Mascot Handler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Coconino Community College Marketing and Communications team is seeking enthusiastic and responsible students to serve as Coco the Comet, the official mascot of CCC. As Coco, you'll bring energy, positivity, and school spirit to athletic, campus, and community events throughout the school year. Mascot staff help create memorable experiences for fans of all ages by entertaining crowds, supporting CCC teams and events, and representing the Comet spirit wherever they go. This position works closely with the Marketing and Communications team to plan, perform, and capture engaging mascot appearances, including dancing, photos, and community interactions. Mascot staff will be responsible for:

• Attending athletic, school and community events in costume to entertain fans of all ages
• Being an uplifting presence to students, athletes and staff during athletic/school events and competitions.
• Serving as a spirited representative of CCC.

The mascot will plan, develop, and implement dance, photography, and other activities in collaboration with the Marketing and Communications team. An individual functioning as the mascot should have the ability to bring the character to life in order to energize the spectators. The program requires at least two mascot students at a time. These are paid student positions, with stipends provided to each student. On occasion, CCC staff may assist as handlers to accompany the mascot to appearances. Student mascots report to the Marketing and Communications Department. Hours will vary from week to week. This is an on-call position (only needed when available), with engagements running approximately one hour at a time with breaks included. This is a fun, flexible opportunity to represent CCC and bring smiles to our community while gaining experience in marketing, events, and performance.

Student Mascot The Student Mascot is the face (and energy) of CCC at events, embodying Coco's personality with enthusiasm and professionalism. Mascots are expected to maintain the spirit, identity, and fun of Coco while ensuring all interactions are positive and family friendly.

• Display enthusiasm and high energy at all times.
• Meet and greet fans and attendees.
• Dance at events to enhance the event or game-day experience for students and fans.
• Preserve the identity of the mascot without deviating from established character (e.g., body language/mannerisms, attitude, fan interaction, team/College representation).
• Work effectively in a team environment.
• Take care of costume and props when in your possession.
• Attend training events.
• Understand and perform a series of nonverbal signals to be used with the mascot handler during appearances (e.g., break signal, distress signal, back away signal).
• Comply with CCC Student Code of Conduct at all times.
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications team to brainstorm new mascot ideas, poses, reels, photos and activities for social media or live events.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Mascot Handlers Mascot Handlers play a vital role in ensuring Coco's success. They serve as the mascot's partner, guide, and communicator, helping manage logistics, crowd interactions, and safety during all appearances.

• Always accompany mascot and always be within arm's reach.
• Answer questions and provide other responses for mascot as needed (Coco does not speak).
• Manage crowd interaction (e.g., assist fans with taking pictures and obtaining autographs, answering questions about the mascot).
• Act as mascot actor's "eyes and ears" in regard to game progression, in-game scheduling, location visits, fan requests and potential hazards.
• Carry mascot supplies (e.g., autograph cards, T-shirts, signs).
• Take photos for CCC social media.
• Transport costume to and from appearances.
• Assist mascot with various duties that may arise.
• Assist mascot with costume as needed.
• Be prepared to substitute as the scheduled mascot actor or arrange for an approved Coco substitute.
• Attend training events.
• Understand and perform a series of nonverbal signals to be used with the mascot during appearances (e.g., break signal, distress signal, back away signal).
• Comply with CCC Employee Code of Conduct at all times.
• Coordinate with Marketing and Communications staff before and after each event to review logistics and share media content.

• Reliable, punctual, and able to work collaboratively with a team.
• Physically able to lift up to 30 pounds and perform active movements (walking, dancing, posing) while in costume.
• Comfortable interacting with diverse audiences, including children.
• Available for flexible hours, including evenings and weekends - approximately one to two hours a week. Hours will vary from week to week.
• This is an on-call position (only needed when available).
• Engagements would run about one to two hours at a time with breaks included.

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to manipulate objects and gestures. The employee will be required to walk and stand for long periods of time. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. Students must also be comfortable in an enclosed space, such as the mascot suit.

• Currently enrolled CCC or CCC2NAU students in good standing.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work collaboratively with a team.
• Physically able to lift up to 30 pounds and perform active movements (walking, dancing, posing) while in costume.
• Comfortable interacting with diverse audiences, including children.
• Available for flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

*Participants must participate in a Mascot and Handler training provided by the Marketing and Communications department.

• Prior mascot, theater, or performance experience preferred.
• Dance or choreography experience a plus.
• Comfortable being in costume for extended periods.
• Ideal height range approximately 5'5"–6'0" (costume fit dependent).
• Energetic, creative, and passionate about spreading CCC spirit!

Part-time employees working 20 hours or more per week for at least 20 weeks within the fiscal year (July 1-June 30) are eligible to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System and receive tuition waiver benefits. Click detailed overview for information about the part-time benefit options.