<p>Department: Sports and Fitness Salary: $15.00 per hour</p> <p>Job Summary</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Essential Duties and Responsibilities</p> <p>Performance and Engagement:</p> <ul> <li>Assumes and maintain the Gator mascot's personality and persona through exaggerated movements, gestures, emotions, and body language </li><li>Performs cheers, dance routines, simple stunts, and crowd interactions to entertain and engage fans and audiences of all ages </li><li>Engages with audiences in a friendly and interactive manner at live events, promoting a personal connection with the audience </li><li>Poses for photos with fans, distribute promotional items, and act as a positive ambassador for UHD </li><li>Serves as a spirited public representative for the University </li><li>Boosts morale and community spirit through events and performances </li></ul> <p>Appearance and Scheduling:</p> <ul> <li>Commits to the assigned schedule of appearances at on-campus and off-campus events, including community gatherings and promotional functions </li><li>Be on time and prepared for all engagements </li><li>Appearances are generally limited to one hour with a 5-minute break every 20 minutes </li><li>Must be available to work flexible hours, including some nights and weekends </li></ul> <p>Costume and Safety:</p> <ul> <li>Maintains custodial responsibility of the costume while it is in the performer's possession. </li><li>Takes proper care of all parts of the mascot costume, including changing in and out of the attire and ensuring its cleanliness. </li><li>Maintains the proper use of the costume as directed. </li><li>Follows all safety rules and regulations while performing. </li><li>Adheres to safety guidelines, including mandatory training sessions, and utilize designated cooling areas and provided communication devices. </li><li>Never speak while in costume </li><li>Keep your identity as the mascot a secret </li></ul> <p>Training and Protocol:</p> <ul> <li>Undergo mascot training </li><li>Adhere to UHD's Mascot Code of Conduct and all mascot rules as stated by the program </li></ul> <p>Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities</p> <ul> <li>Possess a friendly, outgoing, and engaging personality with a willingness to have fun </li><li>Strong non-verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey a range of emotions and excitement through gestures and body language </li><li>Physical stamina and endurance to perform for extended periods in a confined costume with limited visibility and mobility </li><li>Comfortable performing wacky promotional activities and interacting with diverse audiences </li><li>Must be able to adapt to different performance environments and situations </li><li>Ability to work independently, be self-motivated, and demonstrate professionalism </li><li>Must be hired as a student employee of Sports and Fitness </li></ul> <p>Qualifications</p> <ul> <li>Must be a current UHD student </li></ul> <p>Application and Selection Process</p> <ul> <li>The process includes an audition </li><li>Tryouts are conducted at the beginning of the school year during the first weeks of classes in the Fall semester </li><li>The audition process includes a clinic, two interview rounds (group observation and one-on-one), and a final live performance at a sports event </li><li>Successful candidates will be announced by September 30th </li></ul> <p>All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.</p> <p>The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.</p>