Entering into its 30th season, the 3-time WNBA Champions, the Los Angeles Sparks, are seeking a Community Relations and Social Impact Intern. This internship program is a hands-on opportunity for students to build their work experience and learn the behind-the-scenes operations of a WNBA Community Relations team. Interns will participate in a series of events and activities, exposing them to all departments and various facets of working with a professional sports team. Through community relations events, game day experiences, hands-on training, and mentorship opportunities, our goal is to provide aspiring sports professionals with the tools they need to launch their careers in sports. This internship will be under the direction of the Director of Community Relations and Social Impact.
This is a non-paid internship and is for individuals who will receive college credit
KEY PROGRAM BENEFITS:
- Career-related hands-on experience with a professional sports team
- An inside look at the Community Relations department, events, game day responsibilities, and learning from industry professionals
- Develop overall organizational knowledge with regard to all aspects of Community Relations within an organization
- Opportunity to explore different avenues of the sports industry through access to various departments
- This is a fun, fast-paced internship that will add real work experience to your resume as well as your coursework
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
- Attendance at Sparks season home games on dates (as agreed) is required, including WNBA Playoff home games, community events, and assistance with pre-game set up and concourse table staffing
- Mandatory office days as needed to assist with pre-game duties, and/or community events planning, making phone calls, data entry, and other duties as assigned
- Assist in the development and execution of organizational programming and events that promote philanthropic and community engagement objectives, including physical setup/breakdown of equipment, distributing giveaways, event day logistics, and other equipment/supplies as needed
- Assist in managing donation requests and provide timely responses, shipping, and tracking to support events/causes (if necessary) that align with the organizational mission pillars
- Assist in the creation of event outlines, timelines, layouts, maps, and various other planning documents for associated events
- Assist in writing and/or copyediting the player appearance and community event recaps
- Other assigned duties as required
QUALIFICATIONS & PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
- Must be enrolled in a college or university and currently classified as a rising sophomore, junior, or senior pursuing a bachelor's degree, or be currently enrolled in a graduate program at an accredited institution
- Must provide proof that you are eligible to receive college credit
- Experience working in diverse environments with the ability to connect with individuals of all statures. Interacts with employees, community partners, and team affiliates in a professional manner
- Must professionally present themselves both in-person and through written communication with fans of all ages, sponsors, game day guests, and players
- Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, as well as a strong visual sense of cohesiveness
- Possess strong organizational skills and meticulous
- Must have the ability to handle and coordinate large groups of people in a secure and sensitive environment
- Must be able to work in groups, possess high energy and enthusiasm, and displayed a passion for outreach and engagement
- Self-motivated and committed to excellence
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency in creating and managing excel spreadsheets
- Ability to multitask, work in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment; are detail-oriented and highly organized
WHAT SKILLS YOU’LL USE:
- Flexibility: Switch gears on a moment’s notice and adapt to shifting priorities
- Motivation: Leverage your personal skills to drive results and influence success
- Autonomy: Manage your time, work independently, and prioritize tasks
- Collaboration: Liaise with cross-functional internal teams and establish positive relationships
- Creativity: Think outside the box, bringing innovative ideas to the table
- Accountability: Take ownership of your work
- Conflict Resolution: Show off your problem-solving and decision-making skills
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- A valid driver’s license and a good driving record with reliable transportation; use of personal vehicle to and from events and games
- Ability to work weekends, nights and holidays is a priority
EXPECTED AVAILABILITY:
- Home Game Events – up to 8 hours
- Occasional Office Hours – up to 4 - 6 hours a week
- Community and Outreach Hours – 5 to 10 hours a week
Please include answers to the following questions when submitting your application:
- Do you acknowledge and understand this is an unpaid, college credit Internship?
- Are you a rising sophomore, junior or senior pursuing a bachelor's degree or are currently enrolled in a graduate program at an accredited institution?
- When are you available to start?
- Are you located in Los Angeles, California? If no, are you willing to relocate for the duration of this internship?
The application period for the Community Relations and Social Impact internship program is open until November 14th, 2025.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position. It is not intended to give all the details or a step-by-step account of the way each procedure or task is performed. The incumbent is expected to perform other duties necessary for the effective operation of the department.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and you will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform critical job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
