Student Internship Information Athletics Marketing and Promotions The University of Alabama Thank you for your interest in the internship opportunities that we have available in the Alabama Athletics Marketing department! We are a dynamic and fasted-paced department, and interns are an integral part of our job as well as the fan experience at all Alabama Athletics events. The following pages contain a great deal of information on how our department functions as well as how you would fit into the bigger picture. Please review this information carefully as it will help you to understand what opportunities are available to you through our internship program. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Melanie Rodriguez at mrodriguez@ia.ua.edu or 205-348-2612. OUR DEPARTMENT The Athletics Marketing and Promotions department creates and executes marketing plans for 19 intercollegiate sports as well as department and university-wide initiatives. Our main areas of focus encompass: Advertising Billboards, posters, schedule cards, radio spots, newspaper ads, television ads, e-mails (TideMail), text messages, Rolltide.com Social Networking Facebook and Twitter Event Activities/Promotions o Sponsorship Fulfillment sponsor recognition, promotional items and contests o In-Game Execution Event staffing, promotion management o Scheduling, timing and scripting events o Audio and video coordination Trademark Licensing Ticket Promotions and Outbound Sales Crimson Tide Rewards Crimson Tide Limited Online merchandise, autographed memorabilia, etc. Big Al s Kids Club Crimson Chaos Outbound ticket sales
DEPARTMENT STAFF Brad Ledford, Assistant Athletics Director/Strategic Marketing 205-348-7731 bledford@ia.ua.edu Cole Price, Director of Trademark Licensing 205-348-9691 cprice@ia.ua.edu Jamaal Walton, Director of Marketing and Promotions 205-348-3561 jwalton@ia.ua.edu Krista Huffman, Assistant Director of Marketing and Promotions 205-348-7497 khuffman@ia.ua.edu Ryan Majercik, Assistant Director of Marketing and Promotions 205-348-6179 rmajercik@ia.ua.edu Janna Hughes, Assistant Director of Marketing and Promotion 205-348-4287 jhughes@ia.ua.edu Stevee Fisher, Outbound Sales Assistant 205-348-3592 sfisher@ia.ua.edu WHO WE WORK WITH We work closely with the following departments. Below is a snapshot description of how we partner with them. Crimson Tide Sports Marketing (CTSM) Holds the multimedia rights to and secures advertising opportunities and sponsorships for Alabama Athletics, including but not limited to radio, television, print, Internet, merchandise, videos, special projects, game promotions, sponsorships, signage and coaches endorsements. Our department implements sponsorships that CTSM acquires. Crimson Tide Productions (CTP) Creates graphics, publications, multimedia presentations, game day audio-video technology, and other miscellaneous graphic items as well as manages Rolltide.com. Our department requests designs or web updates through CTP. Event Management Provides game day logistics and event staff. Our department meets regularly with event management to ensure the success of sport-specific marketing efforts.
Facilities Operates the physical set-up of and access to our athletic buildings. Our department requests tables, key/card access, troubleshooting/repairs and other things from Facilities. Communications Controls the face of the Crimson Tide by writing content and coordinating media (both live coverage and interviews). Our department works with Communications to distribute marketing information and arrange other media activities. Centerplate Merchandise and food service provider for Crimson Tide sports. Our department coordinates concessions deals and vouchers and other hospitality needs with Centerplate. Ticket Office/TIDE PRIDE Manages the ticket sales and distribution process for all Crimson Tide ticketed sports. Our department meets weekly with the ticket office to create a unified system of promoting athletic events. Together, we set prices, run ticket promotions and carry out other programs and initiatives. Crimson Tide Foundation/Development Develops and implements giving opportunities and initiatives including scholarships, annual planned giving and special events. We work with Development to recognize donors and market giving opportunities. INTERNSHIP PROGRAM OVERVIEW Interning in the Athletic Marketing department provides a great opportunity for students to receive hands on experience in an intercollegiate athletics department. Student interns help to plan and execute marketing efforts across all intercollegiate sports, power our ticket sales initiatives, run our Crimson Tide Rewards program and take on additional projects and events as needed. Interns will be cross-trained in all aspects of our program, providing a wide range of knowledge and experiences from sales to customer service to promotion management. Below are the different opportunities available to you as a potential intern in our department. All internships are unpaid, volunteer opportunities. You may have the opportunity to earn course credit through your internship.
