Mascot Performer/Handler - Community Relations - Casual

About Manitoba Blue Cross

We’re a Manitoba-based, not-for-profit, health benefits provider with a vision to be the trusted and essential health and wellness partner for all Manitobans. Every dollar made is reinvested in our infrastructure, our people, and our province with the goal of providing better care for our members, expanding our community impact and broadening our health care knowledge.

Why work for us?

Manitoba Blue Cross, is a Manitoba Top Employer. We are empowered to give back to the community, and we know that caring needs to start in our workplace with our own Manitoba Blue Cross team. We actively foster a culture that focuses on your satisfaction, development, diversity, and growth.

Culture of Caring

We strive to succeed at reaching our organizational goals, but we always make time to celebrate our successes. Having fun as a group and rewarding our employees for their accomplishments is an essential part of our workplace culture.

We want our workforce to reflect the diverse community we serve, and we're committed to creating a fair and respectful workplace. We offer a work environment that promotes a healthy work-life balance and support to advance your career that includes:

• Competitive starting salary.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Fully equipped onsite fitness center.
• Casual dress code to promote diversity and inclusivity.
• Personal and professional development.

Are you a driven, dedicated, and enthusiastic individual who wants to work in a friendly and rewarding environment?  If so, we are looking for someone like you! The following position is open to anyone residing in Winnipeg and surrounding areas with valid work authorization.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Senior Community Relations Specialist, the Mascot Performer and Mascot Handler will represent Manitoba Blue Cross at various community appearances. Both team members should be ready and able to perform in either the capacity of the Mascot Performer or the Mascot Handler.

As the Mascot Performer, you will be responsible for bringing to life the character and spirit of our organization by portraying our beloved Big Blue mascot. Your role is vital in creating a memorable experience for community members, engaging with audiences of all ages, and enhancing the overall engagement at community fundraising initiatives, fairs, parades, hospital visits, games/events at Blue Cross Park, and other promotional activities.

As the Mascot Handler, you will be responsible for joining the Mascot and attending all activities scheduled for its appearance. The Mascot Handler is primarily responsible for ensuring the safety of the Mascot and to make sure the Mascot has all resources necessary to effectively execute tasks outlined. As the Mascot is mute, the Mascot Handler will engage and be responsible for all verbal communications with the public.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Mascot Performer:

• Assume the character of Big Blue and convey emotions, energy, and enthusiasm through exaggerated movements, gestures, and body language.

• Perform dance routines, stunts, and crowd interactions to entertain and engage crowds during community events.
• Encourage audience participation and pose for photos with all members of the community.
• Maintain the Mascot costume, ensuring it remains clean, safe and in good condition for each activity.
• Be punctual and prepared for all scheduled Mascot activities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

      Mascot Handler:

• Be the main point of contact for the Mascot.
• Escort the Mascot around venue grounds and through crowds.
• Encourage guests to interact with the mascot and speak on behalf of the Mascot.
• Assist the Mascot with getting into and out of the costume.
• Assist with maintaining the Mascot costume, ensuring it remains clean, safe and in good condition for each activity.
• Interact with audience members and attendees to engage crowds during community events.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• Previous mascot or mascot handling experience an asset.
• Self-motivated, proactive, innovative and adaptable individual who thrives in a team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to interact confidently and positively with members of the community (including children, adults and senior citizens) and maintain effective working relationships with staff and stakeholders.
• Strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Must be available to work flexible hours including weekdays, evenings, weekends, and statutory holidays. Must be reliable and punctual. Days of work and daily hours of work will vary and will average between 12-20 hours per week.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Manitoba Class 5 Driver's License and have access to a motor vehicle.

• Subject to Criminal Records, Child Abuse Registry and Adult Abuse Registry checks.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Good physical condition, with the ability to withstand the demands of performing in a costume weighing approximately 30 lbs and 68 inches tall. Must be able to lift and move 30 pounds without assistance.
• Must be a minimum of 5’8” in height and comparable body size to wear the Big Blue Mascot costume comfortably and support the weight of the costume for extended periods of time.
• Must have the physical ability to perform Big Blue mascot actions in a large costume (i.e. standing, running, kneeling, reaching, jumping, bending, frequent upper and lower body movements etc.) able to navigate stairs, and able to walk or stand for extended periods of time.
• Willingness and ability to work in adverse or inclement weather conditions.

Ready to Apply? We are excited to meet you!

If you would like to join our team, you are invited to apply by submitting your resume and cover letter by clicking the "Apply" button below by March 22, 2024.

To learn more visit: https://www2.mb.bluecross.ca/about-us/careers

We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those being considered will be contacted.

Manitoba Blue Cross is committed to the principles of diversity, equity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring for everyone. We want our workforce to reflect the diverse community we serve, and we're committed to creating a fair and respectful workplace.

We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.  If you require an accommodation during the hiring process, please let us know.