Staff Internship Experience and Application

The Southern Ohio Copperheads is a 100% student-operated nonprofit organization that provides a unique opportunity for Ohio University college students to immerse themselves into all that is required to run a community-focused baseball team. The Copperheads experience is a "learning lab" for students seeking to work and build careers in fields such as journalism, marketing, and sports management.

What Sets the Copperheads Internship Apart

Cheddars—that’s what we call Copperheads staff members (pronounced like “cheddars”)—are the backbone of the whole operation. Working for the Copperheads gives you a real-world and hands-on experience where you will have meaningful, resume-worthy tasks that will allow you to find your niche in the industry. You will also have networking opportunities with like-minded individuals that you will carry with you into your professional career. After this immersive experience, previous staff have gone on to work for organizations like NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS, NCAA, WNBA, FIFA World Cup, PGA, LiveNation, ESPN, Fox, TNT, CBS, Fox Sports, and ABC.

Strategy and Leadership Experience

Students fully operate the Southern Ohio Copperheads. We believe our organization functions best when we give our student staff the power to be creative and try their ideas and strategies. Our executive director and board members provide direct support for students throughout the entire experience, and we also encourage responsibility and maintain a positive environment where it's okay to make mistakes.

Fun and Community-Focused Environment

The Copperheads work environment is fun, safe, and centered around a shared love of baseball. Working alongside other interns and staff creates a collaborative, energetic summer environment that creates bonds and friendships you will never forget. Copperheads staff warm their hearts through constant engagement with the community of southeast Ohio. There are many opportunities to collaborate and network with local businesses, organizations, and baseball enthusiasts.

Logistics

• All directors will receive at least a $1000 stipend for their work done throughout the summer
• Interns will have the opportunity to work a separate part-time job to generate additional income
• Gameday Staffers and the Broadcast/Media Team will receive a stipend of $500.

Eligibility, Requirements, and Preferred Qualifications

• Must be an Ohio University student or other area college student
• No experience is required, but engagement is encouraged
• Must be a go-getter and positive attitude, while having a passion for the sports industry
• Must be available for weekly meetings on Fridays from 3-5 during spring semester (directors only)
• Must be able to live and work in Athens, OH during the summer (late May through early August) (housing is not provided)
• We strongly encourage you to enroll in or audit Ohio University’s Business of Baseball (SASM 4130) course during spring semester (directors only)

Position Descriptions and Position-Specific Requirements

Gameday Staffer (Opens February 27th -March 20th )

• Assist with operations within Bob Wren Stadium
• Take on specific roles for each game, which include but are not limited to:
• Selling gameday & 50/50 tickets
• Ushering for our Baumholtz seats
• Supporting merchandise sales
• Assisting in the operations of in-game promotions
• Participate in fan and community engagement
• Donning the mascot suit, Homer
• Must be a motivated student ready to participate in important gameday tasks

Summer Broadcast Positions

Play-by-Play Announcer (1)

• The main narrator driving the flow of the broadcast
• Experience calling a game or being on a tv broadcast
• Knowledgeable about baseball or has played baseball
• Energetic talker and fun personality
• Creative, able to think outside the box

Color Commentary (1)

• Compliments the PBP by breaking down strategies, performance and statistics
• Experience calling a game or being on a tv broadcast
• Knowledgeable about baseball or has played baseball
• Energetic talker and fun personality
• Creative, able to think outside the box

Camera Operator (2)

• Has experience moving and using a broadcast camera
• Familiar with baseball
• Creative and able to bring some ideas to the table
• Is adaptable to change, things can change fast and needs to be able to think on the fly
• Is able to take criticism and stay open minded
• Teamplayer

Photographer (2)

• Capture engaging and professional photographs during games and team events
• Edit and curate photos for use on the team's website, social media platforms and promotional materials
• Attend all home games and community events to document key moments
• Work with the team's marketing and communications staff to develop visual content strategies that enhance the team's brand and fan engagement
• Ensure all photographs are properly labeled, categorized and stored in organized folders; this will facilitate easy access and sharing of images with team staff, media outlets and sponsors
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive library of team photos, including player portraits, action shots and event coverage; this library will serve as a central resource for marketing materials, social media and press releases

Staff Writer (1)

• Responsible for attending each home game with the option of traveling with the team to away games
• The right engaging and informative content about baseball including game recaps, feature stories and analyst pieces
• Work with director of media relations to write and generate interesting and innovative stories that will lead to local regional and national publicity for the organization
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Strong knowledge of current baseball rules, regulations and strategies
• Ability to work well under tight deadlines

Director of Community Outreach and Events

• Build and maintain relationships with essential community partn