marketing Internship

The Madison Mallards are seeking creative and energetic individuals to assist in the Mallards marketing and promotional efforts. The marketing interns will serve under the close supervision of the Sponsorship Activation and Community Relations Coordinator. These individuals will be central to creating a world class fan experience at the Duck Pond. As members of our Quack Pack, the marketing interns will assist with all game day promotions and on-field activities, along with a variety of community initiatives. They will also work closely with the Sponsorship Activation interns.

Responsibilities Include:

- Coordinate all on-field promotions and pre-game activities - Create new and fun on-field promotions - Write and manage game day scripts - Attend mascot and player appearances in the community - Willing to be the mascot if needed - Develop and execute various theme nights throughout the ballpark - Engage the crowd throughout the game and get them excited for Mallards baseball - Create and capture engaging content for social media - Develop positive relationships with fans, clients, and community members to help promote the Madison Mallards - Deliver marketing materials throughout the Madison community - Ensure that the ballpark is ready and looking presentable each game day - Set-up the Fan Zone for every game - Assist the sponsorship activation team with tasks, as needed - Attend/facilitate special events such as community little league games, movie nights, parades, and baseball clinics

Required Skills:

- Creative mind set with the ability to think quickly - Excellent communication skills - Upbeat and fun personality - Must be outgoing and not afraid to act crazy, get loud - Willingness to work outdoors rain or shine

Sponsorship Activation Internship

The Madison Mallards are seeking customer service-oriented individuals to assist in the Mallards sponsorship activation and marketing efforts. These individuals will be central to creating a world class fan experience at the Duck Pond and overseeing the execution of sponsorship elements. The sponsorship activation interns will serve under the close supervision of the Sponsorship Activation and Community Relations Coordinator. They will also assist the marketing interns with on-field activities along with a variety of community initiatives.

Responsibilities Include:

- Oversee sponsorship contracts and ensure all elements are being executed in-season - Assist in preparing sponsorship recaps - Prepare sponsor related content for use in Mallards marketing materials, including social media, mass emails, and game day scripts - Attend/facilitate special events such as community little league games, movie nights, parades, and baseball clinics - Execute sponsorship contests, including gathering entries, calling winners, and facilitating prize distribution - Coordinate giveaways and contractual elements on game days - Attend mascot and player appearances in the community - Willing to be the mascot if needed - Assist with on-field promotions and pre-game activities - Develop positive relationships with fans, clients, and community members to help promote the Madison Mallards

Required Skills:

- Attention to detail and organization skills are a must - Ability to juggle multiple projects at once - Professional as interacting with clients - Personable – must be willing to make phone calls - Excellent writing and communication skills. May be asked to provide writing samples - Upbeat and fun personality – not afraid to engage with fans and the community - Willingness to work outdoors rain or shine

Merchandise/Retail Management Internship

The Madison Mallards are seeking an energetic individual to assist with retail and operations side of the business. This role will report directly to the Madison Mallards Merchandise Manager or General Manager. In this role, you will not only get exposure to the retail side of sports, but the operations side as well. This is an internship that will be fast paced, hands on, and will allow you to work closely with several of the company’s business units. One of the primary responsibilities of this role is ensuring that all consumers have a memorable experience that exceeds their expectations in retail.

Responsibilities Include:

-Ensure customers receive the highest level of customer service each time they shop -Oversee day to day operations of retail store -Identify key trends/consumers of the store -Assist in store sets and any special events merchandise -Understand and execute company directives to align with overall store strategies -Assist with training staff in sales strategies, customer service, POS usage, and game day roles -Support buying team in day to day inventory tracking -Manage website, order fulfillment, and sales tracking via FMFC ecommerce shop -Work both in groups and independently to create visual merchandising arrangements in store -Collaborate with other interns and full-time staff on special events, projects, and gamedays -Manage game day staff in season on game days and assist in team store scheduling -Upkeep the overall store cleanliness, brand standards, and store check list -Assist in execution and planning of all retail promotions -Other duties assigned by Director of Merchandise Sales and Madison Mallards Merchandise Manager

Required Skills:

-Strong customer service skills -Ability to problem solve -Excellent communication skills -Creative eye, attention to detail, ability to adapt on the run -Ability to lift 40 lbs. -Retail background preferred -Strong organizational skills

Hospitality Internship

The Madison Mallards are seeking full time hospitality interns. Hospitality interns will oversee our high-end clientele in our exclusive suites throughout the ballpark, in addition to being involved in various Special Events.

Hospitality interns will oversee our high-end clientele in our exclusive suites throughout the ballpark, in addition to being involved in various Special Events.

Hospitality Duties Include: - Set up and tear down of all suites in the ballpark - Food running and setup with all appropriate table settings - Managing part time staff - Working closely with Food & Beverage to stock suites in a timely manner - Preparing for special events and non- game day events in suites - Working with the client and sales rep of each group to ensure customer satisfaction

Required Skills:

- Ability to think on one's feet and problem solve in fast paced environment - Excellent communication skills - Willingness to work outdoors rain or shine as well as a kitchen environment - Ability to lift 40 lbs. - Positive attitude and willingness to adapt to last minute changes