Entertainment Manager (Mascot Performer)
Houston Dynamo FC
Full-time
On-site
Houston, Texas, United States
Professional Soccer, Manager, Mascot
The Houston Dynamo Football Club (HDFC) is a multi-faceted organization dedicated to inspiring and supporting soccer participation and growth in Houston, TX and beyond. The Club’s brands include men's and women's professional teams - the Houston Dynamo (MLS) and Houston Dash (NWSL), a development academy, Houston Dynamo Dash Charities, as well as Shell Energy Stadium and Houston Sports Park.
The Club has a rich history, including MLS Cup titles (2006, 2007) and in-season tournament championships for both the Dynamo (2018 and 2023) and Dash (2020) and is focused on building toward the next championships, inspiring and uniting the city of Houston through the sport of soccer and community outreach, and creating the most inclusive sporting experience and diverse fan base in the city and state.
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
Houston Dynamo FC is seeking a charismatic and energetic individual to perform as the mascot (Diesel the Fox) and to help elevate the Club’s brand, drive revenue, and enhance the overall fan experience. The Manager will lead the development, growth, and execution of the Club’s mascot program and creatively engage fans during all Houston Dynamo and Dash home matches, represent the Club throughout the Houston community, and manage all aspects of the mascot’s brand, content, and appearances. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and work cross-functionally to bring the mascot program to life by delivering dynamic, memorable experience for fans and partners alike.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Club has a rich history, including MLS Cup titles (2006, 2007) and in-season tournament championships for both the Dynamo (2018 and 2023) and Dash (2020) and is focused on building toward the next championships, inspiring and uniting the city of Houston through the sport of soccer and community outreach, and creating the most inclusive sporting experience and diverse fan base in the city and state.
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
Houston Dynamo FC is seeking a charismatic and energetic individual to perform as the mascot (Diesel the Fox) and to help elevate the Club’s brand, drive revenue, and enhance the overall fan experience. The Manager will lead the development, growth, and execution of the Club’s mascot program and creatively engage fans during all Houston Dynamo and Dash home matches, represent the Club throughout the Houston community, and manage all aspects of the mascot’s brand, content, and appearances. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and work cross-functionally to bring the mascot program to life by delivering dynamic, memorable experience for fans and partners alike.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform as the primary mascot character, Diesel the Fox, at all Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash home matches and select community and partner events
- Represent the Club at various events across the greater Houston area including, but not limited to, watch parties, festivals, city holiday celebrations, and special events
- Develop and evolve the character’s personality, performance style, and in-game presence, ensuring brand relevance and high entertainment value
- Create, direct, and perform in-game skits, noise prompts and entertainment elements that drive fan engagement and enhance matchday experience
- Build a comprehensive mascot appearance schedule, including school visits, sponsor activations, media appearances, community events, and youth programs
- Coordinate appearances and manage all client communication surrounding appearance schedule prior to, day of, and after to ensure positive client experience
- Design and maintain educational programs for school assemblies focused on STARR testing, health and wellness, and fitness
- Produce and edit creative videos and content to post on social media platforms and work with digital team to maintain an engaging mascot presence online
- Manage mascot program budget, invoicing and purchase orders
- Maintain and track all inventory of mascot-related assets, including suits, props, costumes, vehicles, and any promotional items, ensuring they stay performance ready
- Stay current with trends in mascot performance, dances, and stunts in-game and on social media platforms
- Collaborate across internal departments (Marketing, Charities, Ticketing, Sponsorship) to activate theme nights, marketing campaigns, and youth initiatives
- Additional duties as assigned
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Sports Management or related field preferred
- Minimum 2-5 years of in-suit mascot performance experience required
- Strong performance skills related to choreography, running, jumping, and acrobatics
- Knowledge of soccer and a passion for engaging with fans
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), Adobe
- Creative Suite, and video editing capabilities strongly preferred
- Required to travel frequently withing the greater Houston area
- Must be available to work non-traditional hours including all Houston Dynamo and Dash home matches, evenings, weekends and some holidays as needed
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES
- Energetic and athletic performer with outstanding customer service and interpersonal skills, including interacting with children, celebrities, executives, players, and guests
- Comfortable performing in high-energy, high-pressure environments, and in front of large audiences
- Creative, out-of-the-box thinker with a passion for building and growing a brand
- Well-organized, self-starting, hard-working, detail-oriented, adaptable and dependable
- Ability to respond optimally to the constantly evolving needs of a fast-paced organization and industry
- Effective problem solver and flexible thinker who can operate independently
- Team player with a proactive mindset and ability to collaborate
- Passionate about the Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash, soccer, entertainment and community outreach, and willingness to continue to learn and support the Club
- Maintains Organizational Core Competencies
OTHER INFORMATION
While performing the duties and responsibilities of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands and fingers, handle objects and office tools, reach, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, and hear. This position requires physical stamina, including standing, walking, running, lifting (up to 35 lbs), and working for extended periods in hot weather conditions. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee should expect to be exposed to a stadium environment where noise levels, lighting, and special effects can be loud for long periods of time.
Diverse candidates of all backgrounds are welcome, and the Club seeks individuals passionate about sport, inspiring the city and devoted to the organization's growth. While duties and responsibilities vary across positions, we are seeking individuals who are accountable, collaborative, progressive, agile and ethical/values driven.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.