Position Details
Position Information Position Title Red the Cardinal - UIW Mascot Academic Year 2025 -2026 UIW Mission University of the Incarnate Word is a Catholic institution that welcomes to its community persons of diverse backgrounds, in the belief that their respectful interaction advances the discovery of truth, mutual understanding, self-realization, and the common good. Position Summary The University of the Incarnate Word has a proud tradition of community engagement, NCAA Division I competition, and an exciting athletic atmosphere. To further enhance this experience for community members, spectators, and athletes alike, the UIW Office of Communications and Brand Marketing is seeking responsible individuals to serve as Red the Cardinal, the official mascot of the University of the Incarnate Word. Red the Cardinal reports to the Advertising, Branding and Licensing Mangager. Essential Functions As Red the Cardinal, your job is to bring a positive and vibrant attitude to the role, wear a costume and perform at various events and activities. You may distribute flyers, act as a sign holder during events, dance in front of a crowd, participate in games, appear at charitable functions, and take part in other activities and events as requested including participating in UIW Branding and Marketing efforts.
Our Ideal Mascot Performer is:
- Professional.
- Punctual.
- Team oriented.
- Energetic/Enthusiastic.
- Approachable.
- Committed
Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Knowledge Skills and Abilities The student chosen to play Red the Cardinal will be responsible for, but not limited to, attending sporting events in costume to entertain fans of all ages, be an uplifting off-field presence to the athletes and staff during competitions, and serve as a spirited public representative for the University. The mascot may plan, develop, and implement dance routines, skits, and other activities in collaboration with the Office of Communications and Brand Marketing.
An individual functioning as the mascot should have the ability to bring the character to life in order to energize the spectators.This includes:
- Being responsible and accountable to appearance schedules- arriving on time and remaining for the duration of a shift.
- Exhibiting strong non-verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrating an outgoing performance personality with an ability to interact with spectators.
- Fostering a fun and energetic atmosphere with spectator and at events.
- Possessing a creative and humorous personality while maintaining a professional demeanor.
- Providing high quality customer service.
- Maintaining independent and self-motivated style, while remaining flexible and adaptable.
- Caring for the mascot costume and props when possessing it.
- Being athletically and physically fit to wear costume and perform for duration of events.
- Must be able to comfortably and safely fit in the mascot costume.
- Willing to work extended and/or irregular hours including nights and weekends, both indoors and outdoors.
- Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures.
- Employee shall adhere to all applicable rules and regulations of the University, the Conference, and the NCAA.
Must maintain an equal commitment to both academic responsibilities and responsibilities as the Red the Cardinal – UIW mascot. Required Education
- Must be an enrolled UIW student
- Be enrolled in no less than 12 credit hours per semester (full-time)
- Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA
Required Work Experience None. Preferred Qualifications Previous experience in spirit, dance, cheer or having served as a school mascot. Required Certifications, Licenses or Registrations None. Work Hours
- Part-time and event based. Willing to work with mascot staff availability/schedules.
- Hours will vary, including working at after hours events, sporting events and other activities.
- Must be available for at least 2 UIW home football games.
Physical Demands Must be in good physical shape, able to fit the Red the Mascot costume (height between 5’7”-6’2”)