2021 Summer Internships

The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are currently accepting applicants for their 2021 summer internship program. Founded in 2010, the Rafters are members of the Northwoods League, a summer collegiate league played in the Midwest and host 36 home games from the end of May through mid-August. Witter Field, the home of the Rafters, has also become a destination for non-baseball events, holding a total of 18 event dates in a Covid-19 shortened year. In 2020, the Rafters were capped at holding 650 fans per game across 25 home games. In total the Rafters attracted 20,000 plus fans with zero Covid-19 cases traced back to the ballpark. Each year the Rafters hire an intern staff of 13 across all departments. Touting a successful internship program, the Rafters have former interns in every aspect of the sports industry from pro-level sports to the university sector and everything in between.

All interns will receive a travel and housing stipend. There are educational and work components to this position. All interns must receive college credit for the internship OR this internship must qualify for a graduation requirement.

Besides game day duties, each intern will be responsible for helping prepare and maintain the ballpark prior to the start of the season, as well as participating in offsite events. Offsite events include managing part time staff, set up and tear down of the event and fulfilling any special requests made by the customer. All interns will participate in a periodic sports management classes that will be instructed by front office personnel.

In addition to your specific area of focus, all interns will have the opportunity, although not a requirement, to work with the staff to gain experience in the marketing and ticket sales department. Sales tasks will include calling renewals and single game ticket buyers, creating surveys to gauge the fan experience, answering incoming phone calls, placing ticket orders, and delivering tickets to clients. Marketing tasks will include creating on-field promotions and nightly promotions, as well as brainstorming ideas for new sponsorship prospects.

1)Director of Media Relations & Radio Broadcaster

The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious individual to join the team as the Director of Media Relations and Radio Broadcaster. The candidate will serve as the full-time radio broadcaster and travel with the team during the season. This position will serve as the media relations liaison, while also acting as the point of contact on all road trips with the team.

Responsibilities

Write press releases promoting team initiatives including daily pre-game stories and post-game recaps for the team website
Coordinate and maintain press box and broadcast booths

Compile daily stat packs for position players and pitchers
Coordinate media requests for players, coaches, etc
Work closely with the Field Manager and front office to make sure all player contracts and NWL requirements are met prior to players playing in games
Coordinate all aspects of team travel including notifying restaurants, hotels, and other teams, getting team orders, room assignments, etc.
Broadcast all 72 Northwoods League games on WFHR AM 1320, including pre- and post-game shows, during the regular season (and playoffs if necessary)
Lead production of Daily Wave game day program insert
Assist in production of in-house video projects
Produce radio commercials for the Rafters and business partners
Work closely with GM and AGM to include all sponsor and promotional live reads each game
Update the Rafters website daily
Other duties as assigned by GM

Required Skills

Ability to work long hours, including weekends, as business indicates.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Prior experience as either a tv or radio broadcaster.

Play-by-play, interview segments, and writing samples, must be submitted with resume to Hannah@raftersbaseball.com to receive full consideration for the position. If you wish to send CDs with broadcast samples, please mail to:
Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
521 Lincoln Street
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494.

2) TV Broadcaster

The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious individual to join the team as the TV Broadcaster. The candidate will serve as the full-time tv broadcaster for all 36 home games.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and maintain press box and broadcast booths
Work closely with Field Manager and GM to make sure all player contracts and NWL requirements are met prior to players playing in games
Broadcast all 36 Rafters home games on the Northwoods League TV Network, including pre and post-game shows during the regular season (and playoffs if necessary)
Lead production of Daily Wave game day program insert including but not limited to featured stories and stat research
Assist with production of in-house video projects
Produce radio commercials for the Rafters and business partners
Work closely with GM and Marketing Director to include all sponsor and promotional live reads each game
Update the Rafters website daily
Live update games on social media
Other duties as assigned by GM

Required Skills

Ability to work long hours, including weekends, as business indicates
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Prior experience as either a tv or radio broadcaster

Play-by-play, interview segments, and writing samples must be submitted with resume to Hannah@raftersbaseball.com to receive full consideration for the position. If you wish to send CDs with broadcast samples, please mail to:
Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
521 Lincoln Street
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494.

