Head of Event Production

New York Road Runners•New York, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

New York Road Runners (NYRR) is a community running organization that produces year-round races, events, programs, and training resources. Its Event Development and Production Department develops and produces events aligned with NYRR’s mission, including more than 40 adult events and support for 30 Rising New York Road Runners youth events each year. Its notable events include the TCS New York City Marathon, United Airlines NYC Half, and RBC Brooklyn Half. The Head of Event Production co-leads the Event Management & Logistics team and provides leadership and operational direction for NYRR event properties, including the TCS New York City Marathon. The role oversees major marathon operational areas, manages staff and resources, develops event standards and planning tools, and works with internal teams, external agencies, and local communities to deliver events safely and effectively. The position is hybrid, with two days per week in the Midtown Manhattan office, and requires work at specified NYRR races, regular weekends, occasional evenings, and extended hours as needed.

Requirements

8–10 years of event management experience, preferably in sports and/or entertainment, including a strong background in logistics, operations, and team management.
Experience in event site planning and management.
Ability to manage budgets and provide detailed analyses and reports.
Resourcefulness, strategic thinking, a strong work ethic, and the ability to delegate appropriately.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong leadership skills and ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
Focused attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
Comfort presenting to senior organizational management and external city agencies.
Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and ability to work with diverse populations.
Positive attitude and appreciation for the value of health, community, and running.
Willingness to travel and work various weekends, early hours, and extended hours as needed; ability to work regular weekends and occasional evenings.
Proficiency in Microsoft Business Applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in the NYC event planning landscape and with endurance or running events is strongly preferred.
College degree preferred.
Knowledge of Visio and/or AutoCAD is a plus, but not required.

Responsibilities

Co-lead the Event Management & Logistics team, covering event logistics, planning and project management, vendor and agency management, budgets, long-term calendar and resource planning, and onsite and venue operations.
Provide leadership, professional expertise, and direction in planning and executing NYRR event properties, including the TCS New York City Marathon.
Oversee the main operational areas of the TCS NYC Marathon: Start, Course, Finish, Transportation, and Baggage.
Directly manage the Director, Event Production, mentor Event Leads and Coordinators, and direct daily workloads, projects, goal setting, and annual reviews.
Establish budgets, goals, objectives, and activities in line with organizational policies and procedures; assess and implement workflows that improve team and department effectiveness.
Contribute to departmental goal setting and help develop individual performance goals aligned with organizational and departmental plans.
Contribute to short- and long-term organizational planning and strategy as a management team member.
Develop new event properties and grow existing ones in accordance with the organization’s strategic plan.
Develop and maintain event standards, planning tools, and event analytics covering production levels, participant services and amenities, communications, technology solutions, and contingency plans.
Plan resources, prepare and manage event budgets, and develop staffing models.
Liaise with city agencies and local communities to support successful NYRR event operations.
Coordinate internally with Business Development and Strategic Partnerships, Marketing, Public Relations, Strategy & Planning, IT, and Finance on partner deliverables, brand messaging, participant communications, organizational strategy, and budgets.
Collaborate with Runner Services, Warehouse, Experiential, Timing & Competition Management, Volunteer, Hospitality, Broadcast, Security, and Medical teams to integrate plans into overall event operations.
Perform other duties and department projects as assigned.
Work the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon, RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon, and TCS NYC Marathon.