2026-27 Internship Opportunities

Athlete Institute is Canada’s premier destination for high-performance sport, combining elite athletic development with a vibrant and innovative environment. As an intern, you'll gain hands-on experience alongside industry leaders in basketball operations, event management, marketing, and facility operations—all while contributing to a nationally recognized brand with a global footprint. It’s a dynamic opportunity to learn, grow, and make an impact in a fast-paced, purpose-driven sports organization. 

All positions can be year round or per semester and a stipend to ensure local travel can be accommodated. If you are travelling from further away room & board may be offered to candidates as well. Please see opportunities below and apply accordingly at the link.  

https://secure.collage.co/jobs/athleteinstitute/63589

Available Positions 

1.  Basketball Operations Intern 

2.  Event & Program Operations Intern 

3.  Graphic Design & Social Media Intern 

4.  Photography & Social Media Intern 

5.  Video Production Intern 

6. Sales Intern

Compensation 

All internship roles offer a monthly honourarium based on days per week of engagement, plus on-campus housing for the duration of the placement is available. 

Basketball Operations Intern

Position Summary

The Basketball Operations Intern supports Orangeville Prep’s administrative and technical staff across logistics, athlete services, and program compliance. You will be embedded in a high-performance environment where elite basketball meets rigorous organizational standards, managing the details that allow coaches and athletes to focus on performance.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives both courtside and in spreadsheets, and who wants direct exposure to the day-to-day mechanics of a nationally recognized basketball program.

Key Responsibilities

Communication

• Coordinate regular, professional communication with parents, athletes, and coaching staff
• Manage correspondence channels and ensure timely responses to inquiries
• Draft and distribute program updates, schedules, and announcements

Game Operations

• Assist with game day set-up, including court preparation, equipment staging, and bench organization
• Support ticketing, merchandise sales, and front-of-house operations on game nights
• Contribute to real-time social media coverage and in-arena promotional activities during events

Team Travel

• Coordinate hotel blocks, ground transportation, and bus bookings for team travel
• Prepare per diem sheets, travel itineraries, and logistics documentation for road trips
• Serve as a point of contact for travel vendors and resolve day-of issues as they arise

Compliance & Paperwork

• Track and maintain academic eligibility records, athlete waivers, and required program paperwork
• Build and maintain compliance checklists to ensure all athletes meet program and league requirements
• Flag outstanding documentation and follow up with athletes, coaches, and families as needed

Player Services & Recruitment Support

• Assist with residence tours and onboarding for incoming athletes
• Manage uniform distribution, equipment requests, and day-to-day athlete inquiries
• Support recruitment activities including prospect communication and campus visit coordination

Statistics & Data Management

• Tracking and centralizing player stats across all games to support coaching and recruitment
• Compiling data specifically for storytelling and recruitment materials
• Maintaining and updating alumni records, documenting where former athletes have gone (college, pro, national teams)
• Surfacing alumni milestones that strengthen the recruiting narrative

Sales & Revenue Support

• Ticket sales outreach to families, community contacts, and program stakeholders
• Merchandise sales support on game days including inventory and point-of-sale
• Sponsorship and partnership fulfillment support

Qualifications & Experience

• Current enrollment in or recent graduation from a Sport Management, Kinesiology, or related program
• Proficiency with Excel and/or Google Sheets; experience with CRM platforms or Teamworks is a strong asset
• Demonstrated organizational ability with a track record of managing multiple competing priorities
• Prior experience in a basketball or multi-sport program environment is an asset
• Ability to lift 40 lbs and work evenings and weekends as required by the program schedule

Skills & Competencies

• Detail-oriented multitasker who remains composed under the pressure of live game environments
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a professional, service-oriented approach
• Comfortable navigating both administrative systems and the fast-paced energy of courtside operations
• Proactive problem-solver who anticipates needs rather than waiting to be directed
• Genuine passion for basketball, athlete development, and high-performance program culture

Event & Program Operations Intern

Position Summary

The Event & Program Operations Intern plays a dual role across Athlete Institute's programming and events portfolio. The majority of your time will be spent supporting the day-to-day delivery of sports programming, including adult and youth leagues, camps, and clinics, while a meaningful portion is dedicated to executing high-profile events including All Canadian Basketball Games, Blue Arrow Classic, Dufferin Cup, OP Golf Classic.

