Red Cardinal - UIW Mascot

Position Information

Position Title:

Red the Cardinal – UIW Mascot

Academic Year: 2026‑2027

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.

As Red the Cardinal, the official mascot of the University of the Incarnate Word, you will serve as an enthusiastic and engaging ambassador for the university. This role requires a positive, energetic, and professional demeanor while representing UIW at a variety of campus and community events. Responsibilities include wearing the mascot costume and interacting with diverse audiences to promote school spirit, foster community engagement, and enhance the university’s public image.

Red the Cardinal reports to the Advertising, Branding and Licensing Manager.

• Distributing promotional materials.
• Serving as a sign holder.
• Performing in front of crowds through dancing and interactive appearances, participating in games and activities.
• Attending charitable and community functions.
• Supporting university branding, marketing, and outreach initiatives.
• Additional event‑related duties may be assigned as needed to support UIW programs and special events.

• Professional
• Punctual
• Team oriented
• Approachable

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.

• Being responsible and accountable to appearance schedules—arriving on time and remaining for the duration of a shift;
• Demonstrating an outgoing performance personality with an ability to interact with spectators;
• Fostering a fun and energetic atmosphere with spectators at events;
• Possessing a creative and humorous personality while maintaining a professional demeanor;
• Providing high‑quality customer service;
• Maintaining an 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 the 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.

• 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.

Previous experience in spirit, dance, cheer or having served as a school mascot, a plus.

Candidates should plan to participate in a tryout (details included with acceptance of application). Applicants should demonstrate awareness and sensitivity that embraces and supports working within a diverse, multicultural community. The candidate must show the ability to work with the Office of Communications and Brand Marketing as well as the UIW Department of Athletics.

None.

• 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.

Must be in good physical shape, able to fit the Red the Mascot costume (height between 5’7”‑6’2”).

STU
1634PO

2

Part Time

Students

08/01/2026

Advertising, Branding and Licensing Manager

$14.50/hr

07/08/2026

05/15/2027

UIW is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in employment, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity or expression, veteran status, pregnancy, and religion (except in limited circumstances when religious preference is both permitted by law and deemed appropriate as a matter of University policy).