MLS Internship Program


Since 1996, Major League Soccer has provided opportunities for aspiring young soccer players on the field. As the business of soccer in the United States continues to grow, it is imperative to us -- and to the sport -- that individuals passionate about our game have soccer business opportunities off the field. To that end, MLS has initiated a comprehensive Internship Program.

Now accepting applications for Winter. Please indicate the area you are applying for? If you would like to apply for more than one area, please only apply once and list the areas you are interested in. (e.g. player personnel, operations, etc.)

Winter Program: January 4 - April 2, 2010
Full Time

All MLS/SUM Internship Program participants must be 18 years old or older and either a college student (sophomore status or higher preferred), graduate student, or have graduated within six months of their acceptance into the program.

Major League Soccer

Intern, Corporate Communications

Summary
This position, in sports public relations, is for an individual with strong communications skills who enjoys creatively selling ideas that result in story placement. The position is based in New York, NY.

Department
Communications

Reports to
Manager, Corporate Communications

Employees Managing Directly
None

Additional Employees in Department

  • Director, Communications
  • Manager, Communications
  • Manager, International Communications
  • Coordinator, International Communications
  • Coordinator, New Media Communications

Primary Responsibilities

  • Strategic placement of Major League Soccer and Soccer United Marketing business and lifestyle stories (off-sports page) and develop relationships with these outlets
  • Compile and pitch story ideas for off-sports-page, lifestyle and business placement
  • Create calendar of key dates for commercial announcements and news placements (working with editorial calendars)
  • Devise talking points or positioning on activations and other commercial initiatives
  • Monitor and compile weekly report on key sports business and off-sports page initiatives in other leagues
  • Compile media list of business writers, feature writers, off-sports-page writers (fashion magazines, etc.) with detailed information for mailing, e-mail blasts, etc.
  • Work with photography / MLS creative department to ensure art and photography is available that enhances pitches
  • Develop strategies by which MLS teams, in their local markets, can take advantage of local business and lifestyle stories
  • Maintain clip packet and monitor coverage of MLS and SUM properties in business and lifestyle publications.

Other Roles and Functions

  • Media operations at special events
  • Miscellaneous departmental duties

Required Skills

  • Strong communication skills (writing and speaking)
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Ability to work under deadlines
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects
  • Knowledge of soccer preferable
  • Knowledge of pop culture (lifestyle) preferable
  • Previous knowledge of and experience in the sports business industry is helpful
  • Minimum 4-year college degree preferred
  • Candidates with experience in public relations preferred

To Apply
Interested candidates please e-mail a cover letter and resume to: internjobs@mlsnet.com.

 

Information Technology Intern

Department(s)
Information Technology

Reports to
John Sullivan, Vice President of Information Technology
Christian Barris, Information Technology Coordinator

Employees Managing Directly
None

Additional Employees in Department(s)
Vice President, Information Technology
Coordinator, Information Technology

    Primary Responsibilities:
  • Assist in the setup and installation of computer hardware and software
  • Maintenance and repairs of all computer hardware
  • Troubleshoot and manage all IT Ticketing system requests
  • Monitor operational performance and troubleshoot system problems to isolate the cause of system failure
  • Telecommunications Experience
  • Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned

    Requirements:
  • 3-6 month commitment required
  • 4 year college degree or equivalent experience
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in busy environment
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Must have superior customer service skills
  • Must have knowledge in Windows environment

To Apply
Interested candidates please e-mail a cover letter and resume to: internjobs@mlsnet.com.

 

Additional opportunities are available within the following departments:

MLS Broadcasting OPEN

MLS Broadcasting interns will gain experience in the fields of sports television and video production. Responsibilities will include footage research, video logging, and some administrative duties, as well as the chance to learn video editing techniques. Interns will help oversee the MLS video library while providing video needs for MLS sponsors and broadcast partners as well as other internal departments. Previous production experience helpful but not required.

MLS Communications OPEN

MLS Communications interns will have the following job responsibilities: Assisting with the writing of all league publications, handling all fan mail correspondence, responding to media requests, assisting with statistical analysis and record keeping, research, management of league press clippings and assisting with the generation of creative ideas. The position requires strong written and verbal communication skills.

MLS Consumer Products OPEN

MLS Consumer Products interns will be exposed to all aspects of licensing, merchandising. Responsibilities will include: product placement, management and analysis of consumer product sales, coordination of concessionaire sales information, communication to retailers and execution of retail marketing programs, development of league direct initiatives and assist in day-to-day functions.

MLS Finance/Accounting Intern OPEN

MLS Finance interns will possesses organizational and analytical skills and the ability to communicate and interact in a work environment. The candidate will preferably have completed his/her sophomore year and be a finance/accounting major with experience using Microsoft Excel and Word. Specific responsibilities include:

  • Assist with the monthly closing process and the preparation of the monthly financial reporting package.
  • Assist with the preparation of the weekly ticket sales and game statement reports.
  • Assist in the preparation of various financial analyses.

