Marketing & Operations Intern

Candidates must already live in Chicagoland*** The Marketing & Operations Intern will lead the Chicago Union's day-to-day marketing and operations, driving fan acquisition and revenue growth while overseeing the fan, sponsor, and community experience end to end. This is a senior internship intended for a graduate student ready to run a wide-ranging portfolio with real autonomy - from sponsorship strategy and gameday execution to community partnerships and staff coordination. They will report directly to Chicago Union ownership. This role requires a commitment through the end of the Union's season in August, regardless of program graduation date. Please only apply if you can commit through the full season. Responsibilities This role will engage with resources that manage responsibilities across various areas and will have a wide-ranging exposure to areas like: Sales & Marketing Source and contact businesses, organizations, and community groups for Group Ticket sales and SponsorshipsGenerate 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 contentManage and grow the team's social media presence and website, maintaining brand quality across all channelsRun street team outreach (business-to-business and door-to-door/community canvassing) to build local awarenessEngage with digital marketing team and internship programsGenerate and execute promotional ideas to drive ticket and merchandise salesLiaise with UFA Marketing leadership & staffAttend and manage in-person promotions (youth events, stadium, local leagues, pickup, city events, sponsors, etc.) throughout the yearCoordinate broadcast-related marketing needs (e.g., team broadcast captioning, promotional content tied to broadcast partners) Community & Chamber Relations Represent the Union at Chamber of Commerce meetings and local networking events to build community awareness and new partnershipsSource and cultivate relationships with local bars/venues and other community partners for game-watch and promotional partnershipsBuild and maintain relationships with community organizations (youth-serving nonprofits, schools, local groups) to expand the Union's community footprint Sponsors During offseason, source and contact sponsor targets, have follow-up conversations, and negotiate agreements for the seasonEnsure fulfillment of sponsorship agreements and report to sponsors on performanceManage in-season sponsor relationships and identify opportunities to grow sponsorship revenue Gameday & Ultimate Events Assist Gameday Manager with logistics on all gamedays, including setup, training, and pack outDetermine gameday staffing needs, source staff, and ensure coverage on gameday including operations, ticketing, entertainment, and medicalPlan 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 weekendSource and manage printed materials and signageLiaise with stadium partners and all vendors Team Support Coordinate player availability and plan travel logistics for away games including booking travel, hotels, transportation, and vehicle rentals for players, coaches, and staffMeet with captains and coaches on a weekly basis Merchandise Evaluate and recommend annual merchandise productsSource, design, determine quantities, and order merchandiseFulfill orders and maintain inventory via Shopify throughout the yearProvide customer service, tracking, and reporting Administration & Staff Coordination Coordinate with Chicago Union ownership group during weekly meetings and quarterly reviewsRecruit and oversee other interns and street team staff supporting marketing and gameday operationsSource and make purchases based on agreed-upon budgets and plansManage sponsor and vendor agreementsLiaise with the league and other division teams Based on Annual Schedule Season** (May–August)Offseason** (September–December) Details Primarily work from homeMust reside in ChicagolandGreatest workload during the preseason and seasonLighter workload in the offseasonFlexible weekly work schedule based on team schedule and eventsWill include weekends and some evenings/early morningsIn-person presence required for all games and local events during the preseason and seasonOptional travel to away games during the season and other preseason/offseason events Compensation This is an unpaid internship position and can fulfill course credit. Weekly hours will vary based on the time of year (preseason, season, offseason) and can be flexible around class scheduling. Commission is also possible based on ticket sales. Education Graduate students strongly preferred: Master's candidates in Sports Management, or MBA candidatesSeeking a more mature candidate ready to lead independently and represent the organization externally Experience Preferred**Event managementManagement & leadership (including managing or supervising others)Team sport athlete Skills Required**Strong verbal and written communicationsWord processing, spreadsheets, and online toolsStrong logic skills to create and troubleshoot items on website and team storeReliable transportation year-roundPreferred**CopywritingEmail 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 editingQuickBooks OnlineBusiness analytics Personal Characteristics Reliable and accountableFriendly, energetic, and hospitality focusedAttention to detail and well organizedOutgoing, enthusiastic, and engagingEntrepreneurial and ambitiousComfortable leading and delegating to other interns/staffJob Types:** Part-time, InternshipWork Location:** Hybrid remote in Elmhurst, IL 60126We 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.*