Seasonal Operations Staff - Chicago Bandits, AUSL

Named one of Sports Business Journal's Best Places to Work in Sports (2024, 2025), Front Office Sports' Most Impactful Sports Organizations (2024), and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies (2023), Athletes Unlimited owns and operates professional women’s softball, volleyball, and basketball leagues featuring world-class competition and fan experience. Athletes Unlimited stands out as an organization driven by the athletes that play in the leagues, with athlete representation on the company’s board of directors, each league led by a Player Executive Committee, and players sharing in long-term profits of the company, all while being proactive in shaping policies supporting the women that play in the league. Athletes Unlimited is the first professional sports league to be organized as a Public Benefit Corporation. For more information, visit AUProSports.com.

In June 2025, AU transformed and expanded its softball business by launching the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), a premier professional women’s softball league. In 2026, additional teams have been added, converting to a fully city-based model, bringing in team owners, and building out ancillary business, fan and partner engagement opportunities

The AUSL is looking for individuals to support the Chicago Bandits with day to day operations and event management for practices and games. The ideal candidate has experience and familiarity with the game of softball, an ability to do physical tasks and a motivation to fill a critical role for a professional women's softball team. Applicants must be local to the Chicagoland area and have reliable transportation. 

Timing:

June - July: approximately 9 days of load in/load out, 2 practice days and 3 game days per week

• This role is based around the AUSL Regular Season Schedule, which includes practices and game days, with additional hours for pre and post game operations. 

Aug - September: approximately 9 days of load in/load out, 3-4 practice days and 3 game days per week

Available Positions: $15/hour

• Ball Person - This is an on field position, seated beyond 1st and 3rd base in foul territory. Requires softball acuity and fielding skills to chase and corral foul balls quickly and efficiently.
• BP Shaggers - Requires the ability to move in and around the outfield and spectator areas or beyond the ball park fence to collect and return softballs. 
• Bullpen Catchers - This is a skilled position that requires a minimum of college playing experience at the catcher position. Must be able to handle pitches upwards of 60mph.

All positions above include assisting with all event operations: field set up and break down, optional batting practice, laundry, etc). 

Candidates with softball playing experience will be prioritized for all on field positions. All are contract positions and report to the AU Sports Operations Department.

• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and non-traditional hours when in season
• Strong preference for candidates based in Chicagoland area
• Legal authorization to work in the United States

Physical Requirements

The AUSL takes place in outdoor venues, during the summer months. Candidates should be able to and comfortable with:

• Performing job duties outdoors in summer weather, including exposure to heat, humidity, and direct sunlight
• Standing for duration of each shift (approximately 4 hours) while performing job-related tasks
• For field based roles: Prior experience playing softball, fielding live balls/bats, and the ability to anticipate and position yourself effectively in response to fast-moving plays
• For bullpen catcher role: Catching pitches ranging from 60-80mph, with a preference for those with college-level playing experience in the catcher position 

These are essential functions of the role and may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

In addition, each position will be subject to evaluation of skillset by AUSL Staff.

These roles are compensated at $15/hr.

As all positions are contracted and on a 1099, no additional benefits are provided. 1099 Contractors are responsible for their own taxes and insurance coverage.

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As a company, we share a vision to change the world for the better and believe in the power of sports to tear down barriers. We will Be Unlimited in our pursuit to intentionally create an environment where every individual can be their authentic self.

Athletes Unlimited is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its hiring process based on race, religion, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender expression, pregnancy status, parental status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.