3) Graphic Design

The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are seeking a creative individual for the Graphic Design Internship. This position will run the video board for all Rafters home games, as well as work hand in hand with the front office staff and other interns to create graphics for social media, press releases, webcast, etc.

Responsibilities:

Learn video board software and manage during all Rafters home games
Create images with sponsor logos to be shown on the video board throughout the game
Assist Video Production and Digital Marketing interns in creating graphics for website, video production, and Rafters social media
Assist the Video Production intern in producing video content for use on the video board
Create Rafters team card set, team poster, and other special projects
Create motion graphics/animations
Ability to work long hours, including weekends, as business indicates
Other duties as assigned by GM

Required Skills:

Experience with Illustrator, Photo Shop, or compared software programs is preferred
Self-motivated, detail oriented, very organized
Succeed in a team environment

4) Video Production Lead

The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are looking for two creative and organized individuals for the Video Production Internship. This position will run the video webcast as the Production Leader and create videos for the webcast, video board, and social media.

Job Duties:

Responsible for training camera operators and directing video webcast for 36 home games and playoffs if necessary
Producing and editing Northwoods League T.V. commercials
Producing highlight packages after games for the website, media partners and other social media outlets
Being efficient with editing software such as Final Cut Pro and Wirecast or related programs
Ability to shoot footage that document activities taking place at or outside of the ballpark
Responsible for setup and breakdown of video equipment each night
Work closely with marketing department to produce promotional videos for different promotional nights
Shoot and edit pre game shows prior to each home game
Other duties assigned by the GM

5) Box Office

The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are looking for an outgoing individual for the Box Office Internship. This position will help run the Box Office and well as provide outstanding customer service to all ticket package holders, groups, and walk-up fans.

Job Duties:

Work directly with online ticket system to ensure that all season ticket, package holders and company outings have a good time when at the ballpark
Manage and run the box office at Witter Field
Manage and schedule a staff of game day employees
Answer incoming calls, walk-up ticket orders, and internet orders
Make sure proper wristbands are available for groups and members of the hospitality areas
Assist with other special groups in the park (birthday parties, package holders, etc…)
Learn and operate the back end of the ticket system, CRM, and ticket exchanges
Other duties assigned by the GM

6) On-Field Emcee (Marketing Dept.)

The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are looking for an outgoing individual for the On-Field Emcee Internship. This position will work as the on-field emcee for all 36 home games and will be an intricate part of the marketing team.

Responsibilities:

Work as the on-field emcee for all 36 Rafters home games and special events
Help implement sponsorship contracts while writing, memorizing, and executing game day scripts
Manage all on-field promotions that are executed on game days, jersey auctions, and other special events taking place each night
Coordinate all on-field promotions and pre-game activities (National Anthem, first pitches etc.)
Organize and attend mascot/player appearances in the community
Work closely with PA Announcer and music staff to ensure production runs smoothly
Develop positive relationships with fans, clients and community members to help promote the Rafters
Outgoing, energetic, and personable candidates are desired
Other duties assigned by the GM

7) Digital Marketing

The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are looking for a creative individual for the Digital Marketing Internship. This position will help run all social media platforms and mass email, as well as work closely with the marketing team in executing tasks.

Responsibilities:

Manage all Rafters Social Media accounts
Create new content for Rafters Social Media accounts
Produce weekly mass email newsletters for all fans and Connexus Credit Union Kids Club
Organize and attend mascot/player appearances in the community
Work closely with the Marketing interns to coordinate on-field promotions and pre-game activities (National Anthem, first pitches etc.)
Develop positive relationships with fans, clients and community members to help promote the Rafters
Outgoing, energetic, and personable candidates are desired
In game marketing duty will be updating social media and executing ballpark sound responsibilities
Other duties assigned by the GM

8) Marketing

The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are looking for two outgoing individuals for the Marketing Internship. This position will help enhance promotional nights and execute corporate partnerships.

