Mascot & Entertainment Manager

Richmond, VA, USA|

Job Overview

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Professional development opportunities

flexible schedule

Job Description

The Richmond Flying Squirrels are the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, a highly recognized and beloved minor league baseball team based in Central Virginia. Since their establishment in 2010, the Flying Squirrels have become a cornerstone of the local community and sports culture, widely known for their commitment to fan engagement, community outreach, and memorable in-game entertainment. The organization operates with three core principles: be different, be impactful, and have fun, which permeate every aspect of their operations and fan interaction. Each year, the Richmond Flying Squirrels organization connects with more than 10,000 students through educational programs and makes over 400 appearances in the community. These efforts reflect their dedication to fostering a positive influence beyond the baseball diamond, including renovating numerous youth baseball and softball fields throughout the city and providing scholarships via their nonprofit arm, Flying Squirrels Charities. Their consistent high attendance rates have placed them at the forefront of minor league baseball, leading all 30 Double-A teams in total and average attendance over the past four seasons.

The role of Mascot & Entertainment Manager is a pivotal part of the Flying Squirrels' Fan Experience and Community Outreach department. This position calls for a dynamic and enthusiastic individual capable of juggling multiple responsibilities related to entertainment and fan engagement. The Mascot & Entertainment Manager serves as the primary performer of the team’s beloved mascot, Nutzy, at home games, public events, and community appearances, often performing in costume for approximately 70 percent of home games and half of all appearances. Beyond performance, the individual will lead and oversee the Mascot & Entertainment Coordinator and part-time staff including mascots and handlers, managing their hiring, scheduling, training, and performance execution to ensure a high standard of fan interaction and entertainment throughout the season.

This leadership role also encompasses managing the mascot program’s budget, handling all logistics related to mascot appearances such as coordinating requests, scheduling, payments, and tracking, and developing innovative mascot-focused programming designed to bolster brand visibility and engagement. Additionally, the manager will support the “Go Nuts for Reading” program by planning events and attending school assemblies in mascot character or as a host, actively contributing to educational outreach. Creation and implementation of entertaining skits, social media content, and props are also key aspects, requiring creativity and collaboration with the Promotions and Marketing departments to integrate mascots into broader promotional campaigns. The position demands physical stamina and flexibility, with a requirement to work extended hours including nights, weekends, holidays, and all home games. This opportunity is perfect for someone with a passion for sports, community involvement, and event entertainment who is ready to make a significant impact in a vibrant, fast-paced environment. As an equal opportunity employer, the Richmond Flying Squirrels welcome applicants from all backgrounds to contribute to their continued success and community presence.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Minimum of one year experience in sports or entertainment industry preferred
Ability to perform in a mascot costume for extended periods
Demonstrated experience in team leadership or supervisory role preferred
Ability to work extended hours including nights, weekends, holidays
Strong communication skills
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds safely
Ability to manage budgets and coordinate logistics
Physical stamina for frequent standing, walking, climbing stairs
Must be able to work in environments with elevated noise levels and varying weather conditions

Job Qualifications

Demonstrated enthusiasm, energy, and a positive, team-oriented attitude
Previous supervisory or management experience preferred
Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with clients by providing exceptional customer service
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with a strong commitment to delivering exceptional customer service
Proven work ethic and a genuine passion for community engagement, fan interaction, and the promotional side of the sports and entertainment industry
Willingness and flexibility to work extended hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and all 70 Flying Squirrels home games
Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
Minimum of one year of experience in the sports or entertainment industry is preferred
Ability to safely lift items weighing up to 50 pounds

Job Duties

Perform as the team’s primary mascot, Nutzy, for home games, appearances and events
Oversee the Mascot & Entertainment Coordinator position
Oversee part-time employee staff for mascots and handlers including their hiring, scheduling, training and utilizing them in-costume for remainder percentage of games, events and appearances
Manage department budget including planning, forecasting, revenue and expenses
Coordinate all requests, scheduling, communications, payments, tracking and fulfillment of mascot appearances
Develop and take ownership of all mascot-focused programming that effectively grows Nutzy, Nutasha and the Flying Squirrels brands while meeting established business objectives
Assist in the Go Nuts for Reading Program with planning the program details and attending assemblies at schools as a mascot performer and/or performing as the assembly host
Create and implement skits, social content, props and routines to entertain fans and work closely with Mascot and Entertainment Coordinator to ensure implementation is successful
Proactively seek appearance opportunities and maintain & grow our community outreach efforts
Oversee the maintenance and care for all mascot costumes as well as props and equipment
Collaborate with promotions department for ideation, project management and execution for in-game promotions, entertainment and other characters
Collaborate with marketing department to incorporate mascots into our social media, advertising and promotional campaigns
Other duties as assigned by department directors