ABOUT THE COMPANY:
The Richmond Flying Squirrels, Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, have established themselves as one of the most recognizable brands in Minor League Baseball since their inaugural season in 2010. Guided by three pillars – be different, be impactful and have FUNN – the organization has ingrained itself in Central Virginia, annually reaching more than 10,000 students through the club's education programs while making 400-plus community appearances. Additionally, the team has renovated multiple youth baseball and softball fields across the city and awarded numerous scholarships through its 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Flying Squirrels Charities. The Flying Squirrels consistently rank among the top-drawing teams in MiLB having led all 30 Double-A teams in total and average attendance each of the past four seasons.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Richmond Flying Squirrels are seeking an enthusiastic and energetic professional to serve as the Mascot & Entertainment Manager. The ideal candidate possesses a versatile skill set and a proven track record of growing and developing programming in a fast-paced team environment. The position will be an integral part of the team’s Fan Experience & Community Outreach department, adding to our fan engagement, entertainment and community impact to promote the Flying Squirrels brand and be a leader for our mascot program.
RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
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Perform as the team’s primary mascot, Nutzy, for home games, appearances and events (performing in suit for approximately 70% of games, 50% of all events & appearances).
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Oversee the Mascot & Entertainment Coordinator position.
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Oversee part-time employee staff for mascots & handlers including their hiring, scheduling, training and utilizing them in-costume for remainder percentage of games, events and appearances.
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Manage department budget including planning, forecasting, revenue and expenses
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Coordinate all requests, scheduling, communications, payments, tracking and fulfillment of mascot appearances.
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Develop and take ownership of all mascot-focused programming that effectively grows Nutzy, Nutasha and the Flying Squirrels brands while meeting established business objectives.
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Assist in the Go Nuts for Reading Program with planning the program details and attending assemblies at schools as a mascot performer and/or performing as the assembly host.
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Create and implement skits, social content, props and routines to entertain fans and work closely with Mascot and Entertainment Coordinator to ensure implementation is successful.
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Proactively seek appearance opportunities and maintain & grow our community outreach efforts.
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Oversee the maintenance and care for all mascot costumes as well as props and equipment.
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Collaborate with promotions department for ideation, project management and execution for in-game promotions, entertainment and other characters.
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Collaborate with marketing department to incorporate mascots into our social media, advertising and promotional campaigns.
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Other duties as assigned by department directors.
QUALIFICATIONS:
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Demonstrated enthusiasm, energy, and a positive, team-oriented attitude.
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Previous supervisory or management experience preferred
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Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with clients by providing exceptional customer service
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Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with a strong commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.
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Proven work ethic and a genuine passion for community engagement, fan interaction, and the promotional side of the sports and entertainment industry.
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Willingness and flexibility to work extended hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and all 70 Flying Squirrels home games.
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Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
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Minimum of one year of experience in the sports or entertainment industry is preferred.
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Ability to safely lift items weighing up to 50 pounds.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is constantly required to stand, walk, climb stairs, speak, and hear/listen. The employee is frequently required to sit. They are occasionally required to lift, carry, push, pull, handle, grasp, and employ eye/hand/foot coordination. The position requires constant light or moderate work and occasionally work that requires heavy physical effort. The position is occasionally exposed to extreme heat and humidity and frequent elevated noise levels.
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.
