Merchandise Intern
Please note this is an in-office position in Raleigh, NC. Local candidates are preferred, but all candidates must be able to be in the office at least 1 day per week and attend night and weekend events.
Location: Raleigh, NC (Onsite)
Duration:
☐ Pre- Season (February – End of Season)
Hours: 20 hours/week (based on academic commitments and role needs)
Compensation: Paid internship
About the Courage Formation Program
The Courage Formation Program is the North Carolina Courage’s internship program designed for late-stage undergraduate and graduate students who are intentional about their career path and eager to contribute meaningfully to a high-performing professional sports organization.
This program is built for interns who want more than exposure - it’s for those who want responsibility, real experience, and the opportunity to learn how a world-class women’s soccer club operates behind the scenes. Interns in the Courage Formation are treated as valued contributors, not extra hands.
About the Role
The Merchandise Intern will support day-to-day operations and special projects within the Merchandise Department, contributing directly to the success of the Club throughout the season. This role is hands-on, fast-paced, and best suited for someone who is curious, proactive, and comfortable working in a dynamic environment.
Interns are expected to bring a strong work ethic, a growth mindset, and a willingness to learn quickly while operating with professionalism and accountability.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with front-facing in-venue operations, includes ensuring merchandise locations are properly stocked, organized, and operational, support point-of-sale operations, assist with resolving basic operational issues during events, and other duties as assigned
- Support inventory management, including receiving, tagging, transfers, and cycle counts
- Help maintain brand standards through proper product presentation and visual merchandising
- Assist with order fulfillment, e-commerce support, and special merchandise requests
- Provide high-level customer service to fans and internal staff
- Support Merchandise Coordinator with reporting, data analysis, and operational projects
- Collaborate with Grassroots Marketing/Street Team to target community events with selling opportunities
(Responsibilities will vary by department and may evolve throughout the season.)
Learning & Development
As part of the Courage Formation, interns will:
- Gain hands-on experience within a professional sports organization
- Develop practical skills relevant to their field of study
- Receive regular feedback and coaching from their manager
- Gain exposure to matchday operations, cross-functional teams, and Club leadership
- Build a strong foundation for a career in sports, business, or related fields
Who We’re Looking For
We are looking for interns who:
- Must be earning course credit for internship.
- Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays based on the event schedule.
- Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Must establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, fans, and front office staff.
- Must be able to stand for an extended period and lift upwards of 50 pounds
- Valid driver's license required.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- Previous retail, customer service, or inventory management experience
- Familiarity with Shopify retail system
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
- Exposure to league and club merchandising standards and best practices
- Hands-on experience in inventory planning and management, retail operations, staff management, and fan engagement
- Cross-functional opportunities to collaborate with professionals across the organization
- Insight into career paths within professional sports and retail management
OUR VALUES
We hire through the lens of our Club Values:
Integrity – Transparent, trustworthy relationships with our fans and ourselves.
Community – Creating a sense of belonging in a diverse, inclusive environment
Accountability – Responsible for our words, our actions, and our results.
Respect – Regard for treating others with dignity and acceptance.
Excellence - Strive towards greatness in ourselves, club, and community and culture.
We 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.
