Entering into its 30th season, the 3-time WNBA Champions Los Angeles Sparks are seeking a Community Relations and Youth Basketball 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 to all departments as well as many 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 professionals with the tools they need to launch their career in sports. Youth basketball interns will assist in the day-to-day operations of the youth basketball program. This role provides hands-on experience in skill development, management, event coordination, and community outreach. This intern position will report under the direction of the Manager of Community Relations and Youth Basketball.
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
- Overall organizational skills, camps, and clinics execution with regards 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 upon), is required, including WNBA Playoff home games, youth basketball events, and assist with pre-game set up and concourse table staffing
- Assist with event set-up, drills and player support
- Help organize clinics, camps and tournaments
- Support recruiting efforts and outreach to local schools and/or clubs
- Mandatory office days as needed to assist with pre-game duties, and/or youth basketball event planning, making phone calls, data entry, and JR Sparks clinic responsibilities
- Assist in writing and/or copyediting the player appearance and community event recaps
- Assist with in-arena, community events and select special events
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
- Strong knowledge and passion for basketball
- Must present themselves in a professional manner 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 enjoy working with youth
- Quick learner who can adapt and excel in various environments
- Strong computer skills including proficiency with creating and managing excel spreadsheets
- Passionate, Self-motivated, positive, reliable, WNBA knowledge and basketball drill comprehension
- Ability to multi-task, work in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment; are detail oriented and extremely organized
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Basketball experience as a player and/or coach
- Develop and execute basketball practice plans
- 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 7 hours
- Occasional Office Hours – up to 4 hours a week
- Youth Basketball Events – 15 to 20 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 Youth Basketball 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.