The split between these two focus areas shifts across the term. Fall is heavily weighted toward program operations as the league season gets underway, with event responsibilities increasing as flagship events approach. This is a role for someone who thrives on variety and is equally comfortable managing registration logistics, coordinating vendors, and providing front-line participant support.

Key Responsibilities

Program Operations

Administration & Coordination

• Support registration processes, data entry, and participant communication across all active programs
• Maintain organized program records, rosters, and documentation
• Respond to participant and parent inquiries professionally and promptly

Program Planning & Logistics

• Assist in building schedules, staffing plans, and operational materials for leagues, camps, and clinics
• Coordinate with coaches, officials, and facility staff to ensure programs are resourced and ready
• Prepare briefing documents and run-of-day guides for program staff

On-Site Program Execution

• Manage participant check-in, equipment setup, and space coordination during live sessions
• Coordinate coaches, officials, and volunteers throughout program delivery
• Troubleshoot issues in real time to maintain a smooth participant experience

Participant Experience

• Serve as front-line support for athletes, parents, and coaches across all programs
• Maintain a welcoming, organized, and brand-consistent environment in every programming space

Marketing & Promotions

• Support social media presence and content capture at programs to drive engagement and registrations
• Assist with promotional materials, announcements, and digital communications

Post-Program Analysis

• Collect participant feedback and maintain data tracking across programs
• Support reporting on registration trends, satisfaction scores, and program performance metrics

Event Operations

Pre-Event Planning

• Build run-of-show documents, floor plans, signage lists, and volunteer schedules for assigned events
• Contribute to planning for the All-Canadian Basketball Game (ACBG) and Blue Arrow Classic
• Manage pre-event timelines and flag risks with sufficient lead time for resolution

Vendor Liaison

• Confirm and coordinate with AV, catering, security, and merchandise partners
• Track vendor contracts, invoices, and deliverable timelines across active events

On-Site Event Management

• Oversee registration, coordinate officials, and manage back-of-house logistics
• Troubleshoot live event issues calmly and without escalating disruption to guests

Post-Event Analysis & Facility Standards

• Collect feedback surveys, reconcile event budgets, and draft debrief reports
• Maintain clean, branded, and guest-ready environments across all event and program spaces

Qualifications & Experience

• Current enrollment in or recent graduation from Event Management, Hospitality, Sport Administration, or a related program
• Demonstrated organizational ability with experience managing multiple timelines simultaneously
• Prior experience in sport, recreation, or events environments is a strong asset
• Comfortable with digital tools for scheduling, communication, and data tracking

Skills & Competencies

• Confident, professional communicator who stays composed under pressure
• Strong organizational instincts with a disciplined approach to follow-through
• Adaptable and energetic — able to shift between detailed planning and live operational demands
• Participant-first mindset with a natural ability to create positive, organized experiences
• Comfortable with weekend and long-day shifts typical of live sport and event programming

Graphic Design & Social Media Intern - 8 Month Internship

*Please include a portfolio of personal or previous work with your application.

Position Summary

The Graphic Design & Social Media Intern is responsible for two interconnected pillars of the content operation. On the design side, you are producing the visual assets that represent Athlete Institute across every platform every day — from game-night graphics and player announcements to event branding and sponsorship materials. On the social side, you are the person keeping the accounts alive — managing daily presence, running live story coverage on game days, driving community engagement, and ensuring every account feels active and human.

Design is the primary focus of this role. Social media management is the supporting responsibility that ensures the work you create reaches the audience it was made for. Both matter — and the right person for this role understands how they connect.

Key Responsibilities

Brand Graphic Production

• Design and deliver Player of the Game, roster reveals, athlete announcements, and score graphics for every home game — same night
• Produce event promotion graphics for Blue Arrow Classic, All Canadian Games, media days, and program announcements
• Create social media graphics for all active Athlete Institute brand accounts — sized and optimized for each platform
• Design Athlete Institute program materials — league graphics, clinic promotions, camp announcements, and registration assets
• Support sponsorship decks, media packages, and partner-facing materials that present the organization professionally to potential sponsors and partners

