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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 Spring/Summer 2013. 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.).

2013 Spring / Summer Program

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 Consumer Products 

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

MlSsoccer.com Editorial Intern

An internship with MLSsoccer.com is a fully immersive digital journalistic adventure. No one is getting coffee or making copies. It is a rigorous but fun hands-on experience working with fellow journalists in a fast-paced digital-media environment.

MLSsoccer.com covers the North American soccer scene, with a strategic emphasis on Major League Soccer. MLSsoccer.com interns will assist the fulltime editorial staff in this role. Interns learn the fundamentals of internet media, develop their journalistic chops, and practice real-life reporting, writing, and editing. Responsibilities include:

  • Report and write articles and blog posts for the web
  • Edit and publish articles from outside contributors
  • Cover MLS matches in person, learning the basics of sports reporting
  • Host live chats during matches, interacting with fans and other media members
  • Take part in other digital media platforms (podcasts, video)
  • Participate in editorial meetings and planning sessions with the full editorial staff
  • Learn basic HTML coding, how to integrate video and social media into regular content
  • Develop basic Photoshop skills

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 2 years of their acceptance into the program.

MLS Brand & Integrated Marketing Intern

Department:
MLS Marketing

Reports To:
Senior Director of Brand and Integrated Marketing

Additional Employees in Department:
CMO
Marketing Manager
VP of Strategy
Director of Social media

Primary Responsibilities

  • Assist with building out and repositioning the MLS brand
  • Provide research and analysis that supports brand building opportunities and endeavors related to all points where fans intersect with the MLS brand, these could include: kit launch strategies from around the world, opening season branding and programming platforms, Gen Y brands etc.
  • Understand the demographics of the MLS fan. Be taped into the world of millenials and Gen Y consumers
  • Assist with presentation creation and materials, is able to formulate slides that are media rich and can help tell a story
  • Be the eyes and ears around smart branding activations and initiatives from around the world, specifically related to soccer but other sports and categories also. Provide insights into what this means, how it relates to MLS and record this info
  • Support various ad hoc requests for research as these come up and how they relate to the multi linear, fast paced nature of our work place
  • Support the creation of marketing plans around MLS tent pole events and programming (Pub program, Hispanic marketing initiatives etc.)

Requirements:

  • 4 year college degree - Marketing, Business, Sport or Commercial programs preferred
  • Clear + analytical thinker
  • Curious and passionate about soccer and the business of sports
  • Energetic + enthusiastic
  • Strong storyteller + determined to get to the heart of an issue
  • Articulate + organized
  • A strong writer + researcher
  • Collaborative + fun

MLS Corporate Communications Intern

Duration:
March 18th - August 2nd

Summary:
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.

Department:
Communications

Reports To:
Director, Corporate Communications

Additional Employees in Department:
Executive Vice President, Communications
Senior Director, Internal Communications
Senior Director, Communications
Manager, 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 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

Intern, Motion Graphics/Design

Summary:
Motion Graphics/Design Intern will work closely with Sr. Motion Graphics/Designer producing original video-based motion graphic elements. The position is based in Midtown New York, NY.

Department:
KICK TV

Reports To:
Sr. Motion Graphics/Designer

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Photo retouching and mask-outs
  • Custom YouTube thumbnails
  • Custom show opens, lower thirds and transitions
  • Static social media elements like backgrounds and cover photos
  • Working with video editors and producers to make additional elements they need
  • Much more ad hoc based assignments

Other Roles:
Miscellaneous departmental duties as deemed necessary by Director of Production, KICKTV

Required Skills:

  • Proficiency using After Effects (CS5), Final Cut Pro 7, Photoshop and Illustrator
  • Intermediate Final Cut Pro and/or Adobe Premiere video editing experience
  • Ability to cleanly key chroma backgrounds and work with virtual sets
  • Excellent time management, work ethic, and team collaboration skills
  • Creative mindset with great design sense
  • Exceptional attention to detail
  • Able to work in a fast-paced environment under deadlines
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Ability to work and prioritize work assignments

Preferred Skills:

  • Knowledge and passion for International and Major League Soccer
  • Ability to sketch and prototype many ideas quickly, and execute those ideas
  • Print design experience

To Apply:

Please submit your cover letter, resume, and links of creative portfolio/reel to internjobs@MLSsoccer.com. Applicants not submitting all three requirements will not be considered.