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY: EVENTS Event interns will assist in the game day operations of the marketing department, with strong focus on the Crimson Tide Rewards Program. A large percentage of time worked is spent implementing this program. More information about Crimson Tide Rewards can be found at CrimsonRewards.com. Interns will work athletic events with outside events as necessary. Interns must be able to work both independently and as part of a team. Punctuality, excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment are expected. Interns will present themselves as representatives of the Alabama Athletics department, adhering to dress code and etiquette restrictions. Interns must be able to lift at least 25lbs. Events interns are expected to staff all assigned events including mandatory events. Responsibilities: Be the expert on all things Crimson Tide Rewards. As such, you will implement the Crimson Tide Rewards program at athletic events across all sports. o Advertising and creating buzz for the Rewards program o Creating an attractive concourse/lobby display at all events o Recruiting fans to join the program o Interacting with program members to scan cards o Providing impeccable customer service to current and potential members, answering any questions they may have Generate energy pre-game, time-outs, halftime, or other breaks in action. o Set up, select participants, and carry out pre- and in-game promotions Play a vital role in fan entertainment o Control spotlights, props, microphones, etc. o Distribute t-shirts and other giveaways in a variety of ways o Supervise post-game autograph sessions Recruit students to become members of Crimson Chaos in conjunction with Crimson Chaos leaders Organize and execute plans for giveaways, promotional items and marketing materials as necessary
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY: MARKETING Marketing interns will assist in the advertising and community involvement efforts of our department. Interns will work non-traditional hours, going to events and activities on campus and in the Tuscaloosa area to promote Alabama Athletics. Marketing interns are ambassadors who will not hesitate to share their passion for the Crimson Tide. Interns will work office hours and athletic events. Interns must be able to work both independently and as part of a team. Punctuality, excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment are expected. Interns will present themselves as representatives of the Alabama Athletics department, adhering to dress code and etiquette restrictions. Interns must be able to lift at least 25lbs. Marketing interns are expected to staff all assigned events including mandatory events. Responsibilities: Create and implement new and innovative branding opportunities for the Crimson Tide Advertising and creating buzz on campus about current and upcoming events o Write on boards in classrooms on the day of an event to increase awareness o Create advertisements for the Crimson White o Design slideshows for various buildings o Design flyers o Chalk the quad Distribute marketing materials around campus, Tuscaloosa and Northport Organize and execute plans for game day promotions/marketing o In-game promotions o Halftime o Pre-game/post-game activities Assist with promotions and help increase membership for Big Al s Kids Club and Crimson Chaos Act as a liaison for Alabama Athletics at community and campus events to promote athletic contests and department programs and initiatives Conduct brief surveys at athletic events to gauge fan interest and satisfaction Organize and execute plans for giveaways, promotional items and marketing materials as necessary
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY: OUTBOUND TICKET SALES The Outbound Ticket Sales Internship will provide students valuable sales and marketing skills in college athletics. Interns will work ten hours per week in the outbound sales office, which is housed in Coleman Coliseum. The outbound sales team is charged with making targeted phone calls to prospective ticket purchasers for all seven ticketed sports (football, volleyball, men s basketball, women s basketball, gymnastics, baseball, softball). Interns are expected to make 20 calls per hour to solicit season tickets, mini-plans, group tickets, birthday parties and single game tickets. In addition to office hours, interns are expected to work 5-7 events per semester. These events serve to build relationships with the community and to gather new sales leads. They include Alabama athletic events, youth sports tournaments, networking luncheons, etc. Interns will also be asked to assist the marketing department at various events and with miscellaneous projects. Students must be able to work both independently and as part of a team. Punctuality, excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment are expected. Interns will present themselves as representatives of the Alabama Athletics department, adhering to dress code and etiquette requirements. Interns must be able to lift at least 25lbs. Responsibilities: Execute phone and email campaigns to sell a variety of ticket packages for seven ticketed University of Alabama sports Establish and cultivate relationships with area businesses, organizations and individuals Attend assigned athletic and community events to communicate ticket packages to prospective buyers and to gather new sales leads Update and clean the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database as needed Research and recommend new promotional ideas that will enhance ticket sales Identify local community organizations to contact regarding season and group ticket offers Contribute to the sales and fulfillment of the Birthdays with the Tide program Assist the marketing department with athletic events and miscellaneous projects as needed
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY: GRAPHIC DESIGN The graphic design intern will work closely with the Marketing department to create a wide range of print graphics including but not limited to: flyers, print ads, billboards, digital material such as Facebook and TideMail graphics and other collateral assigned by the Assistant Director of Marketing. Desired Experience: Candidate must have a background in graphic design, with knowledge of Adobe Creative Suites including: Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator. The candidate must be able to handle multiple projects under flexibility and extreme deadlines. Strong understanding of the printing process and a creative eye is a plus. Ability to think on your own and come up with original designs is strongly preferred. All applicants must send a cover letter, resume and three PDF or JPEG documents of your work or designs. Optional Documents: Contact information for two references Submit an original design of a graphic promoting the A-Day Spring Football game. o Graphic can be any type and any size o Must use Photoshop, Illustrator or InDesign on the creation o It is OKAY to use images you find on our website and through Google Please send all materials to mrodriguez@ia.ua.edu
MANDATORY EVENTS FOR ALL INTERNS There are a few times throughout the year when our department operates in an all hands on deck capacity. If selected for any of our internship opportunities, you would be required to be available for the following events: Minimum of 2 Football Game Days (Fall) Fan Day (August) A-Day (April) Big Al s Kids Club Stadium Tour (November) Christmas break (events as assigned) Spring break (events as assigned) CONFIDENTIALITY Working in the Alabama Athletics Department gives you access to confidential or private information. If selected as an intern, you are expected to adhere to the university s confidentiality standards and will be required to sign an agreement to that effect. You are not to talk about anything you hear in the office, at events, or within the athletic department. If it has not been announced on rolltide.com, it is not suitable for public knowledge.