[Hiring] Senior Event Operations Manager @USA TODAY Co.

Role Description

The Sr. Event Operations Manager is responsible for leading the planning, execution, and long-term success of assigned endurance events across the Ventures Endurance portfolio. This role provides senior-level operational leadership while also serving as a steward of the event brand within each market.

In addition to overseeing all operational components of assigned events, the Senior Event Operations Manager helps guide brand direction across departments and at the local level, ensuring each event delivers a consistent, high-quality experience that reflects brand standards while resonating authentically within its community. This role acts as a key market-facing representative, building strong relationships with municipalities, partners, and stakeholders to support sustainable event growth.

This position operates with a high degree of autonomy and plays a critical leadership role as Race Director within the Event Operations team.

Key Responsibilities

• Event Operations Leadership:
  • Lead the planning, production, and execution of assigned events from early planning through post-event closeout.
  • Oversee development of event timelines, site plans, course layouts, public safety plans, and parking/traffic plans.
  • Secure, prepare, and submit all required permits and approvals in coordination with municipalities, agencies, and partners.
  • Manage vendor and contractor outreach, quote analysis, negotiation, and performance before, during, and after events.
  • Oversee onsite execution including load-in/load-out, course operations, site management, and vendor coordination.
  • Manage event budgets and expenses in alignment with organizational financial goals.
  • Serve in an on-site leadership role (including Race Director or operational command roles as assigned).
• Brand Direction & Market Ownership:
  • Guide and uphold the brand vision for assigned events, ensuring consistency in participant experience, presentation, and execution.
  • Serve as a key voice of the event brand within each market, balancing national brand standards with local market needs.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, municipalities, and local stakeholders.
  • Identify opportunities to enhance community engagement, local partnerships, and market-specific initiatives that strengthen the event brand.
  • Collaborate closely with Marketing, Partnerships, Customer Service, and Volunteer teams to ensure aligned messaging and execution across all participant touchpoints.
  • Represent the event and brand professionally in external meetings, site visits, and public-facing interactions.
• Team Leadership & Collaboration:
  • Provide leadership, mentorship, and support to other Race Directors, Event Operations Managers, and onsite staff.
  • Drive clear communication, accountability, and alignment across cross-functional teams.
  • Support portfolio-level consistency while allowing flexibility for market-specific execution.
  • Contribute to the ongoing evolution of operational standards, best practices, and event playbooks.

Location & Travel Requirements

• This role is remote, with frequent travel to assigned events and markets.
• Candidates must be located within reasonable proximity to a major airport to support regular travel demands.
• Preference will be given to candidates based in the Chicago area due to event density, operational needs, and proximity to company resources.
• Significant travel and weekend work are required, particularly during peak event seasons.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in event operations, endurance events, or large-scale live event production.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex events with multiple stakeholders and workstreams.
• Strong understanding of permitting, public safety coordination, course operations, and live event logistics.
• Proven ability to represent an event or brand professionally with municipalities, partners, and community stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively, including weekends.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Benefits

• The annualized base salary for this role will range between $60,000 and $85,000.
• Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications, and experience.
• Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable.