JOB TITLE: Mascot Handler
DEPARTMENT: Community Relations
REPORTS TO: Manager, Community Relations
FLSA STATUS: independent contractor, part-time, temporary
SALARY: $20/hr
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Chicago Stars Football Club Supernova Mascot Handler will work as an Independent Contractor to engage with fans and support the Stars’ Mascot, Supernova, at matchdays and other Chicagoland activations. Additionally, the Mascot Handler will serve as the back-up performer in the event that the primary performer is unavailable. This is a temporary position for the 2026 season at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. The ideal candidate will be experienced with mascot duties and operations, able to ensure the safety of the mascot performer and fans of all ages. Additionally, they will have experience as a mascot performer.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be requested to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions
· Demonstrate leadership in accordance with Chicago Stars FC mission, vision and values.
· Prioritize safety and security of mascot performer and fans at all events.
· Demonstrate exemplary professional behavior and timeliness at all events.
· Be upbeat, energetic, and ready to get in character upon arrival if filling in as back-up performer.
· Attend match days at Martin Stadium in the Fan Zone before the match, on the pitch at halftime, and other one-off
appearances.
· Attend Chicagoland activations as Chicago Stars FC Community team gets appearance requests or other opportunities
for Supernova.
· Proactively search for appearance opportunities in the Chicagoland area that advance and improve Chicago Stars FC
brand awareness and loyalty.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
· Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a mascot handler and/or as a primary mascot performer.
· Experience working as a mascot handler or mascot performer for a school, sports team, or brand preferred
· Additional entertainment skills, such as drawing/art, pop culture knowledge, biking, dance, or gymnastic and acrobatic
skills.
· Experience working with children and young adults.
· Must demonstrate a positive attitude, uphold the club’s standards of excellent customer service and professionalism,
and exercise good tact, discretion, and judgement.
· Must work in cooperation with club staff without supervision as an Independent Contractor
· Must have access to reliable transportation to and from Martin Stadium in Evanston, IL.
· Rate is $75-$100/hr for mascot duties, depending on experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
· Knowledge of the NWSL and the Chicago Stars FC is preferable.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
· Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
· Must be able to stand and walk for up to 12 hours.
LOCATION/SCHEDULE
· Must be available to work at least eight (8) home matches – including some nights, holidays, and weekends.
ABOUT US
Established in 2007, the Chicago Stars were a founding member of the former Women’s Professional Soccer and later became one of the original eight teams to form the National Women’s Soccer League in 2013. They are the longest continuously operating professional women’s soccer team in the United States. The Chicago Stars have made the playoffs in seven consecutive years, from 2015-2021, while also competing in three championship matches in as many years, including the 2019 and 2021 NWSL Championships and the 2020 Challenge Cup Championship.
At Chicago Stars FC, we believe in the power of community. Our mission extends beyond the pitch as we strive to make a positive impact in the lives of our fans, players, and local organizations. With our partners, including Wintrust, we are committed to fostering connections, promoting inclusivity, and empowering individuals through the beautiful game of soccer.We strive to support a diverse community where everyone feels valued, inspired, and empowered.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. We also make reasonable accommodations for applicants’ and employees’ religious practices and beliefs, as well as mental health or physical disability needs. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at
[email protected].
Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veterans