RAGBRAI Ride Operations

Job Title

Event Operations Specialist

Company

USA TODAY Co. (RAGBRAI)

About USA TODAY Co.

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth-focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK and Newsquest, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions.

About RAGBRAI

RAGBRAI is the world’s largest and longest running annual bicycle ride in the world. Each year, we welcome over 20,000 riders and participants from all 50 states and more than 20 countries. RAGBRAI is focused on showcasing small town Iowa and the communities that have graciously hosted us for more than 52 years.

Role Summary

We are seeking a candidate highly skilled in event operation planning, management, and execution. The ideal candidate has experience executing large-scale events in high-pressure situations that emphasize the participant's experience. This position will assist towns in their preparations by identifying and assigning Campground spaces, overseeing a crew of 70+ people, and participating in advance travel meetings.

Responsibilities

• Plan, produce, and execute operational components for assigned events from contract execution through post-event closeout.
• Partake in advance travel meetings to assist towns in their preparations, including identifying and assigning campground spaces, working with Public Works departments and shower vendors to identify best locations and placing various RAGBRAI accommodations.
• Oversee the Charter program and serve as the primary liaison between Charters, Overnight Towns, and RAGBRAI.
• Manage the RAGBRAI Crew, a group of 70+ individuals that assist with operations during the ride, which includes assigning positions, interviewing and hiring candidates, communicating pre-event logistics, and processing all payments.
• Reserve all rental vehicles for the week of RAGBRAI and the Route Inspection in June.
• Collect and track necessary documentation from host communities to process financial payments as part of the RAGBRAI Give Back program.
• Actively work alongside RAGBRAI Staff to project, track, and adhere to annual budget(s).
• Assist RAGBRAI Creative Director in creation and implementation of Overnight Town maps using the Google MYMAPS software.
• Support RAGBRAI staff in planning and execution of various annual events, including the Route Announcement Party, Overnight & Pass-Through Town Meeting, Route Inspection, and Fall Ride.
• During the week of RAGBRAI, command the RAGBRAI Information Tent and provide customer service to all participants.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Des Moines, IA based - requires in-office participation.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Event Management, Sports & Recreation Management, or similar field preferred.
• 1-3+ years of experience in Event Operations or a similar field.
• Strong interpersonal skills with an emphasis towards participant experience.
• Effective organization and time management skills.
• Strong leadership abilities and initiative.
• Quick decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Reliant, self-paced worker that can proactively strategize on future responsibilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment.
• Passionate and enthusiastic for the event and/or cycling industry.

Compensation

The annualized base salary for this role will range between $45,000 and $50,000. Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications, and experience. Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co. employs employees. USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individual’s application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at Recruit@usatodayco.com. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location.