Director of Operations, Torch Relays

LA28 does not provide relocation assistance.

The Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games will be hosted in Los Angeles, California in 2028, returning to the United States for the first time in over 30 years. 2028 will be the first time LA hosts the Paralympic Games, creating an opportunity to expand awareness, understanding and inclusion of people with disabilities.

LA28, the organizers for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, is on a mission to create an unparalleled Games experience for athletes, fans, partners, our community and our people. Our vision is to collectively create what's next through sport, community and the power of our differences.

The 2028 Olympics and Paralympics will represent LA and leverage the strength of our community's diversity and creativity as we collectively work to design a Games that we all want to be a part of. We do this by focusing on people and by inviting everyone into the story of the LA28 Games.

The LA28 organizing committee is an independent, non-profit organization that is privately funded and governed by a board of directors.

Values and Behaviors:

• Optimism – Embody a positive, enthusiastic, and solution-oriented attitude in everything we do; challenge the status quo, inspire and support one another to achieve our best; have our eyes on the future and believe we can make a meaningful impact
• Integrity – We communicate openly and honestly, listen, and respectfully value multiple perspectives; we do what we say and are accountable for everything we do; we do the right thing, always. Even when it isn't easy
• Excellence – We hold ourselves to the highest standard and expectations; we live our values and truths and persevere through challenges; we are continuous learners and adapt and pivot with speed to meet changing needs
• Inclusion – We seek to represent, include, empower and level the playing field; our work reflects the communities we serve and the world in which we live; we leverage our platforms to bring awareness to issues relevant to who we are
• Co-Creation – We are authors of a shared story. Everyone contributes their unique voice to our shared mission; we share pride in our accomplishments and ownership of our shortcomings
• Boldness – We embrace creativity, courage and outside-the-box thinking; we are unafraid to take risks, explore unconventional solutions, and learn from the process; we are innovators, disruptors, and challengers of the status quo

Director of Operations, Torch Relays:

The Torch Relays (RLY) functional area is responsible for the planning & execution of LA28's Olympic & Paralympic Torch Relays. They are key national engagement & promotional tools, creating an inclusive and accessible Games experience for people of all backgrounds and abilities and developing a sense of excitement and anticipation across the country leading up to the Olympic & Paralympic Opening Ceremonies.

The Director of Operations is responsible for the overall operational success of the Torch Relays and delivering an exceptional experience for all those involved. This individual will shape the foundation of the relays and oversee the operational team responsible for planning & delivering them, ensuring that every aspect is executed flawlessly and on budget, while furthering the LA28 brand and vision. This role will report to the Head of Torch Relays.

We are seeking a highly effective operational leader with a creative mindset to drive impact, while mitigating operational risk. The ideal candidate has prior experience planning & executing an Olympic & Paralympic Torch Relay or similarly structured event.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build operational plan and own key operational milestones for the organizing committee
• Manage operational budget, ensuring efficient use of resources and adherence to financial constraints
• Build and lead internal team to effectively plan & deliver key components of the relays
• Manage external operational partner(s), overseeing all project planning and execution while setting clear roles & responsibilities
• Work cross-functionally with other LA28 functional areas (FAs) and external stakeholders to ensure strategic alignment, shape operational protocols, and integrate them seamlessly into operational plans
• Collaborate with commercial teams to sell, manage, and integrate partners/sponsors
• Coordinate with local, regional & national stakeholders to facilitate community planning as the organizing committee's spokesperson

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent work experience
• 10+ years of experience in event operations management & scope delivery
• Mobile tour experience preferred
• Project management certification a plus

Expectations:

• Track record of successfully managing large-scale, multi-faceted and operationally challenging event production from conception to execution
• In-depth understanding of the live events industry, including logistical, technical, and regulatory considerations
• Ability to manage long-term operational projects, managing team stress and fatigue
• Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities, with a keen eye for detail
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Ability to adapt to unknown situations and propose innovative solutions
• Proficiency in budget management and financial analysis
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels
• Ability to strategically align complex, cross-functional workstreams
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a diverse team
• Understanding of and sensitivity to diverse cultures and traditions

Work Conditions:

• Working in an open office environment, on-site 4-5 days per week
• Willingness to travel and work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends
  • 2025-2027: approx. 30-40% annually for stakeholder meetings, observation opportunities, site-checks, etc.
  • 2028: expectation to be on the road with the Torch Relays

Submission Requirements:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

The annual base salary range for this position is $150,000.00 - $170,000.00. 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 does not provide relocation assistance.

LA28 is committed to operating 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. We strive to build a team that is diverse, inclusive and encourages qualified candidates of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities to apply. We will consider all qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with local law. We assess applications based on relevant skills, education, and experience a candidate can add to our team.