Graphic Design Internship - Bismarck, ND

The Bismarck Larks are offering an internship opportunity for a current college student pursuing an associates or bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field to gain experience and knowledge in marketing and branding through the use of print and digital materials. Bismarck Larks internships provide students with immersive, hands-on-learning to help position them for a career in the sports, entertainment and event industry upon graduation.

Who We Are

The Bismarck Larks joined the Northwoods League (NWL) in 2017. The NWL is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 25 teams, drawing more fans than any league of its kind. The NWL provides top college players from North America and beyond a summer collegiate baseball experience. More than 300 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball in the NWL’s 30-year history.

The Bismarck Larks became the first team in NWL history to win NWL Organization of the Year in back-to-back seasons (2017 & 2018). The Larks sold out 27 of 36 home games in 2017 (75%) and continued their success in 2018 selling out 30 of 36 home games with an average overall attendance of more than 68,000 fans.

In 2020, the Larks became the first sports team in the country to play safely with fans in the stands during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the Larks sold out 92% of every ticket and were named one of the top 30 employers in sports by Front Office Sports in the company of the Denver Broncos and Savannah Bananas.

In 2023, the Larks sold out 96.5% of every ticket and averaged 1,833 tickets out of 1,900 tickets available each game, added a brand new videoboard and hosted the NWL Great Plains All Star Game.

The Internship Position

The Bismarck Larks are looking for a Graphic Design Intern to join their team in Bismarck, North Dakota for the 2024 season. As the Graphic Design Intern you will help support the sponsorship activation, entertainment and ticket departments. We’re looking for passionate, talented and positive people who strive for excellence, happiness and inspire the same in others.

The Graphic Design Intern will be responsible for assisting the Creative Director and other internal teams with a range of print and digital design projects including but not limited to print ads, billboards, scoreboard graphics, collateral material, program layout, signage, social media and web graphics for the Bismarck Larks and their affiliate company, Funatix Events.

As the Graphic Design Intern, you will also play an active role serving as a team representative at sponsor promotions, events, Larks games and Funatix Events. The Graphic Design Intern will also be actively involved on game-day as part of the on-field entertainment team.

Start Date: May 6, 2023

End Date: August 16, 2023 (dependent on post season play)

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should be studying a subject in a relevant field. This may include but is not limited to Graphic Design, Marketing, Communications, Sport Management, Event Management, Business.

Roles and Responsibilities

Office Responsibilities:

Assist with the creative process and design of a variety of marketing elements for all internal departments including but not limited to sponsorships, tickets, marketing and media, culture, events, etc.
Follow and adhere to creative and design deadlines
Create video board slides with in-game content paying close attention to sponsor logos and partnership requirements
Create digital graphics for website, video production, Larks social media, billboards, etc.
Create print graphics including but not limited to flyers, posters, handouts, coupons, signage etc.
Assist the Creative Director with the layout of the game day program and program covers
- Assist with the execution and timeline of (9) programs throughout the season
- Assist with written content, sponsored ads and other team elements in program
- Ensure all elements are accurate, proofread and adhere to design and printer guidelines
Update Asana platform throughout the season with design elements for sponsorship promotion and events for partner recaps.
Assist with the organization and execution of game night activities at each home game, as well as special game night promotions throughout the season
Assist with researching, creating and implementing on-field games, skits, music and theme night elements and provide updates frequently to the Entertainment Director
Attend weekly entertainment and marketing meetings and provide new ideas each meeting, as set forth by the Entertainment Director and Creative Director
Assist with all sponsorship activation elements including but not limited to: updating sponsor signage, distributing sponsor items, inserting handouts into programs prior to every home game, etc.
Assist with in-house print fulfillment including cutting, folding, laminating, etc
Proof all work that will be visible to the public with the Marketing Team and other staff members

Game and Event Responsibilities:

Assist with the execution of all on-field, mid-inning promotions and fan engagement activities
Represent the team at various Larks and Funatix Events and participate in other outside, community events, mascot appearances and player appearances, as defined by the team
Assist with Funatix Event sponsorship and event activations
Promote a positive fan experience by interacting with our fans in all areas of the ballpark
This position includes operating the video board in the stadium during games, including designing and implementing graphics for the video board
Expected to work home games to assist in creating social media content including but not limited to starting line-up graphics, final score graphics, etc.
This is not an all-inclusive list and you will be assigned additional team duties to ensure a positive fan experience, facilities cleanliness, and everyone’s safety

General Team Responsibilities

Game and Team Event Availability: Expected to be available for all Bismarck Larks home games and team events, this includes weekends and holidays.
Funatix Event Availability: Expected to be available for all Funatix Events including but not limited to the Mandan Rodeo Days, company picnics, festivals, etc. Full event list will be provided. This includes weekends and holidays.
Game Day and Event Hours: Expected to be available from mid to late morning through the end of the game and/or event. Schedule will be decided by the direct supervisor on a homestand and event basis.
Non-Game Day/Event Hours: Expected to attend office hours of 9 AM-5 PM each weekday.
Assist with distribution of team pocket schedules, posters and other marketing materials throughout the stadium and community
Assist with ballpark set-up and tear-down before-the-season, after-the-season and during each homestand
Assist with event set-up and tear-down at team events and Funatix Events
Assist with Family Fun zone set-up and tear-down
Maintain ballpark cleanliness including but not limited to: cleaning tables, chairs, Family Fun Zone area, etc.
Every intern will be required to perform as the mascot at least once during the summer
Assist with the tarp pull during rain delays
All other duties as assigned by Larks front office staff

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
Availability to work all home games, team events and Funatix Events
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational and time management skills
Strong attention to detail
Extremely out-going, charismatic and personable
Ability to display confidence in front of an audience and on camera
Ability to perform well and maintain character while under stressors or other circumstances
Ability to think creatively and outside-the-box
Must be a team player with strong leadership and communication skills
Must be enthusiastic with a desire to work hard and have a positive “can‐do” attitude
Ability to multi‐task and handle responsibility
Self‐ motivated and ability to take initiative
Enthusiastic team player, shows enjoyment and interest in working collaboratively
The ability to work extended hours upwards of 14 hours and lift 30-50 lbs
Uphold our core values: Best, Uplift, Nerve, Teamwork. These core values set the tone in everything we do, help us succeed on and off the field, make a difference in the community and provide the best experience in sports. It is important that the person in the position commits themselves to these core values.
Uphold our service vision: Happy People Making People Happy. We want people who love what they do, who find joy in making others laugh or smile, who want to use fun and happiness to make a difference in the lives of coworkers, clients and fans.

Reports To: Creative Director

Stipend & Housing: This is an unpaid internship. Team does offer a stipend to help cover expenses such as housing, transportation, food etc. Team offers 2 options to accommodate interns who are local and interns will travel to Bismarck for the internship.

Option 1-

Stipend-$1000/Month

Housing-Not Provided. Intern is responsible for providing their own housing.

Option 2-

Stipend-$500/Month

Housing- Provided. Intern is responsible for deposit and utilities.

Credit: College credit towards a major, minor or general elective may be earned.