Mascot and Mascot Handler

Title: Mascot and Mascot Handler 

Reports to: Katie Kennedy

Part-time (hourly); Non-Exempt  

About Austin Parks Foundation

Austin Parks Foundation (APF) is dedicated to partnering with our community to enhance people’s lives by making our public parks, trails and green spaces better through volunteerism, innovative programming, advocacy and financial support. A non-profit established in 1992, APF fills the city’s funding and resource gap needed to develop, maintain and enhance the area’s nearly 400 parks, trails and green spaces. 

Job Summary

APF’s Mascot and Mascot Handler support APF’s Marketing and Events teams by bringing our mascot to life at APF-led events as well as events hosted by community partners. The person in this role will split their time between being Hippie the Hummingbird, and being Hippie’s handler.

Essential Functions as Hippie the Hummingbird:

• Represent APF presence at APF-led events, as well as events led by community partners.
• Greet and interact with guests in a friendly, approachable, and professional manner.
• Always stay in character to keep the crowd engaged.
• Additional duties as assigned

Essential Functions as Mascot Handler:

• Represent APF at APF-led events, as well as events led by community partners.
• Greet and interact with guests in a friendly, approachable and professional manner.
• Share information with guests about Austin Parks Foundation.
• Serve as Hippie’s eyes and ears and help them navigate the event while in costume.
• Additional duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Excellent stamina and endurance to perform in a mascot costume. Most events will require the mascot to remain in costume for 30 minutes at a time.
• Strong non-verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey emotions and enthusiasm through physical gestures and expressions.
• Demonstrates energy and passion for the APF’s mission and vision.
• Friendly and engaging personality
• Comfortable performing in a confined costume with limited visibility and mobility.
• Flexibility in work hours, including daytime, evening, and weekends. Appearances are as needed with a monthly average of 4-8 hours.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Equal Opportunities Commitment

We value collaboration, innovation, dependability and inclusiveness. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity, and we are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, veteran status, or sexual orientation.

Compensation Transparency

This is an as needed, part-time position compensated at $15-20/hour depending on experience (paid semi-monthly.)