Merchandise Season Support + State Fair Event Lead

ABOUT THE CLUB

Minnesota Aurora FC is a community-owned women’s soccer team based in the Twin Cities, with over 5,000 community owners across all 50 states and 19 countries. The club has two teams and competes in the pre-professional USL W League and UPSL Women’s League, featuring top amateur and aspiring professional players from Minnesota and around the world. The club is operated by a women-led front office and coaching staff.

OUR VALUES

Inclusivity:
We uphold and defend the right for all people to live without hatred, violence, and discrimination by committing to and prioritizing equality in every decision we make.

Empowerment:
We champion the advancement and freedom of women and gender-expansive individuals by investing in their growth on and off the field.

Accessibility:
We ensure soccer is for everyone by removing barriers and creating more equitable access for players and fans.

Transformation:
We spark positive change in soccer, women’s sports, and communities by fostering transparency, humility, innovation, and collaboration.

POSITION OVERVIEW

This internship is part of the Minnesota Aurora FC internship program, designed to create opportunities for individuals historically underrepresented in sports to gain hands-on, meaningful work experience that directly supports the club’s growth and development.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM OUTLINE

• Weekly meetings with your manager
• Regular all-staff meetings
• Intern cohort collaboration opportunities
• Training and education opportunities
• Complete at least three one-on-one meetings to build your network
• Regular check-ins with the intern support team

Each intern will be responsible for one or more projects listed below. Projects may be adjusted collaboratively between the intern and manager.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

1. Game Day / Event Merchandise Sales

Manager: Gretchen Pierson
Department: Merchandising
Duration: May – Week 1 of September

Goal / Intended Outcome:
Assist with event setup by preparing merchandise, promotional materials, and displays.

Tasks:

• Before events:
  • Prepare merchandise inventory for transport
• Day of events:
  • Arrive up to 3 hours before games and stay up to 1 hour after
  • Set up merchandise displays
  • Assist with sales and customer service
  • Solve inventory, setup, and customer-related challenges proactively
  • Act as the “eyes and ears” of the Merchandise team
  • Pack up merchandise, take down displays, and ensure all items are accounted for
• After events:
  • Meet with the merchandise team to review insights and improvements

2. E-Commerce + Storefront Shop Support

Manager: Gretchen Pierson
Department: Merchandising
Duration: May – Week 1 of September

Goal / Intended Outcome:
Learn and support the inner workings of e-commerce and physical storefront operations.

Tasks:

• Assist with order fulfillment, product setup, and sales tracking via the e-commerce platform
• Learn how to press authentic kits
• Organize and maintain the storefront
• Gain exposure to visual merchandising principles

3. Quarterly Inventory Co-Lead

Manager: Gretchen Pierson
Department: Merchandising
Duration: May – Week 1 of September (Key period: end of June / early July)

Goal / Intended Outcome:
Support the planning and execution of the June quarterly retail inventory count.

Tasks:

• Assist with end-of-June inventory counting
• Clean and organize shelves, stockrooms, and storage areas
• Ensure accurate product counts
• Confirm all shipments, returns, and sales are recorded before counting
• Prepare materials (e.g., clipboards, Shopify product printouts)

4. State Fair Lead

Manager: Gretchen Pierson
Department: Merchandising
Duration: End of June – September 7

Goal / Intended Outcome:
Support planning, execution, and on-site management of Minnesota Aurora FC’s State Fair presence.

Tasks:

• Assist in organizing a State Fair product launch photoshoot (July)
• Support photoshoot planning, including concept and theme development
• Coordinate model outreach and communication, ensuring inclusive representation
• Prepare product samples (sizing, organization, presentation)
• State Fair preparation:
  • Organize product inventory
  • Coordinate fixtures and display needs
  • Assist with third-party moving truck rental logistics
• During the State Fair:
  • Act as an on-site manager supporting staff and operations

COMPENSATION

This internship is unpaid.

INTERNSHIP BENEFITS

• Join the staff of Minnesota Aurora FC
• Access free training and educational opportunities
• Participate in staff meetings and events
• Work on meaningful, real-world projects
• Receive one-on-one mentorship with front-office staff
• Enjoy discounted merchandise
• Participate in additional Aurora activities based on interest
• Access post-internship training opportunities