Manager, Mascot Operations

LA28 • Los Angeles, CA

9h • Onsite

About The Position

The Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games will be hosted in Los Angeles, California in 2028, marking the first time in over 30 years the Games return to the United States and the first time LA hosts the Paralympic Games. LA28, the organizers for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, aims to create an unparalleled Games experience for athletes, fans, partners, community, and people, with a vision to collectively create what’s next through sport, community, and the power of differences. The organization is an independent, non-profit, privately funded entity governed by a board of directors. The Manager, Mascot Operations supports the execution of Mascot Operations for the LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games by assisting in the development of Games-wide operational plans and coordinating daily logistics for successful mascot appearances across the Games footprint. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Mascot Operations, this role is responsible for translating operational plans and appearance schedules into fully staffed, well-coordinated activations that bring the LA28 mascots to life safely, consistently, and in alignment with brand standards.

Requirements

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in character programming, live entertainment operations, theme park logistics, event or stage management (ideally managing multiple character performers and/or multiple locations)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) or equivalent
• Experience using project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Monday.com, Asana)
• Proven success building large-scale scheduling grids and performer logistics across multiple locations
• Familiarity of labor regulations, union requirements, and operational planning for live events
• Ability to work from the Los Angeles office
• Ability to coordinate and support transportation of costume elements and equipment between locations, including occasional pick-up and drop-off; must have a valid driver’s license
• Ability to lift and transport costume elements and equipment up to 20lbs, using appropriate tools (e.g., hand carts, dollies) to safely move items across venues and locations
• Exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills
• Operational, on-the-ground executional expertise
• Comfortable working in high-pressure, fast-paced environments with shifting priorities
• Strong communicator (both written and verbal), contributing and leading presentations as needed
• Self-starter who thrives with minimal direction and takes initiative to drive results

Nice To Haves

• Live Entertainment or Character Operations Training (theme park or entertainment environments) a plus

Responsibilities

• Manage scheduling, and location planning for multiple mascot performers and handlers across multiple venues and activations
• Forecast staffing demand based on appearance schedules, event volume, and operational needs
• Build and manage weekly and daily staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage
• Monitor schedule gaps and proactively adjust staffing plans to meet demand
• Actively ingest and apply LA28 operational information by attending venue logistics meetings, cross-functional planning sessions, and site visits
• Develop a strong understanding of the Games footprint, including venue layouts, activation zones, and operational constraints
• Represent the Mascot Operations team in meetings, ensuring alignment and clear communication when responsibilities are divided across the team
• Learn and uphold security protocols, accreditation requirements, and venue-specific procedures, ensuring compliance across all mascot activities
• Understand transportation routes, access points, and movement plans for personnel and assets across venues
• Translate operational insights into clear, actionable guidance for performers and handlers
• Manage daily call-outs, absences, and last-minute changes, adjusting schedules and shift assignments in real time to maintain coverage
• Confirm upcoming schedules, performer and handler availability, and readiness for all assigned activations
• Serve as a key point of contact for day-of operations, providing quick problem solving and decision making
• Support operations from both LA28 Headquarters and on-site at venues, traveling between locations as needed
• Communicate updates clearly to performers, handlers, and cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and continuity across all activations
• Support onboarding, and training of Mascot performers and support staff
• Ensure compliance with labor laws and union regulations, identifying and mitigating any operational constraints
• Ensure Mascot appearances and asset usage align with LA28 brand guidelines and IP standards
• Support Mascot-related assets, including tracking, distribution, and usage approvals
• Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to performer safety, environmental conditions, and venue logistics
• Support in developing protocols and Mascot emergency response plans

Benefits

• LA28 does not provide relocation assistance.
• 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.
• A team that is diverse, inclusive and encourages qualified candidates of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities to apply.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees