Event Operations Manager

LocaliQ; United States; Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is seeking an Event Operations Manager for Ventures Endurance Events. This role is primarily remote with a preference for candidates in the Chicago region due to event density and operations needs. You will support multiple brands, coordinate with cross-functional teams, and travel about 50% of the year.

Reports to the Sr. Manager, Event Operations. Strong project management, communication, and leadership are essential to ensure smooth planning, permitting, and onsite

Qualifications

• 1–3+ years of event/live event ops experience.
• Experience with outdoor athletic or endurance events preferred.
• Strong attention to detail with multiple projects and deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Willingness to travel ~50%.

Responsibilities

• Plan, produce, and execute event operations from contract to post-event closeout.
• Manage race-related operational elements: timelines, site plans, course layouts, public safety, and parking.
• Oversee course/site layout, load-in/load-out, and on-site execution.
• Manage onsite inventories: equipment, branding, collateral, registration materials, and volunteer supplies.
• Secure and document required permits and approvals with leadership.
• Prepare and submit documentation to municipalities, agencies, and partners.
• Maintain relationships with local jurisdictions, public agencies, and third-party partners.
• Conduct vendor outreach, quotes, negotiation, and management before/during/after events.
• Track vendor contracts, deliverables, and payments.
• Support established event budgets and identify cost savings and process improvements.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Volunteer, Customer Service, and other teams.
• Support community engagement initiatives and outreach.
• Participate in community activations, expos, and promotional events as needed.
• Maintain a database of community and partner contacts and support event amenity programs.
• Provide onsite leadership and contribute to long-term event development.

Skills

Event operations

Live endurance events

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Leadership

Cross-functional

Job description

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations, including our network of local properties, in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions. USA TODAY Co. open roles are featured on various external job boards. To connect with us, visit www.usatodayco.com

The Event Operations Manager is responsible for planning, producing, and executing operational components for assigned endurance events across the Ventures Endurance Events portfolio. This role supports events from initial planning and permitting through onsite execution and post-event closeout, working closely with cross-functional teams, vendors, municipalities, and internal stakeholders.

This role is primarily remote, with preference given to candidates located in or near the Chicago region due to event density, operational needs, and proximity to the Ventures Endurance Events office and warehouse. While day-to-day work may be performed remotely, team members are expected to work from the office and/or warehouse as business needs dictate, including collaboration, planning sessions, event preparation, inventory management, and other operational activities. The Event Operations Manager reports to the Sr. Manager, Event Operations and supports multiple brands and event types across the organization. Travel and weekend work are required.

Essential Functions

• Plan, produce, and execute operational components for assigned events from contract execution through post-event closeout.
• Manage race-related operational elements including timelines, site plans, course layouts, public safety plans, and parking plans.
• Oversee event course and site layout development, load-in/load-out, and onsite execution.
• Manage onsite event inventories including equipment, branding, collateral, registration materials, and volunteer supplies.
• Secure and document required permits and approvals in coordination with internal leadership.
• Prepare and submit accurate documentation, maps, and supporting materials to municipalities, agencies, and partners.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with local jurisdictions, public agencies, and third-party partners.
• Conduct vendor and contractor outreach, quote analysis, negotiation, and management before, during, and after events.
• Track vendor contracts, deliverables, and payments, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Support established event budgets and identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Volunteer, Customer Service, and other internal teams to ensure consistent participant communication.
• Support marketing and community engagement initiatives, including outreach to run clubs, community groups, and partners.
• Participate in community activations, expos, and promotional events as needed.
• Maintain a database of community and partner contacts and support event amenity programs.
• Provide onsite leadership for assigned events and contribute to long-term event development with a participant-first mindset.

Required Qualifications

• 1–3+ years of event, race, or live event operations experience.
• Experience working outdoor athletic or endurance events preferred.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and customer service skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to work cross-functionally.
• Ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 lbs.

Work Environment & Travel

• Remote work environment with occasional in-office days, where needed, with travel required.
• Approximately 50% travel throughout the year.
• Weekend and non-traditional work hours required based on event schedules.
• Flexibility in scheduling required to meet event production timelines.

About Ventures Endurance Events

Ventures Endurance Events produces world-class, community-centric endurance events that engage, empower, and celebrate every participant. As part of USA TODAY Network Ventures, we create impactful consumer experiences through events, promotions, and technology that connect communities and partners nationwide.

#LOCALiQ

The annualized base salary for this role will range between $65,000, and $70,000. 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.

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co. employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals’ application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at [e-mail]. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.