Description

Department: Sports and Fitness Salary: $15.00 per hour
Description:

The UHD Gator Mascot Performer is responsible for embodying the spirit and values of the University of Houston-Downtown by portraying the Gator mascot at a variety of on-campus, off-campus, and community events. The mascot is a tangible representation of UHD's identity, fostering unity and community spirit, and enhancing outreach and engagement strategies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Performance and Engagement:

• Assumes and maintains the Gator mascot's personality and persona through exaggerated movements, gestures, emotions, and body language.
• Performs cheers, dance routines, simple stunts, and crowd interactions to entertain and engage fans and audiences of all ages
• Engages with audiences in a friendly and interactive manner at live events, promoting a personal connection with the audience
• Poses for photos with fans, distributes promotional items, and acts as a positive ambassador for UHD
• Serves as a spirited public representative for the University
• Boost morale and community spirit through events and performances

Appearance and Scheduling:

• Commits to the assigned schedule of appearances at on-campus and off-campus events, including community gatherings and promotional functions
• On time and prepared for all engagements
• Appearances are generally limited to one hour with a 5-minute break every 20 minutes
• Must be available to work flexible hours, including some nights and weekends

Costume and Safety:

• Maintain custodial responsibility of the costume while it is in the performer's possession
• Take proper care of all parts of the mascot costume, including changing in and out of the attire and ensuring its cleanliness
• Maintain the proper use of the costume as directed
• Follow all safety rules and regulations while performing
• Adhere to safety guidelines, including mandatory training sessions, and utilize designated cooling areas and provided communication devices
• Never speak while in costume
• Keep your identity as the mascot a secret

Training and Protocol:

• Undergo mascot training
• Adhere to UHD's Mascot Code of Conduct and all mascot rules as stated by the program

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must be hired as a student employee of Sports and Fitness
• Possess a friendly, outgoing, and engaging personality with a willingness to have fun
• Strong non-verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey a range of emotions and excitement through gestures and body language
• Physical stamina and endurance to perform for extended periods in a confined costume with limited visibility and mobility
• Comfortable performing wacky promotional activities and interacting with diverse audiences
• Must be able to adapt to different performance environments and situations
• Ability to work independently, be self-motivated, and demonstrate professionalism

Qualifications:

• Must be a current UHD student

Application and Selection Process:

• The process includes an audition
• Tryouts are conducted at the beginning of the school year during the first weeks of classes in the Fall semester
• The audition process includes a clinic, two interview rounds (group observation and one-on-one), and a final live performance at a sports event

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.