Human Resources Intern

Human Resources Intern

Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE) is a leading sports and entertainment organization dedicated to excellence both on and off the court. With new leadership and a strong strategic vision, HSE is focused on building a premier NBA franchise and delivering best-in-class experiences for fans, partners, and employees.

In addition to Charlotte Hornets basketball, Spectrum Center serves as a premier venue for concerts, family shows, and major sporting events. HSE is committed to positively impacting the Charlotte community by fostering connection, inclusion, and engagement through sports and live entertainment.

HSE is seeking a Human Resources Intern who is passionate about pursuing a career in HR and eager to gain hands-on experience within the sports and entertainment industry. This internship provides a comprehensive overview of HR operations, offering exposure to key areas such as recruiting & onboarding, benefits, payroll and employee engagement. The intern will gain valuable insight into the structure, responsibilities and day-to-day operations of the HR team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

This is a paid, in-person internship. Interns will be paid $15.00 per hour, with the ability to work thirty (30) hours max per week. The 2026-2027 season program runs from September 7, 2026, through April 23, 2027.

Hornets Values

• We operate with the highest level of integrity, driven by moral standards that guide us in everything we do.
• We communicate with full candor; openly, honestly, and respectfully with clarity.
• We work in the spirit of one team, committed to one vision, shared values, and an inclusive culture that ensures every person feels valued and respected.
• We hold ourselves accountable, and responsible to raise high levels of expectations of ourselves and our team.
• We compete at the highest levels and strive to be the best at everything we do.
• We act with resilience and thrive in the face of challenges bringing others along with us.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in the recruitment process, including job postings, resume screening, and scheduling interviews.
• Support onboarding and orientation programs for new hires, including seasonal and event-based staff.
• Help organize employee engagement initiatives and wellness programs tailored to the sports & entertainment industry.
• Maintain HR records and ensure compliance with labor laws and company policies.
• Assist in payroll, benefits administration, and timekeeping processes.
• Support HR-related events, training sessions and professional development workshops.
• Communicate with different departments within the company in a professional manner.
• Assist with the internship program activities, onboarding, and training programs.
• Provide general administrative support and other duties as assigned by the HR team.
• Participate in the full internship program, including workshops, speaker series, job shadow opportunities, and work closely with fellow interns to successfully complete and present the intern project.

Required Skills, Experience, and Abilities To be successful in this position, candidates should demonstrate the following:

• Currently enrolled in or completed a degree program in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or equivalent relevant experience preferred.
• Basic understanding of HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to manage multiple projects effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is a plus.
• Detail-oriented, able to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to manage time efficiently and prioritize tasks when given clear goals and objectives.
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Adaptable and dependable team player, contributing to both department and company-wide success.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with shifting priorities.
• Professional in appearance and demeanor, capable of interacting with all levels of the organization and external contacts.
• Male collegiate basketball players must have exhausted their NCAA eligibility before participating in the HSE internship program.
• Willingness to work select home games, including weeknights and weekends as needed.

HSE is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our company. HSE does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.