Sports Management Intern

YMCA of South Hampton Roads; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

The YMCA of South Hampton Roads is offering a paid Sports Management Internship in Virginia Beach. The intern will support youth and adult sports programs, contribute to projects that strengthen coach and parent communication, and help improve staff training and program quality.

Working with sports leadership, you will gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills, and contribute to meaningful improvements in community sports programming.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a college or university, preferably studying sports management, recreation, business, marketing, or a related field.
• Interest in youth and adult sports programming and community recreation.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate with coaches, staff, participants, and families.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of communication tools and processes that strengthen engagement with coaches and parents.
• Assist with evaluating and improving training materials, orientation resources, and staff development opportunities.
• Gather feedback, assess current practices, and recommend improvements to enhance participant and family experience.
• Research, help develop, and promote adult sports programs to expand participation and community engagement.

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Currently enrolled in college/university (sports management, recreation, business, marketing or related field)

Job description

Description

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life through our culture. At the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.

We are welcoming: we are open to all and create spaces where people can belong and become.

We are genuine: we value people and embrace individuality.

We are hopeful: we believe in the potential of people to grow, lead and become catalysts for change.

We are nurturing: we support individuals throughout their journey to reach their full potential.

We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with our people.

Our culture is not a People & Culture initiative; it is how we lead, serve, develop talent, make decisions and deliver on the YMCA's mission.

ABOUT OUR INTERNSHIP:

The Sports Management Intern will gain hands‑on experience supporting youth and adult sports programs at the YMCA of South Hampton Roads. Working alongside sports leadership, the intern will contribute to projects focused on strengthening coach and parent communication, improving coach and staff training, enhancing program quality, and expanding adult sports opportunities.

This paid internship provides an opportunity to apply academic knowledge, develop professional skills, and contribute to meaningful improvements in community sports programming.

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN:

• Practical experience in sports management, program development, and operations.
• Exposure to coach development, parent engagement, and program quality improvement.
• Experience supporting the planning and promotion of youth and adult sports programs.
• Opportunities to apply communication, marketing, and project management skills.
• Professional mentorship and collaboration with YMCA sports leadership.

KEY PROJECTS AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Coach & Parent Communication: Support the development of communication tools and processes that strengthen engagement, clarity, and consistency.
• Coach & Staff Training: Assist with evaluating and improving training materials, orientation resources, and staff development opportunities.
• Program Quality: Gather feedback, assess current practices, and recommend improvements to enhance the participant and family experience.
• Adult Sports Development: Research, help develop, and promote adult sports programs to expand participation and community engagement.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently enrolled in a college or university, preferably studying sports management, recreation, business, marketing, or a related field.
• Interest in youth and adult sports programming and community recreation.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate with coaches, staff, participants, and families.
• Self‑motivated, dependable, and eager to learn.
• Ability to manage assigned projects and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to YMCA values, safety standards, and positive participant experiences.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position operates in an active, community‑based environment and requires regular physical interaction with children, families, team members, and other stakeholders. The role requires the ability to walk, run, stand, climb, kneel, sit on the floor and return to a standing position, stoop, and jump. The employee must be able to lift and pull up to 50 pounds and may be required to stand or sit for extended periods.

The position requires continuous attention to detail, effective multitasking, and the ability to respond appropriately in an active and changing environment. The employee must be physically able to successfully complete all required certifications and perform the essential duties, as applicable.

The YMCA of South Hampton Roads provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position, consistent with applicable law.

COMPENSATION:

Wage Rate: $15.00 hourly

The wage rate provided reflects the YMCA of South Hampton Roads' good-faith determination of the starting hourly rate for this position.

Note: This is a paid, temporary internship with the YMCA of South Hampton Roads. The intern will be compensated for all hours worked in accordance with applicable wage and hour requirements. Academic credit may be available subject to the requirements of the student's educational institution. Participation in the internship does not guarantee continued employment beyond the internship period.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT & SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:

To ensure the safety of the children, families, and communities we serve, all YMCA interns are required to successfully complete applicable pre‑employment screenings. These may include a criminal background check, CPS check, sex offender registry check, drug/alcohol screening, and/or driver's license record check if driving is required.

Participation in the internship is contingent upon successfully meeting these requirements and maintaining compliance with YMCA policies and safety standards throughout the internship.