Mr. and Mrs. Met need a good manager, too.
The New York Mets are asking for applicants to step up to the plate and work closely with the beloved MLB mascots, who are widely known for mingling with fans and boogying atop the team’s dugout.
But some key qualifications are required to get the gig. The team said it’s seeking a manager of mascot operations who has proven experience as a mascot, reliable transportation and, naturally, a background in dancing and performing arts.
“We are seeking a high-energy, enthusiastic individual to represent our brand as our Mascot,” reads the Mets’ job listing on LinkedIn. “The ideal candidate will have a strong passion for entertainment and a knack for engaging and interacting with fans of all ages. The Mascot will attend various events, both on and off site, to promote our brand and create a fun and dynamic environment.”
The gig has a salary range of $67,400 to $89,000 a year and requires coordinating appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Met at events, overseeing the mascot team and collaborating with the marketing team, according to the listing. The manager would also supervise the maintenance of mascot costumes and attend all mascot training sessions and rehearsals.
And while the job demands an average of six to 24 “performance hours” a week, it’s not all dancing and high-fiving fans. Between 20 and 25 hours a week in administrative duties are expected in the Mets office.
The right candidate is “proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and comfortable with using technology for communication and administrative tasks,” and has “experience in office administration, including handling emails, scheduling, and coordinating events in a professional manner,” the posting states. (Not even mascot-wranglers get to escape the dreaded spreadsheets, it seems.)
The Amazins say candidates must be able to audition for the job on the evening of May 15. A spokesperson for the team did not immediately return a request for comment on what those auditions might entail.