What are the responsibilities and job description for the Community Relations & Merchandise Internship position at Utica Comets?
The Utica Comets and Utica City FC are welcoming applications to fill a Community Relations & Merchandise Internship position for the 2026 Winter and Spring Semester.
Internship Term: December – April, with a possible extension through June for playoffs
Location: Utica, NY
Format: On-Site
Expected Time Commitment: 10 – 15 hours a week, including Utica Comets and Utica City FC gamedays
This internship will support the Utica Comets and Utica City FC front office with core game day operations, fan engagement initiatives, and community outreach through the Save of the Day Foundation. Interns will help with gameday activations, interact directly with fans, and assist in the implementation of charitable and team-focused initiatives. Through this internship, participants will gain invaluable hands-on experience in sports management, community relations, and live event operations.
This is an unpaid internship. Participants may qualify for academic credit if allowed by their college or university.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support all phases of concourse activations for Utica Comets and Utica City FC gamedays, including pre-event setup, concourse presence, and post-event breakdown.
- Serve as a representative of the Save of the Day Foundation, engaging with fans on game-specific initiatives sponsored by the foundation, answering questions, and communicating the impact of the foundation and its programs.
- Coordinate and manage gameday raffles, including set-up, ticket sales, prize distribution, and financial tracking in compliance with Save of the Day Foundation guidelines.
- Support team store operations, including merchandise organization and gameday retail assistance.
- Assist kids club gameday initiatives, including giveaway distribution, new member sign-ups, and providing a welcoming experience for kids club members and families.
- Promote a positive gameday environment to fans, VIPs, and various stakeholders as a representative of the Adirondack Bank Center, Utica Comets, and Utica City FC.
- Aid other departments with gameday initiatives, as needed.
- Additional duties and special projects as assigned.
QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
- Possess strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications, specifically Excel and Word.
- Can maintain a high level of professionalism within a professional sports environment.
- Ability to adapt to changing game situations and can complete projects under tight deadlines.
- Ability to stand and/or sit for extended periods of time; can lift up to 30 lb.
- Must have a flexible schedule to allow commitment to a majority of Utica Comets and Utica City FC home games during their internship term for the 2025-26 season. Interested applicants must be willing and able to work non-traditional hours in non-traditional settings during peak times of the year.
- Intern will be responsible for their own housing, food, and transportation to and from the Adirondack Bank Center. Reimbursement for travel, gas, lodging, etc. is not offered with this internship.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.