James Madison University Event Production Intern - Daktronics

When you work at Daktronics, you’ll be part of something amazing. We design, engineer, manufacture and support bold, eye-catching digital LED display technology and audio systems.

Our products bring excitement to professional, college and high school games. They attract customers for businesses around the world, and even provide direction for people as they travel, work and play.  

As part of the Daktronics team, you’ll have interesting, impactful work with flexible opportunities. You can learn and grow at a company that provides competitive compensation and meaningful benefits – and the people are second to none.  

Learn more About Daktronics!

Are you a passionate, creative, and driven individual looking to kickstart your career in event production? Daktronics, a leader in electronic scoreboards and LED video displays, is seeking an Event Production Intern to join our dynamic team at James Madison University.  

As an intern with us, you will have the unique opportunity to shadow and learn from our experienced full-time event producer, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in the world of event production. By the end of your internship, you will have the skills and knowledge to produce your own shows, setting you on the path to a successful career in event production. 

The Event Producer Intern is responsible for entertaining and informing fans with Daktronics and other audio/video equipment for videoboard shows and will work on-site at James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg, VA.  

When and where is this opportunity? 

Position located at the JMU campus in Harrisonburg, VA. This position is open to candidates eligible to work in the U.S. 

Internship opportunities available: 

• 12 May 2025 to 12 December 2025. Check out our Daktronics Internship Video.    
  • If your university quarter/semester doesn’t end until after these dates, we may consider an alternate schedule.  

What will work look like for me?  

As an Event Production Intern at James Madison University (JMU), your work will closely mirror the responsibilities and tasks performed by a full-time Event Producer. You will play an integral role in producing cohesive and professional game day productions for JMU's athletic teams at various venues. 

• Learn about Daktronics control systems, live video production equipment, and stats integration software to effectively operate and manage the technical aspect of game day production. 
• During live events, assist in producing and directing the show for the videoboard. This involves communicating effectively with the production crew and the athletics event manager to ensure seamless production. 
• Learn how to plan and produce game-day video roll-ins, highlight packages, and other video element for use during live event. This includes creating and organizing content to enhance the fan experience. 
• Assist in the supervision, scheduling, and development of the game-day production crew for all sports.  
• Join professional meetings with the fulltime Event Production to learn how to collaborate with JMU staff to develop game day scripts. 
• Attend on-site meetings with event producer to learn how an event producer engages with advertisers, Marketing to ensure that event production meets the expectations and goals of all stakeholders. 
• Efficiently manage, organize, and execute non-contractual events within the basketball arena and football stadium. 
• Develop, update, and render content using predefined templates like matchup graphics, upcoming event graphics, stat backgrounds, and prompt graphics. 
• Utilize Photoshop skills to create cutout photos for graphics, especially for headshot and senior day graphics. 
• Contribute to game-week preparations by loading and testing content on machines, updating content buttons, and more. 
• When necessary, assume gameday video board crew roles such as graphics operation, replay operation, camera operation, directing/technical directing. 
• Schedule content for various displays during events and smaller ad hoc requirements. 
• Manage content scripts, creation lists, sponsorship reports, and other content-related needs. 
• Travel to other sites to perform Event Production duties as needed. 
• Contribute to Daktronics Intern Group:  
  • Recruiting events (if applicable). 
  • Give internship capstone presentation and attend colleagues’ presentations.  
• Build and maintain professional relationships.  
• A unique aspect of this position is not only being able to technically work with these systems but developing an eye for what looks good on a display.   

Throughout your internship, you will gain valuable experience in the field of event production, honing your skills and contributing to the delivery of high-quality, engaging game-day productions for JMU's athletic events. This hands-on experience will prepare you for a future career in event production and offer a comprehensive understanding of the industry's inner workings. 

Pay and perks: 

The typical hiring range for this position is $18.00 to $22.00 per hour based on the location of city, state/province. The actual offer will consider a wide range of factors, including relevant education, experiences, location, and applicable local legislation.

This position is eligible for a subset of our company benefits including, employee discount program, employee assistance program, community donation program, unpaid time off, 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, leaves, disability and accommodations. Information about Daktronics benefits can be found on our website Career Opportunities (daktronics.com). This information is intended to be a general overview and may be modified by Daktronics at any time.

• You can quickly learn technical product features and functions and can communicate to non-technical customers and users.  
• Can capture and evaluate non-technical customer feedback and organize to communicate to technical product managers and developers.  
• You have a strong interest in sports and can relate to stakeholders of sporting applications.   
• You’re an outgoing, self-motivated, flexible, well-organized person who is both empathetic and personable. You understand customers, so know the work schedule may include evenings and weekends. You can meet our academic, travel, and other requirements.   

Academic:  

• Candidate must be enrolled as a student and registered for at least 12 credits (undergraduate) or 9 credits (graduate) at the time of application. Will consider May 2025 and December 2024 graduates.  
• Preferred candidate would be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree program related to Broadcast Engineering, Graphic Design, Communications, Video Production, or other related degree.  
• Completion of sophomore year in good academic standing.  
• Required to take a semester off from school to pursue the internship if not a graduate. Duration of internship will be a semester and a summer.  
• Must be able to commit to at least 40 hours per week. Overtime will be required, as needed, to support special events and travel.   
• Unofficial transcripts or web transcripts must be submitted with application to be considered.

Travel:  

• Willing to travel up to 10% of the time on trips ranging in length from two days to two weeks, including some weekends.
• Ability to travel by air and ground. Valid driver's license and good driving record. Motor vehicle records will be checked.  Must be able to meet and maintain Daktronics Qualified Driver status.  

Special Skills 

• Knowledge of Daktronics Control Systems: Venus Control Suite, Show Control. 
• Self-driven with a commitment to meeting customer needs and requirements. 
• Effective multitasking and prioritization abilities. 
• Strong customer service orientation, excellent communication, attentive listening, and interpersonal proficiency. 
• Collaborative team player with a positive attitude. 
• Enthusiastic learner and dedicated knowledge-sharing advocate. 
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and proactive. 
• Quick and independent software and technology learner. 
• Acquainted with troubleshooting processes and technology, with an understanding of technology. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  
• Good organizational and self-motivation skills. 
• Fluent in English, written and verbal. Knowledge of Spanish or French helpful.  
• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
• Daktronics does not sponsor, renew, or extend immigration visas for this position.

Daktronics is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetics, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status or citizenship status. If you would like more information on your EEO rights under the law, please click here.