USA TODAY Co., Inc – Event Operations Manager – Event Production

Road Race Management, Inc.; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is seeking an Event Operations Manager for Event Production to plan, produce, and execute operational components of endurance events. Remote role with preference for Chicago area, travel and weekend work required, reporting to Sr. Event Operations Manager.

The position supports multiple brands and event types, coordinating with internal teams and vendors to ensure smooth onsite execution and post-event closeout.

Qualifications

• 1-3+ years of event, race, or live event operations experience.
• Experience working outdoor athletic or endurance events preferred.
• Detail-oriented with 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.

Responsibilities

• Plan, produce, and execute operational components for 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 working relationships with local jurisdictions, public agencies, and third-party partners.
• Conduct vendor outreach, quote analysis, negotiation, and management before, during, and after events.
• Track vendor contracts, deliverables, and payments, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Support event budgets and identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Volunteer, Customer Service, and other internal teams for participant communication.

Skills

Event operations

Endurance events

Communication

Project management

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Physical capacity

Job description

USA TODAY Co., Inc-Event Operations Manager - Event Production

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.

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 remote, with preference given to candidates located in or near the Chicago region due to event density, operational needs, and proximity to Ventures Endurance Events warehouse and office. The Event Operations Manager reports to the Sr. Event Operations Manager and supports multiple brands and event types across the organization. Travel and weekend work are required.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for running or triathlon, and producing top-tier events.

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 andsubmitaccuratedocumentation, maps, and supporting materials to municipalities, agencies, and partners.
• Establish andmaintaineffective working relationships with localjurisdictions, 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 eventamenityprograms.
• 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.

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.

ABOUT VENTURES ENDURANCE EVENTS

Ventures Endurance Eventsproducesworld-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.

The annualized base salary for this role will range between $50,000 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.

Job FamilyEventsJob FunctionEvent Operations