The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) is a non-profit organization which produces the Boston Marathon and has a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A. is committed to a world where all people can access and benefit from running and an active lifestyle. The B.A.A. advances its mission and vision by organizing mass-participatory running events, by creating or supporting community fitness events, and by sponsoring a running club which serves the greater Boston area. The organization is committed to achieving a greater level diversity on its staff and understands the importance of representation in all aspects of its work, whether internal or external.

OVERVIEW OF ROLE

The Event Operations Manager operates as an important member of the B.A.A. Operations Team’s infrastructure. The role provides strategic direction and effective coordination of technical functions to ensure efficient event execution of and communication. Working as a cross-functional leader, this role collaborates daily within the Operations Team, within the broader organization, and with external partners working on B.A.A. events.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works alongside and reports to Director of Operations for the efficient operation and production of all B.A.A. races, including event management, logistics, and technical support
• Plan, organize, and execute operational aspects of B.A.A. mass-participatory events including developing new events. Maintain an awareness and understanding of overall plans and procedures alongside specific program leaders.
• Assist in the planning and execution of new initiatives, ensuring that all material requirements are in place at B.A.A. events, new initiatives are successfully implemented, and event information and changes are communicated to the staff.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and production schedules across all B.A.A. events. This includes event data capture, review, electronic integration, sharing. Assist in the creation, standardizing, and maintenance of rules and policies for all events.
• Serve as B.A.A. liaison to municipal, state, and federal governments and agencies to coordinate on the production and conduct of events. Representative to cities and towns for the same, as well.
• Work with technical producers & course manager to manage Boston Marathon course safety, security, logistics and operations with event and technical management vendors and public safety officials.
• Secure the necessary permits to conduct B.A.A. events. Manage the application process, communication with cities/towns and other entities, and invoices received in relation to these requests. Maintain awareness of construction projects and other local changes affecting B.A.A. events and communicate with government representatives, contractors, etc. as necessary to minimize disruptions.
• Stand up the Race Operations Center for the Boston Marathon, working with the program manager to ensure all necessary vendor contracts are in place and plan for the efficient and effective use on race day. Maintain and develop communications and planning with public safety partners leading up to the event. Develop and implement operations center best practices across all B.A.A. events.
• Work with Marketing Team to ensure that all material needs are in place for sponsorship activations and operational success for all events.
• Oversee the Credential Program & Credential Manager. Ensure appropriate support and processes are in place for planning, organizing, and directing the credential programs associated with B.A.A. events.
• Lead event sustainability efforts, in conjunction technical producer staff, vendors, volunteers, and others to execute new initiatives across all B.A.A. events.
• Work with race technical producers and B.A.A. staff to collect information for and produce event operations manuals
• Assist in contract and vendor management activities, including both direct support and establishing standards. Work with Finance Team on budget, material acquisition, purchase orders, and inventory management.
• Review and continuously improve all event-related programs and processes, including Transportation, Communications, Credentials, Sustainability, Operations documentation
• Participate in AbbottWMM peer review and audit process. Work alongside industry peers on initiatives
• Other duties as assigned

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in contract management involving general and subcontractors; contract drafting & process development
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ technical and logistical experience with large scale public events; experience in road races or similar events
• Experience planning & managing event sites
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish & maintain relationships with key stakeholders and public officials
• Diplomatic, with the ability to influence others and resolve conflicts. Ability to work collaboratively both with fellow employees and volunteers brought in to support programs
• Strategic thinker and planner who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can simultaneously juggle multiple projects
• Must be committed to and supportive of the running community
• Open to working additional hours and weekends based on event calendar.
• Strong proficiency in all Microsoft Office tools
• Experience with Salesforce (Lightning)
• Must have the ability to lift and/or carry up to 25lbs.

TRAVEL 

Limited local travel required.

POSITION COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This is a full-time position with benefits that would be based in the Boston office. The organization is currently working remotely for the foreseeable future, and will be working toward a hybrid working model (home & office) later in 2022. The role will also require working some weekends and nights approaching race weeks.

Compensation commensurate with experience and duties. The B.A.A. offers several benefits including:

• Competitive health & dental insurance plans with employer contributions of at least 80%
• Life insurance, short term, and long-term disability plans funded 100% by the B.A.A.
• 401K matching dollar-for-dollar up to 4% after one year of service, elective deferrals may begin upon hire
• Paid vacation based on years of service
• 11 paid holidays, 9 scheduled and 2 floating
• A private option for Paid Family & Medical Leave with up to 26 weeks of paid leave per year for qualifying leave events