Live Game Day & Story Coverage

• Own Instagram Story coverage on game days across Orangeville Prep National, OP Women's Basketball, and OP Varsity — posting throughout the day from build-up through final buzzer
• Capture and post crowd energy, arena atmosphere, scores at each quarter, highlights, and key moments in real time
• React immediately to big moments — post quick-turnaround stories or clips as events unfold, using iPhone or camera depending on what the moment calls for
• Keep non-game day story presence active — reposting athlete content, running polls, rankings, and engagement-driven story formats to maintain a daily presence

Community Management & Engagement

• Perform daily checks across all assigned accounts — monitor DMs, comments, and mentions, and respond consistently
• Build genuine relationships with athletes, parents, fans, and the broader basketball community through proactive, human engagement
• Maintain a consistent brand voice across all community interactions — warm, confident, and on-brand
• Monitor account performance and flag engagement trends, content opportunities, and scheduling gaps to the Head of Content

Template & Brand System Development

• Build and maintain a comprehensive graphic template system across all brands — ensuring speed, consistency, and scalability
• Work closely with the Head of Content and Creative Director to ensure all design output aligns with brand guidelines and the annual visual plan
• Continuously improve templates based on performance data and creative direction from the Head of Content
• Organize and maintain a structured design asset library accessible to the full team

Social Media Support & Scheduling

• Support daily posting and scheduling across Orangeville Prep National and Athlete Institute — ensuring a consistent, active presence on the accounts that require daily attention
• Manage content cadence for ACG and Blue Arrow Classic around key event moments and campaign windows
• Coordinate with the Photography & Social Media Intern to ensure designed assets are delivered on time and ready to publish

Collaboration & Creative Contribution

• Work alongside the Video Production and Photography interns to ensure visual consistency across all content formats
• Contribute design ideas and creative perspectives to content planning — this is a creative role, not just execution
• Bring forward design trends and references from the broader sports creative landscape that can elevate the brand's visual presence

Qualifications & Experience

• Current enrollment in or recent graduation from a graphic design, visual communications, or related program is an asset
• Demonstrated portfolio showing strong graphic design work, specifically in social media graphics, brand assets, or sports design
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with advanced experience in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop
• Proven experience managing social media accounts or executing live story coverage for a brand or organization is an asset
• Familiarity with Swiss Style Design principles (grid systems, typographic hierarchy) is preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Strong design instinct with a sharp eye for typography, layout, color, and premium brand aesthetics
• Highly organized and disciplined, with the ability to maintain rigorous brand standards under tight game-night deadlines
• Deep cultural and functional understanding of social media platform mechanics, audience expectations, and community management
• Flexibility and willingness to work non-traditional hours, including late nights and weekends, in alignment with the overall programming schedule
• Adaptable and high-energy leader capable of transitioning from polished design work to fast-paced live event coverage
• Genuine passion for basketball, sports culture, and organizational mission

Photography & Social Media Intern - 8 Month Internship

* Please include a portfolio of personal or previous work with your application.

 Position Summary

The Photography & Social Media Intern is a creative and community-focused role responsible for executing two interconnected pillars of the content operation across a multi-entity high-performance sports and education ecosystem. Photography serves as the visual engine of the role, while real-time social media management and proactive community building serve as the mechanism to drive brand culture, fan engagement, and platform growth.

This role works closely with the production team, including the Video Production Intern, Graphic Design Intern, and Creative Director, to maintain a consistent daily digital presence, deliver premium game-day imagery, and act as the authentic daily voice of the organization. The intern will ensure rapid photo turnaround, high-impact storytelling, and meaningful audience interactions suitable for a fast-paced, elite athletic brand.

Key Responsibilities

Game Day Photography & Delivery

• Shoot stills at all home games, tournaments, and major events alongside the Head of Content
• Capture athlete action, emotion, culture, and environment — not just the highlight moments
• Deliver a curated, edited photo carousel same-day or next-day for immediate social use across Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter
• Get the game photo into the Player of the Game graphic template the same night — coordinating directly with the Graphic Design & Social Intern for fast turnaround
• React immediately to big moments — post quick-turnaround content as events unfold, using iPhone or camera depending on what the moment calls for
• Shoot independently at Athlete Institute programs, training sessions, and campus moments to keep accounts active and authentic between games

