Youth Events Lead

About NYRR

New York Road Runners (NYRR) was founded in 1958 when a small group of passionate runners vowed to bring running to the people and has grown from a local running club into the world’s premier community running organization. NYRR’s vision is to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running. NYRR’s year-round offerings of races, community events, programs, and training resources provide hundreds of thousands of people with the motivation, know-how, and opportunities to start running and keep running for life. NYRR’s premier event, the famed TCS New York City Marathon, attracts the world’s top professional runners and committed amateurs alike, while also raising millions of dollars annually for charity and driving economic impact for New York City. NYRR is equally committed to the runners of tomorrow, passionately providing youth fitness programs that educate and inspire children in underserved communities in New York City, nationwide, and around the world. Headquartered in New York City, NYRR is a 501(c)(3) organization.

About The Department

NYRR is one of the largest nonprofit providers of youth and community fitness programming in New York City. The Community Impact Department includes Youth Programs, Community Programs, and Youth and Community Events. The Community Programs team oversees a diverse portfolio, including NYRR Striders for older adults, free NYRR Open Runs in city parks, and targeted initiatives such as Run for the Future and Youth Ambassadors, which build lifelong skills through movement and leadership. The Youth Programs team develops and supports running programs and resources for schools, community organizations, and families in NYC and nationwide through Rising New York Road Runners. The Youth and Community Events team delivers more than 40 events annually—including those tied to the Five-Borough Series and the TCS New York City Marathon—reaching thousands of kids and community participants each year.

About The Position

The Youth Events Lead position provides event development, scheduling, budgeting, and execution of more than 35 youth events per year, each serving 500-1,000 or more participants. This position will report to the Director of Youth Events, with the core responsibility of managing and supporting NYRR youth event properties, including those associated with the TCS New York City Marathon.

Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of the Director of Youth Events, manage the development, logistics, and day-of operations of youth events, including leading about 5 events (e.g., scheduling, permitting, forecasting and budgeting, timeline development, logistics document development) and supporting the day-of execution of about 25 events per year as part of the Youth Events team.
• Work with the Youth Program, Marketing, Creative, Sponsor Products, Staffing, and Volunteers teams on contractual needs, brief creation, website launch, layouts, and enhancement of the event experience and communications while ensuring the incorporation of Rising New York Road Runners philosophy elements.
• Liaise with government agencies (e.g., NYC Department of Education, NYPD, NYC Parks Department, Parks Conservancies, DOT), partners, sponsors, and NYRR-approved vendors in outreach, site finding, permits, contracts, payments, and overall logistics development to ensure smooth execution of the event.
• As needed, work with the Youth Program team and approved bus company to transport program participants to/from school at youth events.
• Work with the Security and Medical team to ensure proper coverage onsite at all managed youth events.
• Work with the Volunteer team to outreach and recruit volunteers for all managed youth events.
• In support of the rest of the Youth Events and other departments, attend scheduled youth events, community events, and some training sessions (as needed) on weekdays, weeknights, and weekends.
• Collaborate with the EML, Warehousing, Race Scoring, Volunteer and Event Staffing, Hospitality, and Safety & Security teams in ED&P to ensure all plans integrate seamlessly into the overall event operations.
• Manage a list of specific projects to ensure event development, process improvements, and enhance overall participant experience.
• Budget management responsibility for all youth event operations budget lines.
• Understand the Long-Term Athlete Development program to ensure the Rising New York Road Runners philosophy is a part of all youth events.
• Maintain open, consistent communication with all appropriate NYRR partners, sponsors, staff, and volunteers, aligned with NYRR’s core values.
• Ensure culture, diversity, and inclusion are part of everyday operations.

Requirements

• 3+ years of event (youth-specific preferred) project management or youth track and field/cross country coaching.
• Event management experience, preferably in the sports and/or entertainment industries.
• Strong logistical/operational and customer service background.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred but not required.
• Level 1 USATF Youth Coaching Certification preferred or willingness to obtain.
• Technical knowledge of road racing and track and field events preferred.
• CPR/AED and First Aid Certification preferred or willingness to obtain.

Skills and Attributes

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work occasional weekends or evenings.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to speak another language strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift at least 25 lbs.

Other Requirements

• All staff are required to work the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon, RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon, and the TCS NYC Marathon.
• Work evening/weekend events as required.
• Operate on a hybrid schedule, working in office a minimum of 2 days per week.

Pay

$76,000 per year.