Larry Doby Youth Baseball/Softball Internship

Our teammates are at the core of what we believe in: People, Collaboration, Learning, and Excellence (PeopleCLE). We look to hire individuals who are committed to our purpose of uniting and inspiring our city through the power of team. Our mission is to win the World Series while creating a compelling fan experience. If you believe you possess these important traits, please consider a career with the Cleveland Guardians.

PRIMARY PURPOSE: Support the Cleveland Guardians’ mission to provide impactful youth baseball and softball opportunities across Northeast Ohio. Assist in executing community programs and events focused on skill development, positive character traits, and fostering a love for the game. Working with Cleveland Guardians Charities (CGC), the Community Impact (CI) department, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) team, you’ll engage local youth, coaches, and families while promoting inclusive, high quality programming. Key responsibilities include coordinating events, supporting community outreach, assisting with DEI initiatives, creating social media content, and providing administrative support. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the Guardians' community efforts and help develop a pipeline of future leaders embracing the Spirit of Larry Doby.

The expectation of this seasonal internship is approximately 40 hours/week beginning in May 2025 through August 2025. 

YOUTH BASEBALL & SOFTBALL PROGRAMMING INFORMATION:

The Cleveland Guardians are committed to providing youth baseball and softball opportunities to our community in Northeast Ohio. With a devoted focus on preparing players, parents, and coaches with the highest quality programming, resources, and training, our programs are focused on developing fundamental skills and basic knowledge of the game with an emphasis on positive character traits and strengthening the love for the game.

Throughout this internship, you’ll have the unique chance to interact with business leaders across various domains, ensuring a well-rounded professional experience. We value your interests and will work with you to explore specific business areas that align with your learning goals.

The primary scope of work will be closely aligned with strategic priorities for youth baseball and softball programs, emphasizing the following goals: 1) Enhance the quality of coaching throughout Northeast Ohio, 2) Provide earlier exposure and increased access to the game of baseball, 3) Elevate baseball IQ and nurture talent among athletes in the City of Cleveland, 4) Deliver top-tier baseball and softball instruction, and 5) Drive social impact through initiatives focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

On July 5, 1947, Larry Doby made his Major League debut with Cleveland and broke the color barrier in the American League. Doby’s presence in the lineup made history in baseball and was instrumental in Cleveland’s 1948 World Series title. In the Majors, Doby was a seven-time All-Star and two-time AL home run leader. We honor Larry’s legacy as one of baseball’s pioneers through this internship program.

To learn more about specific youth baseball and softball programs please visit: www.cleguardians.com/youthbaseball

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

• Assist in the planning and execution of youth-focused community programs and events in collaboration with CGC, CI, and DEI.
• Manage assigned event logistics, including scheduling, volunteer management, and on-site event support related to Cleveland Guardians youth-focused community programs.
• Conduct weekly visits to various Guardians Youth Summer Camp locations across Northeast Ohio, assisting Guardians active roster players and alumni during camp appearances.
• Provide weekly support to Guardians Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) baseball and softball coaches and players through site visits and program engagement.
• Attend weekly Play Ball! CLE league games and events across Northeast Ohio to offer support and engage with participants.
• Participate in local community festivals and events within the Guardians' footprint, representing the organization and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives through active engagement and outreach.
• Build and maintain relationships with local schools, youth organizations, and community/corporate partners to ensure successful program execution and outreach.
• Support the implementation of DEI strategies, focusing on initiatives such as Community Celebrations which aim to expand access and engagement.
• Capture and create engaging photos, videos, and content from events and programs to share across @CLEinspires social media channels.
• Provide general administrative assistance to the CGC, CI, and DEI teams, including documentation, communication with partners, and other tasks as needed.
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be a current post-secondary student in process of schooling or recent graduate
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to community engagement, youth development, and the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Capable of managing multiple tasks, keeping track of deadlines, and supporting event coordination.
• Maintains professionalism and a positive demeanor in interactions with program participants, partners, and colleagues.
• Excels in collaborative environments and is receptive to mentorship and insights from seasoned professionals.
• Candidates with a background in playing or coaching baseball or softball at the high school or college level will find their experience beneficial for this role.
• Previous participation in or benefactor of programs offered by Cleveland Guardians Charities (CGC), Community Impact (CI), or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs preferred, but not required.

JOB SKILLS:

• Coachability, openness to feedback, eagerness to learn, and dedication to continuous improvement.
• Robust communication skills with the capability to deliver clear, tailored messages that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences and ability to build relations with diverse groups of people with ease.
• Willingness to take on new opportunities and challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage time and resources to complete tasks efficiently.
• Ability to analyze information objectively, maintain perspective, and showcase a logical approach to problem-solving.
• Capacity to adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
• Growth mindset showcasing personal abilities to improve through effort, learning, and persistence.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be available to start in May 2025 and continue through August 2025.
• Ability to work extended hours, days, and holidays as determined by Cleveland Guardians events calendar.

ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Reads, speaks, comprehends, and communicates English effectively
• Represents the Cleveland Guardians in a positive fashion to all business partners and the general public.
• Ability to develop and maintain successful working relationship with members of the Front Office.
• Ability to act according to the organizational values and service excellence at all times.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with diverse populations and contributing to an inclusive working environment.
• Ability to walk, sit or stand for an entire shift.
• Ability to work extended days and hours, including holidays and weekends.
• Ability to move throughout all areas and levels of the Ballpark.
• Ability to work in a complex and changing environment.
• Occasional physical activity such as lifting and carrying boxes up to 50 lbs.

The Cleveland Guardians are committed to developing and maintaining an environment that embraces all forms of diversity to enrich our core values, enhance our competitive position, strengthen our impact within our community, and foster a greater sense of belonging for our employees.

In this spirit, we know studies have shown that people from historically underserved groups - including women and people of color - are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and understand that the candidate may bring certain skills and experiences to the role that are not listed in our job description, but that would add tremendous value to our organization. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.