Director, Community Engagement and Government Affairs

New York Road Runners•New York, NY

9d•$93,000

About The Position

New York Road Runners is seeking a passionate Director, Government Affairs and Community Engagement to support the advancement of the nonprofit’s brand, its impact work and more than 60 adult and youth events, and organizational announcements/initiatives every year, including NYRR’s signature events including the TCS New York City Marathon, the United Airlines New York City Half and the RBC Brooklyn Half. This role reports directly to the Head of Community Engagement and Government Affairs and executes at their direction. The Director must embody inspirational leadership and teamwork while collaborating with colleagues and managing a team. They must also work collaboratively, seamlessly, and positively with external partners, and with staff at all levels within the organization, from senior leadership to seasonal part-time/temporary staff to volunteers. The candidate will help establish, build and maintain relationships. This role will manage and execute a comprehensive community outreach and engagement plan for developing key external relationships with key stakeholders, such as local elected officials, community boards, community leaders, and non-profit organizations. This role will forge critical internal relationships with the following teams: development, events, business partnerships, and marketing & communications to obtain the necessary information and support needed to grow NYRR’s presence across all five boroughs.

Requirements

Experience: 5+ years’ experience leading and managing community initiatives
Knowledge of the New York City run club community
Experience in customer service
Ability to develop and implement initiatives for a broader audience
Tangible experience of having expanded and cultivated relationships over time
A results-oriented nature and the ability to work well with people at all levels of an organization, developing relationships with diverse constituencies
Education & Certifications: Bachelors’ degree in a related field preferred but not required
Skills and Attributes: A passion for being a part of the NYRR community, health and wellness along with a commitment to the mission, programs, and future aspirations of the organization.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures.
Flexible and adaptable style; a leader who can positively impact engagement initiatives
A professional and resourceful style; the ability to work independently and as a team player, to take initiative, and to manage multiple tasks and projects at a time.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook)
Strong attention to detail
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Familiar with NYC communities across all five boroughs
Ability to work occasional weekends or evenings
Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Ability to speak another language strongly preferred
Understanding and/or appreciation for running, running audiences a plus.
Required to work in-person three major races annually, and weekly races as needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience participating in and/or working with run club/crew preferred

Responsibilities

Strategic and Programmatic Support
Support the Head of Government Affairs and Community Engagement in the development and execution of departmental strategies and priorities aligned with NYRR’s strategic plan, directing matters of Government Affairs and Community Engagement (e.g. Community: Run Clubs/Crews, NYC Residents etc.).
Assist in planning and implementing community engagement efforts—for NYRR races, programs, and initiatives, including Club Council affiliation program (including quarterly meetings), Race Free, community and youth programming, etc.
Help to grow and manage strategic organizational relationships, including local elected officials, community boards, nonprofit partners, and advocacy groups.
Track, evaluate, and report on community engagement metrics, producing regular updates to inform internal stakeholders and drive data-based decision-making.
Participate in the development of outreach strategies to enhance NYRR’s presence and relationships in diverse communities across NYC.
Represent NYRR at community meetings and events, as needed, and serve as a liaison with internal and external stakeholders to support the growth of mission-aligned community connections.
Team Leadership and Oversight
Provide day-to-day direction and support to the Lead for Community Engagement, ensuring alignment with department goals, objectives and organizational priorities.
Guide planning, delivery, and evaluation of the run club engagement strategy, including Club Council meetings, communications, and special events such as Club Night.
Assist in the supervision and support of the departmental Coordinator and Intern by assigning and reviewing tasks, helping to shape development opportunities, and ensuring timely execution of responsibilities.
Foster a collaborative, mission-driven team environment that encourages accountability, innovation, and inclusion.
Uphold NYRR’s core values through leadership and collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., Events, Marketing, Development, Youth Programs).
Operational and Administrative Duties
Assist in developing and maintaining systems for external communications, event notifications, stakeholder correspondence, and other public-facing documents.
Collaborate with staff to ensure logistical and planning support for community-facing events, including race-day activations and special engagements.
Contribute to departmental efforts around research, stakeholder mapping, and relationship management to enhance community responsiveness.
Coordinate internal collaboration around comped race programs, in-kind donation logistics, and other department-managed initiatives.
Participate in key organizational events, including weekend and evening activities, as needed.