CLEVELAND — The Haslam Sports Group, headed by the Browns owners, has created a new Diversity and Opportunity Fellowship with the intent to improve the diversity pipeline among future sports industry leaders.
Immediately following their 2021 graduation in late June to early July, four fellows will be selected to embark on a range of experiences in multiple areas of the sports industry across both the Browns and Columbus Crew SC. The fellows will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge of professional sports and become prepared for a future successful career in the industry.
"Dee and Jimmy have always pushed us to identify areas that we can improve upon as an organization," David Jenkins, Executive Vice President and CEO of Haslam Sports Group said in a press release. "When you look at the executive level on the business side across all sports, it quickly becomes apparent that there is a lack of diversity in leadership roles. We recognize the importance of diversity and how it can benefit our organization and the industry as a whole."
The fellowship will provide an annual salary, as well as housing in Cleveland and Columbus. Over the year-long program, fellows will rotate between the sales, marketing, operations and administration departments. Fellows will develop a better understanding of the complexities that exist within the organizations and will aim to help them determine which path they'd like to take with their careers.
"Working for the Browns and the Crew will be two very different experiences. It will give any person entering the sports business an advantage because they're seeing it in two different places, in two different leagues that are executing in unique ways," Jenkins continued. "To have that experience in a year, to go back and forth between the organizations, should only make them more prepared for full-time employment."
The application portal opened on Monday and will run through Sept. 25, with interviews being conducted from mid-October to mid-November. Applicants can apply online at fellowship.haslamsports.com.