The intern will gain valuable exposure to the business side of a professional sports organization. In addition, he/she will be exposed to all levels of management and various departments within Major League Soccer, including interaction with team personnel.

MLS Operations OPEN

MLS Operations interns learn through hands-on experience with the following responsibilities: reviewing and assessing game reports, assisting with referee services, assisting with the administration of the MLS Reserve Division, reviewing game incidents on video, assisting with all administrative aspects of player transactions such as trades, waivers, and player loans; reporting on department meetings; creating and updating operations materials and documents and other general administrative duties. Interns also play a large role in preparing for major events (e.g, All-Star Weekend, MLS Cup, Annual Industry Seminars). The position requires strong computer, organizational and communication skills.

MLS Player Personnel OPEN

Player Personnel interns will learn through hands-on experience with the following responsibilities: assist with player contracts; work with players; aid in preparation of events (MLS Combine, SuperDraft, Spring Training, All-Star Weekend, MLS Cup); assist with referee services and all player operations such as registration, trades, waivers, player loans and injured reserve requests. This position preferably needs an applicant with bi-lingual (Spanish) abilities, but it is not a mandatory prerequisite, in addition exceptional computer skills and organizational skills are essential.

MLS Special Events & Promotions

MLS Special Events & Promotions Interns have the unique opportunity to learn the organizational aspects of planning major events and promotions for a professional sports league. The responsibilities of this position include, assisting with the development of event specific “playbooks,” management and upkeep of Special Events material, including signage and banners, learning to write and receive Requests for Proposal (RFP’s), assisting with various aspects of large-scale promotions, such as “fan balloting,” assisting with the researching and ordering of promotional items, and responding to all web-site inquires and building a volunteer database.

MLS Legal (Law School students only) OPEN

Legal Interns through working with the VP of Legal affairs and other general staff counsel staff members will gain experience in dealing with the League’s legal and business issues. Interns will work closely with in-house counsel on a variety of practice areas including sponsorship, licensing, intellectual property, broadcast and special events. He/she will be exposed to all levels of management and various departments within MLS, including interaction with team personnel. The candidate should be a current law school student with strong writing and analytical skills.

MLS Team Services and Broadcasting OPEN

Department is requesting an intern to work preferably 3 days per week (Tues. – Thurs.). Individual must be very organized, possess excellent writing and verbal communication skills, good with numbers and well versed in Excel and Power Point applications. Previous experience in sports management or administration is highly preferred. The internship entails working on various Team Services and Broadcasting matters such as: game scheduling, ticket sales initiatives, sharing best practices, preparing for MLS Cup, regional and national television, etc. There could be some travel involved.

Through our affiliate marketing company - Soccer United Marketing - for more information please visit www.sumworld.com.

Soccer United Marketing (International Operations) OPEN

SUM International interns will learn through hands-on experience. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: assist with the operational and promotional elements of staging international events (including the FMF series and InterLiga); work with players, team staff, dignitaries and other key members of international soccer clubs; assist in the promotions of the game; assist with administrative issues relating to the promotions of games (i.e.; filing USSF applications, preparing check requests, etc.). Interns might be appointed to work also as liaisons of international soccer clubs. Preferred regular office hours (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm); Minimum of three days a week. Intern requirements: College degree, Strong computer and written skills, Strong communication and organizational skills, Strong interest in or knowledge of professional soccer, and Bi-lingual (Spanish preferred) ability is strongly encouraged. Minimum three month commitment is required (though we would consider some exceptions on a case-by-case basis).

Soccer United Marketing Partnership Marketing (Interliga, Futbolito, Mexican National Team, and Fan development) OPEN

Soccer United Marketing, the premier promoter of soccer matches in the United States, is looking for dynamic, hard-working and bilingual (English/Spanish) individuals to assist with the sponsorship and marketing for the Mexican National Team and other similar projects. In addition, candidate must be personable, posess good communication and organizational skills, and knowledge of the Mexican culture and the world of Soccer is preferred. An incremental commuting stipend can be provided.

Soccer United Marketing Partnership Marketing (MLS, US Soccer, Fan Development) OPEN

Soccer United Marketing Partnership Marketing interns learn about both the corporate partnerships and marketing areas of the business through hands on experience. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: developing unique sponsor programs and promotions; regularly communicating with local and national corporate sponsors and membership organizations; supporting national MLS grassroots initiatives; trafficking ads for Media Guide, FreeKick and All-Star and MLS Cup programs; supporting Partnership Marketing inclusion within SUM special events; researching prospective companies; creating program recaps for sponsors; and customer relations management.

The ideal candidate will possess a passion to work in the sport industry, strong computer skills, tireless work ethic and sound written and interpersonal skills. Minimum 6 month internship is required.

The internships are based in Manhattan. Internships may also become available at other times than those designated. Cover letters and resumes should be submitted via e-mail to internjobs@mlsnet.com.