Responsibilities:

Help implement sponsorship contracts while writing and executing game day scripts
Manage all on-field promotions that are executed on game days, jersey auctions, and other special events taking place each night
Coordinate all on-field promotions and pre-game activities (National Anthem, first pitches etc.)
Organize and attend mascot/player appearances in the community
Work closely with PA Announcer and music staff to ensure production runs smoothly
Develop positive relationships with fans, clients and community members to help promote the Rafters
Outgoing, energetic, and personable candidates are desired
Other duties assigned by the GM

9) Field & Turf Management

The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are seeking a motivated individual for the Field & Turf Management Internship. This position will maintain the playing field for Rafters and Legion games.

Responsibilities

Perform and oversee all aspects of field maintenance (mowing, fertilizing, trimming, weed management, and irrigation)
Maintain playing surface for all games held at Witter Field, Rafters and non-Rafters events (ie. High School and American Legion games)
Prepare the field on all game days (mowing, chalking, and dragging the infield)
Perform other facility and maintenance duties throughout the ballpark as needed
Act as official scorer during games in the press box
Ability to work long hours, including weekends, as business indicates
Other duties as assigned by GM

Required Skills:

Field and Turf Management experience or education in relation to athletic fields preferred
Ability to operate small landscape equipment (mowers, edgers, etc.) and basic small engine knowledge
Able to handle basic maintenance duties
Some heavy lifting may apply

10) Event & Hospitality

The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are looking for a hardworking individual for the Event and Hospitality Management Internship. This position will assist in the management of food and beverage, hospitality areas, and ballpark operations for the 2021 baseball season.

Responsibilities:

Assist with the setup and cleanup of all events held at the stadium
Responsible for the general appearance and cleanliness of the hospitality areas
Manage and supervise hospitality areas such as group decks and party areas, including Ho-Chunk Gaming Nekoosa Rat Trap, Pre-Game Picnic Area, Point Craft River, Accounting Plus Home Plate Club, and ticket package service areas to ensure exceptional fan experience
Management of inventory and staff for vending services
Supervise game day staff
Heavy focus on all concessions responsibilities, including assisting with ordering food/beverage, minor food preparation, waste management, and management of game staff
Act as liaison to over ten distributors of goods and services around the ballpark
Previous experience with food/beverage handling and management preferred, but not required
Other duties assigned by the GM

11) Food and Beverage Management

The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are looking for a hardworking individual for the Food and Beverage Management Internship. This position will assist in the management of food and beverage with the four concession areas across the ballpark and additional operations for the 2021 baseball season

Responsibilities:

Assist with the setup and cleanup of all events held at the stadium
Responsible for the general appearance and cleanliness of the concession areas
Manage and supervise concession such as The Homestand, The Triple play Taqueria, The Hot Corner, The Sweet Spot and ticket package service areas to ensure exceptional fan experience
Management of inventory and staff for vending services
Supervise game day staff
Heavy focus on all concessions responsibilities, including assisting with ordering food/beverage, food preparation, waste management, and management of game staff
Act as liaison to over ten distributors of goods and services around the ballpark
Previous experience with food/beverage handling and management preferred, but not required
Other duties assigned by the GM

12) Team Photography Internship

The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are seeking a creative individual for the Team Photography Internship. This position will help with partnership activation and help capture the memories made at Witter Field.

Responsibilities:

Take photographs on Rafters game days of food specials, on-field promotions, fans, celebrity guests, game action, etc.
Upload photos to Rafters Flickr account
Photograph all staff members and players headshots for website and media use
Photograph team at community appearances; take photos of group outings, First Pitches, National Anthem singers, etc.
Graphic Design experience is a plus, but is not required.
Must be available for all home games during the 2021 season
Other duties as assigned by GM

Required Skills:

Self-motivated, detail oriented, very organized
Succeed in a team environment
Multi-task and effectively problem solve
Previous sports photography experinces preferred

For a listing of all available employment positions with the Rafters, please visit this link:

http://northwoodsleague.teamworkonline.com/teamwork/jobs/jobskey.cfm?s=rapids