Community Relations Intern

The Community Relations Intern will support the Community Relations and Detroit Lions Foundation department’s league outreach efforts and it’s charitable initiatives. In this role, the intern will assist with organizing and executing community programming, managing foundation-related projects, and coordinating with various stakeholders such as community partners, players, and other organizations. The intern will work closely with the department and club affiliate to ensure successful execution of NFL programming and the Detroit Lions Community Relations department objectives are met.

This is a full-time internship working approximately 40 hours per week, along with all home games and occasional weekends and holidays. The internship would begin in July 2025 and end January 2026. This position is based at Ford Field with occasional trips to the Detroit Lions Meijer Performance Center.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (including, but not limited to):
The Community Relations Intern position will have daily responsibilities including, without limitation, the following:

• Assist in the development and execution of Detroit Lions community programming including Training Camp, Crucial Catch, Salute to Service, Thanksgiving, Season of Sharing and other season-long initiatives
• Support outreach efforts to local communities, including developing materials, contacting organizations, and heling with engagement strategies
• Help manage the Community Relations social media presence, construct content for social media posts, and assist in the promotion of events
• Conduct research on community programs, track the impact of community initiatives, and provide reports to the Community Relations senior staff
• Aid in maintaining relationships with community organizations, sponsors, and partners
• Support the Community Relations team in working with Detroit Lions corporate partners to execute sponsored community programs. This may include coordinating partner activations, assisting with partnership deliverables, and ensuring that partners’ contributions are highlighted and aligned with the Detroit Lions community initiatives
• Work closely with the Detroit Lions Marketing, Corporate Communications, and Corporate Partnerships teams to ensure alignment in community relations and partnership activations
• Help plan, organize, and support Lions Foundation events that raise funds for the foundation or promote its charitable initiatives, such as fundraising events, community outreach events, and fundraising campaigns
• Assist the Foundation Program Officer with processing grant applications, tracking the impact of grants and community programs, monitoring the progress of funded programs, and ensuring compliance with the foundation’s guidelines
• Help with general administrative tasks, including responding the general inquiries through emails, letters, and phone calls, scheduling meetings, drafting correspondence, and maintaining databases
• Responsible for general correspondences with fans in response to inquiries regarding fan pack requests, birthday recognition, anniversary recognition, letters of encouragement, and letters of bereavement
• Manage all facets of the community donation program including responding to email inquires, reviewing/approving requests that align with organizational philanthropic mission, and item distribution
• Take part in handling administrative duties such as data entry, correspondence meeting facilitation, procurement and care of operational supplies, general communication with staff, processing invoices, assisting with event planning, tracking expenses, and other office and event responsibilities as necessary

NONESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, community partners, and corporate partners
• Assist with Player & Legend Relations game day activations and hospitality during home games and other team related events
• Create event outlines, timelines, layouts and other planning documents for events
• Assist with the Community Relations and Lions Foundation activations at all home games, including 50/50 raffle
• Will adjust work schedule to meet departmental demands, including being available to work a non-standard schedule in support of football operations, events, and other Community Relations activities, including holidays and weekends as needed.
• Will accept other responsibilities and duties required by the manager consistent with the objectives and essential functions of this position. Such responsibilities shall be incorporated into the position description if they are ongoing.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management, Marketing, Business, Communications, Hospitality or equivalent preferred
• Experience working with collegiate or professional athletes and/or in nonprofit community organization preferred
• Experience working in diverse environments with the ability to connect with individuals of all statures. Interact with employees, community partners, and club affiliates in a professional manner
• Experience in event management and/or hospitality preferred
• A valid Driver’s License and a good driving record
• Experience in event management and/or hospitality preferred.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and holidays required.
• Strong strategic thinker and problem solver with exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Flexible and able to contribute effectively as part of a professional team.
• Ability to work accurately, with interruptions, to meet aggressive deadlines and handle multiple priorities.
• Ability to exercise flexibility, initiative, good judgment and discretion
• Exemplary interpersonal, listening and facilitation skills.
• Excellent energy and enthusiasm, and passion for outreach and engagement.
• Self-motivated and committed to excellence.
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism while interacting with high-profile individuals and external partners.