Manager, Testing and Readiness

LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

LA28 is seeking a Security Readiness professional to build and lead the security testing program for the Olympic and Paralytic Games. You will design progressive exercises, set evaluation criteria, and coordinate with public safety, law enforcement, and partners to close gaps before Games time.

This role requires on-site work in Los Angeles. You will manage 24/7 shifts, fatigue planning, and post-Games actions while aligning with venue and operations teams to ensure safe, successful delivery of

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in a related field or 5 years of equivalent security experience.
• 5–7+ years of progressive experience in operational readiness, emergency preparedness, exercise design, crisis management or security planning.
• Expertise in HSEEP or equivalent exercise design and debriefing methodologies.
• Proven track record working with public safety entities, law enforcement and municipal emergency management offices.
• Coordinate cross-functional joint exercises with Transportation, Venue Management, Technology, and Accreditation teams.

Responsibilities

• Build the security testing and readiness roadmap around LA28's event testing calendar and milestones.
• Design and facilitate progressive Tabletop Exercises (TTX), Command Post Exercises (CPX), technical dry runs, and venue functional exercises.
• Test command, control, and communications at the Main Operations Center, Games Security Coordination Center, and venue command centers.
• Set evaluation rubrics and KPIs, author After-Action Reports and Improvement Plans, and track corrective actions into CONOPS, SOPs, and runbooks.
• Support staff readiness training, manage 24/7 shift, surge and fatigue planning, the post-Games after-action report, and IOC/IPC observer delegations.

Skills

Operational readiness

Crisis management

Exercise design

Security planning

Cross-agency collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Emergency Management/ Homeland Security/ Public Administration/ Sports Management/ Criminal Justice

Tools

Esri GIS

Autodesk

Job description

LA28 does not provide relocation assistance for any positions. If you are based outside the Los Angeles area, we still welcome your application — we value talent from all geographic backgrounds and want to hear from you if you are able to work on‑site in LA.

Role Purpose

You will build the security testing and readiness program that prepares LA28 teammates and agency partners for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. You will turn plans into progressive exercises, expose gaps, and help teams close them before Games time. Your scenarios will test venue overlays, crowd flow disruptions, transport perimeter anomalies, and critical incident command handoffs. Working with public safety and National Special Security Event (NSSE) partners, you will make practical calls as plans evolve and build shared accountability for readiness.

Key Responsibilities

• Build the Security testing and readiness roadmap around LA28's event testing calendar and milestones.
• Design and facilitate progressive Tabletop Exercises (TTX), Command Post Exercises (CPX), technical dry runs, and venue functional exercises.
• Test command, control, and communications at the Main Operations Center, Games Security Coordination Center, and venue command centers.
• Set evaluation rubrics and KPIs, author After‑Action Reports and Improvement Plans, and track corrective actions into CONOPS, SOPs, and runbooks.
• Support staff readiness training, manage 24/7 shift, surge and fatigue planning, the post-Games after‑action report, and IOC/IPC observer delegations.

Required Competencies

• Bachelor's in Emergency Management, Homeland Security, Public Administration, Sports Management, Criminal Justice, or related; or 5 years of equivalent experience in security.
• Bring 5–7+ years of progressive experience in operational readiness, emergency preparedness, exercise design, crisis management, or security planning.
• Demonstrate expertise in the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) or equivalent exercise design and debriefing methodologies.
• Show a proven track record working with public safety entities, law enforcement agencies, municipal emergency management offices, and private security contractors.
• Coordinate cross-functional joint exercises with Transportation, Venue Management, Technology, and Accreditation teammates to validate integrated operational plans.

Valued Experience

• Master's degree; or 5 years of equivalent experience in security readiness.
• Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), MEP, IC S 100/200/300/400/700/800, or PMP certification.
• Experience with major sports events, NSSEs, large gatherings, or multi‑venue operations.
• Esri technical certifications or Autodesk certifications.

What We Offer

• Build a security readiness program with visible responsibility for Olympic and Paralympic preparation.
• Collaborate with teammates and agency stakeholders to test plans and resolve operational vulnerabilities.
• Develop transferable exercise design, evaluation, and corrective‑action skills through practical Games preparation.
• Take pride in shared progress that helps teams prepare for Games delivery.

What This Role Means For The Games

Your work helps security teams move from written plans to coordinated action. By testing decisions and closing gaps together, you support safer Games operations and leave future organizing committees with practical lessons from exercises and observer programs.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Available to work onsite in our Downtown Los Angeles-based office.
• The majority of work will be conducted in an office setting, requiring extended periods of time using computers, phones, and other office equipment.
• The LA28 office is an open floorplan working environment; employees must be able to work efficiently in an open cubicle environment.
• Hours of work may vary, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially during peak event periods.
• Perform other duties as required; the role will evolve over time and may include operational responsibilities during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Compensation

The annual base salary range for this position is $88,000 - $115,000. The pay scale provided is the range that LA28 reasonably expects 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 is an equal opportunity employer. To read our full Equal Opportunity and Accommodation statements, please visit LA28 Careers Page.