Manager, Aerial Operations

LA28; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

LA28 is seeking a Manager, Aerial Planning & Operations to lead airspace access, regulatory coordination, and operational planning for the Games in Los Angeles. The role collaborates with OBS and local authorities to ensure seamless aerial coverage across ceremonies, competitions and flybys.

Reporting to the Director of Broadcast Services, you will manage the Master Aerial Operations Schedule, coordinate with cross-functional teams, and maintain safety, security and incident communications in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 5+ years in event or aviation coordination.
• Experience with regulatory timelines and compliance.
• Proven ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience coordinating across multiple functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate all aerial broadcast activities, ensuring airspace access and compliance.
• Develop and maintain the Master Aerial Operations Schedule.
• Liaise with the LA28 Aerial Task Force and external partners.
• Act as the operational link between LA28, OBS, and agencies during Games-time.
• Oversee execution of scheduled aerial coverage for priority events.
• Manage incidents and safety communications in restricted airspace.

Skills

Airspace coordination

Regulatory coordination

Stakeholder management

Operational planning

Crisis/incident management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

LA28 does not provide relocation assistance.

LA28 is the independent, non-profit, privately funded organizing committee for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We are on a singular mission to create an Olympic and Paralympic Games that celebrate all that this city and country have to offer, delivering an unparalleled experience for athletes, fans, partners and our community.

The 2028 Games mark the return of the Summer Games to the U.S. for the first time in 32 years and Los Angeles’ third time hosting an Olympic Games and first time welcoming the Paralympic Games. This presents the unique and exciting opportunity to celebrate our legacy with the Games and push the Olympic and Paralympic Movements forward, writing a new chapter of Games history in Los Angeles.

Putting on an Olympic and Paralympic Games is a team sport. To build a Games unlike any the world has seen before, we need the best team in place–a team full of perspectives, experiences and expertise. We are guided by the following set of values and behaviors–optimism, integrity, excellence, inclusion, co-creation and boldness–and look forward to hearing about how your past experiences align with them.

Title: Manager, Aerial Planning & Operations

The Broadcast Integration (BRS) Team’s aim is to support the Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) in the preparation and planning of the most seamless, innovative, and engaging broadcast of the Games.

The BRS team is responsible for delivering high quality facilities and services to the Media Rights Holders and OBS to ensure the best possible media coverage of the Games to the widest possible audience. To do this, the team liaises closely with OBS to manage planning processes related to broadcasting the Olympic and Paralympic Game. This includes hosting meetings and workshops, conducting surveys, and acting as the main point of contact with the other LA28 functional areas concerning the successful delivery of broadcast infrastructure at competition venues. Additionally, the team supports the delivery of services to OBS and media rights holders to enable their operations – such as accommodation, accreditation, transportation, information, technology, technical support, warehousing, permitting, medical services, and other services at Games time.

Reporting to the Director of Broadcast Services, this person will be responsible for coordinating all aerial broadcast activities for LA28, with a primary focus on securing airspace access, compliance, and logistical support in collaboration with local authorities prior to the Games. During Games-time, this will transition to an on-the-ground operational role, ensuring seamless execution of aerial coverage in partnership with Olympic Broadcast Services (OBS) and multiple external agencies.

Key Responsibilities:

Airspace Access & Regulatory Coordination

• Serve as the lead LA28 point of contact with local authorities, civil aviation regulators, airport and heliport management, and public safety agencies to secure airspace permissions and operational clearances for all planned aerial activities (helicopters, drones, fixed-wing).
• Navigate city, regional, and federal requirements, to secure specific flight paths needed for official Games coverage.
• Support contract negotiations for hangar space, office and storage facilities, and coordinate payment of operational fees related to aviation logistics.

Operational Planning & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain the Master Aerial Operations Schedule, ensuring all aerial missions align with Games-time event schedules and OBS broadcast needs.
• Liaise with the LA28 Aerial Task Force, aviation providers, and cross-functional Games operations teams to integrate aerial plans with broader security and logistical frameworks.
• Regularly consult with OBS and other broadcast partners to communicate restrictions, finalize access details, and adapt plans based on changing local conditions.

Games-time Responsibilities

• Work in the Master Control Room as the main LA28 coordinator for aerial operations, working side-by-side with OBS, aviation reps, and security agencies for real-time monitoring and decision making.
• Oversee the execution of scheduled aerial coverage for all priority events e.g., ceremonies, competitions, flybys
• Maintain strong channels of communication to manage aircraft access, resolve incidents, and ensure operational safety in a high-security, restricted airspace environment.
• Act as the operational connection between LA28, OBS, and all relevant local/federal agencies throughout Games-time, ensuring timely sharing of flight status, incident updates, and airspace changes.
• Coordinate risk management responses for aerial operations, escalating safety or compliance issues to relevant agencies and LA28 leadership as needed

Background and Requirements:

• Bachelors degree or minimum 5 years of relevant industry experience, preferably with 7+ years of experience supporting large-scale event planning, broadcast operations, or aviation coordination
• Experience with regulatory and compliance processes and timelines
• Experience working with a diverse range of stakeholders and proven success at building excellent working relationships
• Experience working across multiple functional areas and with third parties

The annual base salary range for this position is $88,000-$115,000. The pay scale provides the range that LA28 reasonably expect to pay as starting base compensation for this role. All LA28 compensation remains subject to final determination based on individual candidate qualifications, experience, or other reasonable criteria consistent with LA28’s operational business needs and applicable law.

LA28 does not provide relocation assistance.

LA28 is committed to fair and unbiased recruitment procedures allowing all applicants an equal opportunity for employment, free from discrimination on the basis of religion, race, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, color, ethnic or national origin, or any other classification as may be protected by applicable law. LA28 will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance and all applicable laws. We strive to build a team that is inclusive and encourage qualified candidates of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities to apply. We assess applications based on relevant skills, education, and experience a candidate can add to our team.