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Marketing & Communications Intern

Detroit Sports Commission
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The Detroit Sports Commission (DSC) is seeking a motivated, creative, and detail-oriented Marketing & Communications Intern for the Spring and Summer 2026 internship cycle, with an emphasis on Summer 2026. This paid internship offers hands-on experience in sports marketing, communications, public relations, and digital storytelling while supporting a diverse portfolio of amateur and professional sporting events in Metro Detroit.

As a non-profit subsidiary of Visit Detroit, the Detroit Sports Commission works to attract, manage, and promote sporting events that create economic impact and meaningful community engagement. DSC partners with organizations such as the NCAA, AAU, USSSA, MHSAA, and USA Olympic sports to position Detroit as a premier sports destination.

This internship is ideal for college juniors or seniors pursuing degrees in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, or related fields who are interested in gaining real-world experience and building a professional portfolio.

 

INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Dates: May – August 2026 (Spring availability preferred; Summer required)

Location: Detroit, MI, and surrounding area (in-office and on-site event support)

Hours: Students are expected to work 15–20 hours per week from April through August. During event periods, hours may exceed 40 hours in one week and may include nights, weekends, and holidays, including Labor Day weekend. A work schedule will be established at the beginning of the internship.

Position Type: Paid Internship

 

EVENTS & INITIATIVES

The Marketing & Communications Intern will support DSC’s marketing and storytelling efforts across a variety of events and initiatives, including but not limited to:

  • Amazon Prep Kickoff Classic – High School Visits (May)
  • 2026 Can-Am Classic (Volleyball) – May 2–3
  • I Ran the D 5K (Running) – May 9
  • 6th Annual Detroit Sports Commission Golf Classic – June 8
  • Rocket Classic – July/August
  • National Veteran Wheelchair Games – July 9-14
  • Pro Pickleball Tour (Pickleball) – August
  • Pro Disc Golf Championship (Disc Golf) – August
  • 2026 Amazon Prep Kickoff Classic (Football) – August 27–28
  • 2027 NCAA Men’s Final Four Planning (Basketball)

 

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Marketing & Communications Intern will support the Detroit Sports Commission’s storytelling, content creation, and digital engagement efforts across a wide range of hosted sporting events. This role is highly hands-on and ideal for a student interested in public relations, marketing, social media, and content creation. The intern will attend DSC-hosted events to capture photo and video content, assist with social media coverage, develop written stories for digital platforms, and support marketing meetings and planning efforts. Events serve as the foundation for showcasing Detroit as a premier sports destination and highlighting the community impact of sports.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Content Creation & Communications

  • Write and edit a variety of content, including social media posts, press releases, media advisories, articles, website stories, newsletters, marketing materials, and event scripts
  • Develop event previews, recaps, blog posts, and community-focused stories
  • Assist with photography and videography at events, including short-form video content for digital platforms
  • Support storytelling initiatives that highlight DSC events, community impact, and sponsor/partner recognition

Event Coverage

  • Attend DSC-hosted sporting events to capture photos, videos, and behind-the-scenes content for social media and the DSC content archive
  • Support live, day-of coverage and content creation for events

Social Media & Digital Marketing

  • Manage day-to-day DSC social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn)
  • Create, schedule, and publish engaging content aligned with DSC’s brand voice and event audiences
  • Take ownership of APKC social channels during the internship, including attending high school visits, posting media day recaps, and supporting live coverage
  • Contribute to content planning, brainstorming, and audience engagement monitoring

Public Relations & Media Support

  • Assist with press releases, media advisories, media pitches, and other communications materials
  • Support on-site media efforts and track post-event coverage

Design, Branding & Website

  • Assist with the design of marketing materials and ensure brand consistency across digital and print assets
  • Support website updates, blog uploads, and other digital storytelling initiatives

Marketing Team Support

  • Attend weekly marketing meetings and assist with note-taking and organization
  • Support marketing initiatives, sponsor/partner recognition efforts, and day-to-day operations of the Marketing & Communications team

 

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Interns will gain hands-on experience in:

  • Sports marketing and event promotion
  • Public relations and media relations
  • Social media strategy and content creation
  • Digital storytelling and brand management
  • Professional collaboration in a fast-paced, event-driven environment

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Currently enrolled college junior or senior pursuing a degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field, and eligible to receive college credit
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with team members, partners, and event participants
  • Familiarity with major social media platforms (Instagram, X, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok) and basic experience with content creation tools (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar)
  • Strong computer skills with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)
  • Valid Michigan driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record
  • High level of organization, initiative, attention to detail, and professional integrity

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Previous work experience in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field
  • Experience managing or contributing to social media accounts, including creating content
  • Photography and/or videography experience strongly preferred
  • Basic video editing experience (Adobe Premiere, CapCut, Final Cut, or similar)
  • Graphic design experience is a plus, but not required
  • Strong interest in sports, storytelling, and community-focused content
  • Familiarity with analytics, social media, and traditional media tracking tools

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Combination of office and on-site event work, including prolonged use of computers and occasional outdoor work in varying weather conditions
  • Extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, and occasional bending, stooping, lifting, and carrying materials up to 50 lbs.
  • Willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed