GCSC Partnerships Activation Intern Fall 2026

GCSC Partnerships Activation Intern Summer 2026

Greater Cleveland Sports Commission (GCSC) serves to measurably improve the economy of Greater Cleveland and enrich the community by attracting, creating, managing and enhancing significant sporting and competitive events. GCSC supports the local economy, utilizes sports as a vehicle to forward community agendas and maintains a goal of producing events that are more successful when held in Cleveland than in other cities. GCSC is hiring for our Fall Internship Program from August 25 - December 16, 2026.

As a Partnerships Activation Intern, you will:

• Assist with partnership activation on-site and through digital platforms.
• Prepare partnership trackers, activation deliverables and sponsor recap summaries.
• Research potential sponsor prospects and update/maintain prospect list.
• Secure hospitality needs for specified GCSC events.
• Serve as event operations staff (will require additional day/evening/weekend hours) for Greater Cleveland Sports Commission events such as:
• 2026 USA Boxing National Open - September 26 - October 3
• Nike Freezefest - October 24 - 25
• Pickle in the Land - November 5 - 8
• USA Track & Field Club Cross Country & National Championships - December 12

Other duties include:

• Assist full-time staff with event promotion, day-to-day operations, and on-site event management.
• Contact area event representatives.
• Research and target prospective areas to host and sponsor events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Prior event activation experience.
• Experience with conducting cold calls and email outreach.
• Knowledge in the design of event/partner recaps.
• Eager to learn the business of sports and ability to think outside the box.
• Must be enrolled in an accredited College/University (undergraduate or post-graduate program) or have recently completed (6-months).
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Be passionate and have a team-player attitude.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment during events with long hours.
• The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable those with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to view computer monitors
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
• Ability to stand or be on your feet for extended periods of time
• Work Environment: Office environment; moderate noise. Event environments will vary and include both indoor and outdoor requirements.

Ways you will benefit:

• Opportunity to build relationships with area professionals, in and out of sports.
• Actively take part in the planning and hosting of sporting and competitive events.
• Gain experience in the fields of event planning/management, partnership activation, sponsorships as well as operations.
• GCSC offers on the job training in various aspects of the Sports and Entertainment industries as well as a robust professional development program, learning aspects of professional communication, resume building, job search tactics and networking with industry professionals.

Due to the nature of the organization, our projects and events are rarely the same year over year; the internship experience depends entirely on the current happenings of GCSC.

Work Hours:

Intern work hours are based upon individual schedules and interns will work and be paid for up to 20 hours per week, between 9am - 5pm Monday - Friday. If the student is receiving college credit for the internship, the college or university can help define work hours for the student, up to 20 hours per week. During events, additional hours and weekend times are expected.

Compensation:

Greater Cleveland Sports Commission interns will be paid $13/hour (minus required withholdings) for their time and services, up to 20 hours per week. Interns are paid biweekly.

Flexibility:

Remote work options are anticipated for staff and interns on select days during this time. Candidates are asked to be flexible in their ability to work both remotely, in-person at our office in Downtown Cleveland, and on-site at events or meetings throughout the summer. From a scheduling perspective, interns should expect a minimum of 2 days a week where they will need to work in-person.

Transportation and Parking:

Transportation and parking are not provided by GCSC. However, if an intern chooses to accept a parking spot in a covered garage in Downtown Cleveland, GCSC will take on a portion of that monthly cost. Interns will be responsible for the other portion on a monthly basis. Interns may also use the RTA system (the central station is located in Tower City). RTA schedules and routes can be found at . Additional parking options are made available at the intern's expense.

Supervision:

The Event Operations Manager will serve as the supervisor for the internship program. However, most day-to-day activities will be assigned and monitored by other staff members. Interns must be able to establish close working relationships with the entire GCSC staff. A general respect both for and from the intern is expected and required. As GCSC Partnerships Activation Intern, you will report directly to the Corporate Partnerships Manager. Greater Cleveland Sports Commission values a diverse and inclusive work environment where every voice matters. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.