Unpaid | College Credit Eligible
Position Overview
The Corporate Partnerships Activation Intern will support the Corporate Partnerships team through a structured, educational internship experience focused on sponsorship activation, fulfillment, and client service within professional sports. This internship is designed to complement the intern’s academic coursework and provide hands‑on exposure to partnership operations, sales strategy, and live event execution.
The intern will work under close supervision and participate in guided learning, observation, and supervised support activities. This position is unpaid and intended to be completed for college credit.
Duration
This internship will take place for the duration of the season running from the beginning of March through the end of October.
Educational Objectives
By the end of the internship, the intern will:
- Gain an understanding of how corporate sponsorships are sold, activated, and fulfilled
- Learn how sponsorship contract language translates into physical and digital assets
- Observe and support live event operations and sponsor activation execution
- Develop professional skills in organization, communication, and data management
- Gain exposure to sponsorship sales, activation planning, and renewal strategy
Key Responsibilities (Supervised & Educational)
Gameday Activation & Event Operations
- Assist with gameday sponsorship activation under the supervision of full‑time staff
- Support client load‑in and load‑out, including branded assets and activation elements
- Assist with set‑up and breakdown of sponsor signage and activation areas
- Capture POP (Proof of Performance) photos for sponsorship reporting
- Observe and support live event workflows related to sponsor activation and fulfillment
Sponsorship Fulfillment & Asset Management
- Assist with asset trafficking, including static signage, digital/TV assets, and in‑venue placements
- Support the translation of sponsorship contract language into individual assets within the organization’s inventory and fulfillment systems, under staff supervision
- Learn how sponsorship assets are tracked, fulfilled, and reported
- Assist with internal fulfillment documentation and quality control reviews
Recaps, Reporting & Proposal Support
- Assist in compiling post‑event recap materials for corporate partners
- Support the development of proposal and renewal support decks
- Learn how fulfillment data, visuals, and storytelling are used in partner reporting and retention
Sponsorship Research & Sales Exposure
- Conduct sponsorship research and prospecting using tools such as SponsorUnited
- Assist in organizing prospect lists and research insights
- Shadow sponsorship sales meetings and activation planning calls, including post‑call debriefs to review objectives, strategy, and outcomes
Data Management & Systems Exposure
- Assist with data tracking and organization related to sponsorship fulfillment
- Observe and support updates within SponsorCX or other partnership management platforms
- Learn best practices for maintaining accurate and organized partnership records.
Matchday & Event Participation
Availability for all home matchdays and key partner events is expected, as live sponsorship activation is a core component of the internship’s learning objectives. Interns participate under the supervision of full‑time staff, providing observational and guided support in areas such as, but not limited to, sponsor activation execution, client load‑in and load‑out, signage and asset setup, POP documentation, and post‑event breakdown. As with live event environments, interns may also assist with other duties as assigned on matchdays. Scheduling will be coordinated in advance to align with academic commitments, and interns do not replace or displace paid employees.
Professional Development
- Participate in resume development and career readiness workshops
- Attend guest speaker sessions with sports industry professionals
- Receive interview preparation and career guidance
- Participate in regular check‑ins with supervising staff to review learning progress and objectives
Supervision & Structure
- The intern will report directly to the Activation Manager
- All responsibilities will be completed under close supervision
- The intern will not replace or displace paid employees
- The internship is limited in duration to the period in which it provides beneficial learning
- There is no expectation of compensation or employment following the conclusion of the internship
Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program (sports management, marketing, business, or related field)
- Eligible to receive college credit
- Strong interest in sports marketing, sponsorship, or corporate partnerships
- Organized, detail‑oriented, and eager to learn in a fast‑paced, event‑driven environment
- Availability to participate in home matchdays, key events, and office hours in Leesburg VA.
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.
