2026 Sponsorship Activation & Entertainment Internship
Grand Forks Spitfires
Internship
On-site
Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States
$500 - $1,000 USD monthly
Paid or Stipend, College Credit
The Grand Forks Spitfires are offering an internship opportunity for current college students with fun, outgoing personalities and an interest in sponsorships and game day entertainment to gain experience and knowledge in sponsorship activation, marketing, event management and entertainment.
Grand Forks Spitfires internships provide students with immersive, hands-on-learning to help position them for a career in the sports, entertainment and event industry upon graduation.
Who We Are
The Grand Forks Spitfires joined the Northwoods League (NWL) in 2026 (Inaugural Season).
Not Your Average Summer League
Let’s get this out of the way: Yes — we know Grand Forks has heard the pitch before. The team, the league, the “big dreams.” And yes — we know how that turned out. But this isn’t that. This isn’t a league without a plan. This isn’t a one-summer wonder. This is Northwoods League Softball (NWLS) — and we’re built different.
Not Your Average Summer League
Let’s get this out of the way: Yes — we know Grand Forks has heard the pitch before. The team, the league, the “big dreams.” And yes — we know how that turned out. But this isn’t that. This isn’t a league without a plan. This isn’t a one-summer wonder. This is Northwoods League Softball (NWLS) — and we’re built different.
The Grand Forks Spitfires are committed to their mission of using FUN to make a difference in the lives of our community, employees, players, and interns.
Who We’re Looking For
The Grand Forks Spitfires are looking for Sponsorship Activation and Entertainment interns to join their team in Grand Forks, North Dakota for the 2026 season. The Sponsorship Activation and Entertainment interns will support the entertainment and sponsorship activation teams. We’re looking for a passionate, talented and positive person who strives for excellence, happiness and inspires the same in others.
The Internship Position
As a Sponsorship Activation and Entertainment intern, you will help plan and execute game day entertainment elements while creating a fun, entertaining and memorable atmosphere for fans and the community. In addition, you will ensure all team sponsor promotions and events are planned, fulfilled and executed while providing the highest level of service to fans and partners.
You’ll work closely with the sponsorship and entertainment teams and other internal departments to assist with promotion, event and entertainment elements. This includes but is not limited to assisting with the execution of all marketing elements, tracking the progress of promotions and events, organizing and collecting elements for post-season recaps, and serving as a Spitfires representative for all sponsor promotions, events, Spitfires games and Funatix events
Tentative Start Date: May 18th, 2026
Tentative End Date: August 8th, 2026
Tentative End Date: August 8th, 2026
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should be studying a subject in a relevant field. This may include but is not limited to Sport Management, Marketing, Mass Communication, Hospitality.
Roles and Responsibilities
Office Responsibilities:
- Assist with planning, executing and tracking sponsor promotions and events and provide updates frequently to the Sponsorship Experience Director
- Update Asana platform throughout the season with sponsorship promotion and event elements for partner recaps
- Update and maintain master calendar with entertainment updates throughout the season
- Assist with all sponsorship activation elements including but not limited to: updating sponsor signage, distributing sponsor items, inserting handouts into programs prior to every home game, etc.
- Assist with the preparation of sponsorship recap booklets
- Activating partnership relationships with sponsorship properties and account executives
- Learning about and assisting in managing and planning sponsorship marketing programs, leveraging existing assets in the sponsors current sponsorship contracts
- Execute sponsorship contests, including gathering entries, calling winners, and facilitating prize distribution
- Oversee sponsorship contracts and ensure all elements are being executed in-season, including but not limited to: Coordinating sponsored giveaway items in conjunction with the Entertainment team, off-site appearances at sponsored events, etc.
Game and Event Responsibilities:
- Responsible for all aspects of the guest service table including but not limited to: set-up, tear-down, inventory, guest relations, etc.
- Assist with the set-up of the Spitfires Family Fun Zone area every home game
- Assist with the organization and inventory of all game day entertainment and sponsor materials including but not limited to: programs, giveaway items, costumes, props, signage, etc.
- Represent the team at various Spitfires and Funatix Events and participate in other outside, community events, mascot appearances and player appearances, as defined by the team
- Assist with Funatix Event sponsorship and event activations
- Promote a positive fan experience by interacting with our fans in all areas of the ballpark
- Assist with in game touchpoints with sponsor accounts in attendance including but not limited to group photos, VIP drop ins, etc.
- Serve as points of contact for the entertainment team to ensure all promised sponsor elements are fulfilled.
General Team Responsibilities
- Game and Team Event Availability: Expected to be available for all Grand Forks Spitfires home games and team events, this includes weekends and holidays.
- Funatix Event Availability: Expected to be available for all Funatix Events. Full event list will be provided. This includes weekends and holidays.
- Game Day and Event Hours: Expected to be available from mid to late morning through the end of the game and/or event. The schedule will be decided by the direct supervisor on a homestand and event basis.
- Non-Game Day/Event Hours: Expected to attend office hours of 9 AM-5 PM each weekday.
- Assist with distribution of team pocket schedules, posters and other marketing materials throughout the stadium and community.
- Assist with ballpark set-up and tear-down before-the-season, after-the-season and during each homestand
- Assist with event set-up and tear-down at team events
- Assist with Family Fun zone set-up and tear-down
- Maintain ballpark cleanliness including but not limited to: cleaning tables, chairs, Family Fun Zone area, etc.
- Every intern will be required to perform as the mascot at least once during the summer
- All other duties as assigned by Spitfires front office staff
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Availability to work all home games, team events and Funatix Events
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Extremely out-going, charismatic and personable
- Ability to display confidence in front of an audience and on camera
- Ability to perform well and maintain character while under stressors or other circumstances
- Ability to think creatively and outside-the-box
- Must be a team player with strong leadership and communication skills
- Must be enthusiastic with a desire to work hard and have a positive “can‐do” attitude
- Ability to multi‐task and handle responsibility
- Self‐ motivated and ability to take initiative
- Enthusiastic team player, shows enjoyment and interest in working collaboratively
- Uphold our core values: Experience Obsessed, Positive Energy, Innovating Constantly, and Community Rooted. These core values set the tone in everything we do, help us succeed on and off the field, make a difference in the community and provide the best experience in sports. It is important that the person in the position commits themselves to these core values.
- Uphold our service vision: Happy People Making People Happy. We want people who love what they do, who find joy in making others laugh or smile, who want to use fun and happiness to make a difference in the lives of coworkers, clients and fans.
Reports To: Sponsorship Experience Director or General Manager
Stipend & Housing: While this is an unpaid internship, the Spitfires offer a stipend to assist with living expenses, including housing, transportation, and meals. The organization provides two housing options designed to accommodate both local interns and those relocating to Grand Forks for the duration of the internship.
Option 1-
Stipend- $1000/Month
Housing - Not Provided. Intern is responsible for providing their own housing.
Option 2-
Stipend - $500/Month
Housing: Housing is provided by the organization. If a security deposit or utility expenses are required, they will be the responsibility of the intern.
Credit: College credit towards a major, minor or general elective may be earned.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.