We are looking for an energetic and organized Sponsorship Intern to join the [Facility Name] team. This role is designed for a student or recent graduate looking to gain hands-on experience in the business side of sports.
In this role, you will assist in generating revenue through corporate partnerships and ensuring our current sponsors receive maximum value. You will learn the full lifecycle of a sponsorship deal—from prospecting and pitching to contract fulfillment and activation during live events.
Key Responsibilities
1. Prospecting & Lead Generation
Research local and regional businesses that align with our demographic (youth sports families, adult leagues, etc.).
Build and maintain a database (CRM) of potential sponsorship leads.
Assist in drafting outreach emails and cold-call scripts to initiate conversations with decision-makers.
2. Sponsorship Activation & Fulfillment
Ensure all physical assets (banners, digital signage, court decals) are produced and placed correctly within the facility.
Coordinate "tabling" or booth activations for sponsors during major tournaments or busy league nights.
Capture photos and data (foot traffic, impressions) to create "Proof of Performance" recaps for current partners.
3. Marketing & Collateral Creation
Collaborate with the design team to update sponsorship pitch decks and one-sheets.
Assist in creating digital assets for sponsors (social media shout-outs, email newsletter features).
4. Event Support
Serve as a point of contact for sponsors on-site during events.
Assist with general event operations to ensure a high-quality experience for attendees and partners.
Qualifications
Education: Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a program in Sports Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or Communications.
Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable speaking with business owners and the public.
Organization: Detail-oriented with the ability to track multiple assets and deadlines.
Tech Savvy: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint) or Google Workspace. Experience with Canva or Photoshop is a plus.
Availability: Must be willing to work non-traditional hours, including some evenings and weekends during tournaments/leagues.
What You Will Learn (Learning Outcomes)
Sales Cycle Management: How to move a partner from a cold lead to a signed contract.
Asset Management: Understanding inventory valuation (how much is a banner worth vs. a digital ad?).
Client Relations: How to retain business through excellent service and reporting.
Event Operations: The logistics of running large-scale sports events.