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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/Spring 2012. 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 competition, operations, etc.).

2012 Winter/Spring Program: January 2nd-June 1st

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.

Additional opportunities are available within the following departments:

MLS Broadcasting

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

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  -FILLED

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 Corporate Communications

Reports To
Director, Corporate Communications

Additional Employees in Department
Executive Vice President, Communications
Senior Director, International Communications
Director, Communications
Manager, Communications
Coordinator, International Communications
Coordinator, New Media Communications

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

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Strategic placement of Major League Soccer and Soccer United Marketing business and lifestyle stories (off-sports page) and developing 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)
  • Monitor and compile weekly report on key sports business and off-sports page initiatives in other leagues
  • Compile media lists of business writers, feature writers, off-sports-page writers (fashion and lifestyle 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 clubs, 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

Requirements:

  • Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Ability to work under tight deadlines
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects
  • Knowledge of soccer is preferable
  • Knowledge of pop culture / lifestyle is preferable
  • Previous experience in the sports business industry is preferable
  • Candidates with experience in public relations preferred
MLS Finance Intern

Reports To
Financial Analyst
Employees Managing Directly

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Help facilitate in the collection, review and analysis of MLS team and stadium financial data. This includes:
    • Thorough review of each team and stadium report
    • In depth analysis of key business areas which include: ticket sales, premium seating, stadium operations, and programming and development
  • Assist in the preparation of management reports for the League office and team ownership.
  • Help prepare the League consolidated financial reports
  • Monitor the reporting process for improvements in efficiency and effectiveness, as well as, assess the data reported in the report for its usefulness for both League and Team management.
  • Research financial due diligence requests from teams and prospective owners
  • General ad hoc analysis requests from teams and projects

Requirements:

  • Graduate student preferred – Accounting/Finance
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in busy environment.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills necessary
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Superior attention to detail a MUST
  • Capable of working proactively with multiple departments to achieve results
MLS Operations

MLS Operations interns learn through hands-on experience with responsibilities pertaining to MLS Operations, Reserve Division, Team Travel, Security Operations and Sports Medicine. Interns also play a large role in preparing for major events (e.g, All-Star Weekend, MLS Cup, adidas MLS Player Combine, Annual Industry Seminars). The position requires strong computer, organizational and communication skills.

MLS Player Competition  -FILLED

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)

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 Club Services

Department is requesting an intern to work full-time (Monday – Friday) for a period of six months. Individual must be motivated, organized, possess excellent writing and verbal communication skills, good with numbers and proficient in both Excel and Power Point. Previous experience in sports management or administration is preferred but not required. Responsibilities include assisting with the collection and reporting of weekly club ticketing reports, research and analytical projects, offsite meeting preparation and other department administration and coordination needs.

Skills:

  • Good with Excel, powerpoint.
  • Experience in using adobe Firework, HTML, Dreamweaver.
  • Prefer someone who speaks Spanish.
Soccer United Marketing (International Operations)

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); 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 (Major League Soccer, Mexican National Team, CONCACAF Gold Cup, Sueño MLS, and Fan development)

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, possess good communication and organizational skills, and knowledge of the Mexican culture and the world of Soccer is preferred.

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

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@MLSsoccer.com.