Chicago Bears

**About the Role**

The Associate Development Program is a paid 12-month full-time (temporary) experience designed for early-career individuals or those beginning their professional careers. A bachelor’s degree, relevant certification, or a combination of related education and experience aligned with the responsibilities of the role is required. Relevant coursework, training, or equivalent experience is valued. The format allows for structured professional development and hands-on learning. 

The Football Development Associate is responsible for assisting with the implementation of youth football, high school football, girls flag football and NFL Flag football programming, coordination of community events, appearances and department administrative duties. The Football Development department focuses on growing the game of football by making it accessible and inclusive from grassroots to advanced levels, locally and internationally.  This role works out of our headquarters, Halas Hall, located in Lake Forest, IL; however, travels frequently throughout the greater Chicago(land) area with the ability for some remote work. In addition, the associate will be required to work all home games at our Soldier Field stadium location. 

**2026-27 Associate Development Program Dates: Monday, June 1, 2026 – Friday, May 21, 2027**

**Who We Are**

As one of the founding franchises of the NFL, family is the core of who we are. We believe every person matters, and we can collectively achieve success through our values of respect, championship mindset, community, and perseverance. We’re different from other companies, as our vision is to be “one of one”. We strive to be a championship football organization that consistently performs at a level of excellence on and off the field. Our people represent a vast array of cultural backgrounds, human experiences and perspectives, and we believe they, collectively and as authentic individuals, are our greatest resource. Our working environment is one where your talent and contributions are valued by the organization and the community.

**Responsibilities**

* Assist the Football Development team with coordination, execution and build awareness of key programs, including Mini Monsters (youth football), Mini Monsters Tackle (youth tackle football) and Monsters Flag (flag football) and respective on-site clinics
* Participate in planning and execution of high school and flag football tournaments (Nike 11On & Girls Flag Nike 7s) and coaches clinics for youth, high school, and girls flag football
* Assist with implementation of coaches and players recognition programs such as Coach of the Week, Player of the Week and Community High School All-Stars
* Provide support for regular Football Development department lives impacted metrics, tracking and reporting
* Manage the submission process for department internal content requests for photography, video, brand creative, etc.
* Help promote Chicago Bears clinics via social media channels and in person events
* Occasionally drive the Mini Monsters Truck including loading and unloading equipment of a min of 50lbs.
* Manage distribution and collection of post clinic surveys for Mini Monsters and Monsters Flag
* Assist with football development events, community events and player relations 
* Prepare gift bags for visiting groups
* Assist with gameday recognitions, scrimmages, and activations
* Provide input for the Bears annual Community publication 
* Research new ideas and initiatives for Football Development programs 
* Provide administrative support to the FD team including organizing storage areas, ordering supplies, filing, data entry, mailings, copying, etc.  
* Perform additional duties and special projects assigned  

**Qualifications**

* Passion for working with youth and the community at large 
* Experience coaching and/or participating in youth sports is preferred (not required)
* Must be organized, detail oriented and able to use good judgment 
* College degree preferred (not required)
* Strong computer skills including Windows based applications and Microsoft programs  
* Excellent communication skills including the ability to work with and develop relationships with diverse groups 
* Must be dependable, flexible and able to adapt to a variety of situations 
* Must be able to effectively work in a fast-paced environment  
* Able to work non-traditional hours, in non-traditional settings, including weekends and evenings  
* Ability to stand/walk for long periods of time in varying weather conditions, climb up/down stairs, lift heavy objects 
* This role involves driving on behalf of the club. Candidates must be **eligible for coverage under the company’s commercial vehicle insurance policy**, which currently requires drivers to be **23 years of age or older**, possess a valid driver’s license, and meet established motor vehicle record criteria.
* Reliable transportation is required for this role.

**What We Offer**

We remain committed to upholding the standard of being a first-class organization and employer of choice. 

**COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY PAY**

The Football Development Associate is a full-time temporary position. This position is an HOURLY role. The expected hourly rate for this role is $20 per hour. Please note that due to job function, regular overtime (paid as time-and-a-half) **is** expected. 

**BENEFITS & PERKS**

Our Associate offerings include but are not limited to: 

* Core Coverage: Optional medical coverage (employer paid premium + employee paid deductible) 
* Flexible Work Location: Up to 2 days a week of remote work (role dependent) 
* Time to Recharge: 5 days of paid vacation time, 3 paid sick/mental health days *plus* 10 paid holidays, paid time off to volunteer 
* Experiences: complimentary preseason tickets for one game, ability to buy additional tickets for home & away games 
* Wellness: FREE breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks, access to onsite fitness facilities and BearsFit, complimentary Calm app access 
* Connection: Social events for staff and their families, Employee Resource Groups, and more 
* Professional Development: complimentary LinkedIn Learning access, professional development sessions, guest speakers, mentorship

FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE

Chicago Bears

@ChicagoBears

Job Description