KickTV / MLS Digital Intern, Marketing & Social Media

Duration:
Spring 2013 - August 2nd

Summary:
All KICKTV/MLS 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.
KICKTV, owned and operated in by Major League Soccer, is a newly launched YouTube channel offering a wide range of original soccer content. Packed with mix of expert analysis, light-hearted perspectives, and behind-the-scenes exclusives, KICKTV provides a new spin on the world’s most cherished game.
KICKTV is seeking an enthusiastic, smart, self-motivated, efficient, hard-working intern to help support their marketing and social media efforts. The internship will begin in the Fall through end of the year.
Reporting to the Director of Marketing, the marketing / social Media intern will focus a majority of their time overseeing platform community management (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook) and helping to drive video distribution to outside media outlets (social, blogs, club sites).

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Manage, monitor and optimize KICKTV activities on all social media platforms including Facebook, You Tube, Twitter, etc.
  • Write, publish and update weekly content across all social channels based on KICKTV programming schedule and events
  • Research and present new distribution opportunities to help extend KICKTV audience
  • Coordinate user-generated content collected via social media promotions and sweepstakes
  • Monitor and manage all aspects of community management
  • Create photo galleries by selecting, editing and uploading photos
  • Support additional digital staff members when requested
  • Potential evening and weekend hours may be required

Qualifications:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Web savvy; must possess experience with social media platforms
  • Knowledge of HTML; experience with an HTML editor preferred
  • Experience with photo editing software (i.e. Adobe Photoshop) preferred
  • Knowledge of soccer a plus
  • Self-motivated, driven team player

Human Resources & Recruitment

This position, in Human Resources, is for an individual interested in the field of Human Resources Recruitment with strong administrative skills. The internship is based in New York, NY. The opportunity will provide a strong experience within human resources at a sports league.

Reports To:

Director, Executive Recruitment & HR Manager, Human Resources

Additional Employees in Department:

Executive Vice President Senior Director, Employee Relations & HR Manager, Human Resources & Administration Manager, Benefits (2)

Primary Responsibilities

Other Roles and Functions

New Hire Set Up/Onboardings

Required Skills

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 Player Competition  

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 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:

MLS W.O.R.K.S 

MLS W.O.R.K.S. interns will be exposed to the charitable side of Major League Soccer. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: daily club scans for community relations stories, updating the MLS W.O.R.K.S. website, drafting newsletters, memorabilia and inventory management, donations fulfillment and other administrative duties. Interest in community relations field preferred, but not required.

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).

Partnership Marketing 

Soccer United Marketing, the marketing arm of Major League Soccer and premier promoter of international soccer in the U.S., is seeking dynamic, innovative, hardworking and passionate individuals to assist with management of the ever increasing sponsorship portfolio of Major League Soccer, the U.S. and Mexican National Teams, Chivas de Guadalajara, World Football Challenge, CONCACAF and FC Barcelona.

The right candidate must be personable, feel comfortable working in a fast paced environment, and possess great organizational, written and communication skills with great attention to detail. Having an understanding of the Hispanic market. Bilingual (Eng./Spa.) is a plus!

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.

  • Report and write articles and blog posts for the web
  • Edit and publish articles from outside contributors
  • Cover MLS matches in person, learning the basics of sports reporting
  • Host live chats during matches, interacting with fans and other media members
  • Take part in other digital media platforms (podcasts, video)
  • Participate in editorial meetings and planning sessions with the full editorial staff
  • Learn basic HTML coding, how to integrate video and social media into regular content
  • Develop basic Photoshop skills

    • 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 2 years of their acceptance into the program.

    • Compile New Hire Welcome packets for League Office Staff and Interns
    • Assist with recruitment scheduling
    • Coordinate job postings
    • Screening of resumes
    • Process background checks
    • Reference checks
    • Generate offer letter
    • Track candidates
    • Scheduling candidate travel
    • Assist with Intern Program

      • Screen and catalog resumes
      • Schedule intern 30 day check-in meetings
      • Updating intern recruitment database
    • Strong organizational skills
    • Full time (M-Fri.), 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
    • 6 month commitment
    • Ability to work under tight deadlines
    • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects
    • Bilingual a plus
    • MS Word, Excel, Outlook
    • Strong and effective interpersonal skills
    • Highly organized, multi-tasked. Deadline oriented, can work well under pressure
    • Demonstrated patience and level-headedness in crisis situations
    • Strong project and people management skills
    • Effective listener
    • Good with Excel, powerpoint.
    • Experience in using adobe Firework, HTML, Dreamweaver.
    • Prefer someone who speaks Spanish.