Daily Social Media Management

• Post daily stories across all active Athlete Institute brand accounts — every day, without exception, keeping the community connected and engaged between major events
• Publish scheduled feed posts across OP National, Athlete Institute, and other active accounts on a consistent, strategic cadence
• Monitor all accounts daily — tracking comments, mentions, tags, and DMs across Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter in real time
• Respond to DMs promptly and in an authentic, on-brand voice — every message is an opportunity to deepen community connection
• Engage meaningfully with followers, athletes, partner accounts, and the broader basketball community — not just post and move on
• Identify trending moments, sounds, and formats and bring forward-thinking content ideas to the Head of Content
• Report weekly on engagement metrics, follower growth, reach, and community trends

Content Creation & Real-Time Storytelling

• Create and post real-time content at games and events — stories, behind-the-scenes captures, locker room moments, and live atmosphere
• Contribute ideas to the content calendar — bringing community insights, trending formats, and social-first thinking to every planning conversation
• Source and capture day-to-day Athlete Institute content that keeps accounts active and human between major brand moments
• Support media days, program announcements, and brand campaigns with photography and real-time social coverage

Community & Culture Building

• Build and maintain the brand's voice across all platforms — warm, confident, and consistent with who we are
• Actively engage with the basketball community beyond our own accounts — commenting, sharing, and participating in the wider culture
• Help develop the social identity of each brand so that followers know exactly what to expect and why they follow us
• Be the person who makes our community feel like they are on the inside — part of the team, not just spectators

Qualifications & Experience

• Current enrollment in or recent graduation from a photography, media, communications, or related program is an asset
• Demonstrated portfolio or active social presence proving strong photography, culling, and content creation ability
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop for rapid photo editing workflows
• Proven experience managing social media accounts or executing live story coverage for a brand, team, or organization is an asset
• Familiarity with Sony ( or Cannon) mirrorless camera systems, professional lighting setups, or sports photography (basketball specifically) is preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Strong creative eye with a sharp instinct for capturing fast-paced sports action, human emotion, and premium brand aesthetics
• Highly organized and accountable, with the ability to manage strict post-game turnaround windows and maintain daily posting rhythms
• Deep functional understanding of Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter platform mechanics, audience behaviors, and algorithm drivers
• Flexibility and willingness to work non-traditional hours, including late nights and weekends, in alignment with the basketball season schedule
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to confidently represent an elite brand voice across public and private channels
• Genuine passion for basketball, sports culture, and organizational mission

Video Production Intern - 8 Month Internship

*Please include a portfolio of personal or previous work with your application.

Position Summary

The Video Production Intern is a technical and creative content role responsible for executing video capture, editing, and deployment pipelines across a multi-entity high-performance sports and education ecosystem. Video production serves as the primary visual storytelling mechanism for the brand, designed to drive digital platform momentum, audience growth, and national brand exposure.

This role works closely with the production team, including the Photography Intern, Graphic Design Intern, and Creative Director, to manage live event capture, execute post-production workflows, and support game-day digital presence. The intern will ensure rapid video turnaround times, platform-native formatting, and premium cinematic standards suitable for an elite, high-output athletic organization.

Key Responsibilities

Game Day & Event Production

• Capture video at all home games, tournaments, and major events across all Athlete Institute brands
• Operate alongside the Head of Content as second videographer or primary capture operator when assigned
• Manage in-house live stream production for home games
• Deliver same-day or next-day social cuts for post-game content drops
• React immediately to big moments — post quick-turnaround clips as events unfold, using iPhone or camera depending on what the moment calls for
• Contribute to Instagram Story coverage during game days — capturing raw moments, scores, atmosphere, and highlights for real-time posting

Post-Production & Editing

• Edit short-form content for Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts within tight turnaround windows — formatted and paced for each platform specifically
• Produce longer-form content — game recaps, athlete features, highlight packages, sizzle reels
• Colour correct and grade footage to brand standards using Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Final Cut Pro
• Use AI-assisted tools to accelerate clip selection and rough cuts where appropriate — the goal is to elevate the work, not just process it

Content Library & Archive

• Organize and archive all game footage and event captures in a structured, searchable system
• Maintain a highlight library for recruiting packages, coaching staff, and partner requests
• Tag and log significant moments — game-winning plays, athlete milestones, key sequences
• Collaboration & Brand Storytelling
• Work closely with the Head of Content on campaign concepts, athlete storylines, and flagship productions
• Collaborate with the Photography and Graphic Design interns to deliver cohesive, multi-format content across all brands
• Contribute ideas and creative perspective to content planning — this is a creative role, not just an execution role

Qualifications & Experience

• Current enrollment in or recent graduation from a film, media production, broadcast, or related program is an asset
• Demonstrated portfolio or digital video reel proving strong cinematography, editing rhythm, and pacing execution
• Proficiency in industry-standard editing software, specifically Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Final Cut Pro
• Proven experience managing live stream broadcast production or operating camera equipment in a live sports environment is preferred
• Familiarity with Sony cinema camera ecosystems, S-Log3 color grading workflows, or specialized audio capture setups is an asset
• Add a point about a good understanding of AI and usage of AI.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong cinematic instinct with a deep understanding of visual storytelling, run-and-gun composition, and technical camera mechanics
• Highly disciplined and organized, with the capacity to meet strict same-day post-game turnaround deadlines without sacrificing asset quality
• Deep functional knowledge of platform-native video frameworks across short-form and long-form digital algorithms
• Flexibility and willingness to work non-traditional hours, including late nights and weekends, in alignment with the basketball season schedule
• Genuine passion for basketball, sports culture, and organizational mission

Sports Sales Intern

Position Summary

The Sport Sales Intern is the revenue engine in training. This role puts you at the intersection of business development and live sport, building the pipelines, working the tables on game day, and learning first-hand how a high-performance sports organization turns community relationships into sustainable revenue. You will own real tasks, carry real targets, and leave with real numbers behind your name.

Sales is the primary focus of this role. CRM discipline, outreach volume, and game-day execution are the supporting habits that make the results possible. The right person for this role is coachable, competitive, and not afraid of a cold call.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Generation & Outreach 

• Compile and maintain targeted prospect lists for facility rentals, camps, and corporate partnerships 
• Craft and send outreach emails and follow-up sequences; schedule calls and meetings on behalf of the sales team 
• Support sponsorship prospecting by researching potential partners and preparing initial pitch materials 

CRM Management & Pipeline Reporting 

• Enter, track, and update all prospect interactions and deal stages in the CRM (HubSpot/Zoho or equivalent) 
• Prepare and present weekly pipeline reports summarizing outreach activity, open opportunities, and conversion progress 
• Analyze CRM data to surface trends, flag stale leads, and recommend next actions to the sales manager 

Game-Day Sales Activation 

• Staff sales and merchandise tables at Orangeville Prep games and AIFC matches — engaging fans, parents, and community members directly 
• Upsell group experiences, season packages, and add-on offerings to walk-up traffic 
• Represent the organization with energy and professionalism in a fast-paced, live event environment 
• Merchandising Support 
• Assist with regular inventory counts and stockroom organization 
• Support online store fulfilment — processing orders, coordinating pickup or shipping, and logging transactions 

Market Research & Competitive Intelligence 

• Benchmark pricing for facilities, camps, merchandise, and sponsorship packages against comparable organizations 
• Monitor fan engagement trends and competitor offerings; compile findings into clear, actionable reports for leadership 
• Identify new revenue opportunities and bring forward recommendations with supporting data 

Qualifications & Experience

• Currently working toward a degree or diploma in Sport Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field 
• Some prior experience in sales, customer service, or community-facing roles is an asset — grit and coachability matter more than a resume 
• Comfortable with cold outreach and engaging diverse stakeholders in person and over the phone 
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets; experience with HubSpot, Zoho CRM, or a similar platform is an advantage 
• Familiarity with sport business fundamentals like ticketing, sponsorship, event revenue is preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Highly motivated self-starter with a competitive mindset and the resilience to keep going after rejection 
• Strong written and verbal communication — able to craft a compelling email and hold a confident conversation 
• Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage a live pipeline and meet reporting deadlines consistently 
• Energetic and adaptable — equally effective at a desk building prospect lists and at a sales table on a loud game night 
• Collaborative team player who takes initiative without waiting to be asked 
• Genuine passion for sport, sales culture, and the business behind high-performance athletics 

Athlete Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in all aspects of the selection process. To request an accommodation, please contact sylvia@athleteinstitute.ca

This posting reflects an ongoing internship opportunity for current existing positions. Athlete Institute accepts applications on a rolling basis as placements become available.

Athlete Institute may use artificial intelligence tools to assist in the initial review of applications. All hiring decisions are made by our recruitment team.