GO! St. Louis | St. Louis, Missouri
Full-Time | $75,000–$85,000 | Reports to President
ABOUT GO! ST. LOUIS
GO! St. Louis is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring fitness, one step at a time. Through a diverse portfolio of running events, youth programs, and community initiatives, we bring people together through the power of movement.
Our signature event, the Greater St. Louis Marathon, welcomes thousands of participants each spring, while our year-round race calendar includes road races, trail events, and community running experiences throughout the St. Louis region.
As we continue to grow, including our role as Race Management Partner for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Marathon, we’re looking for an experienced race operations professional to join our team.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Director of Race Operations is responsible for coordinating and executing the logistical and operational components of GO! St. Louis events throughout the year.
Working closely with the President/Race Director, this position plays a key role in translating event plans into successful race-day operations, with responsibilities spanning course management, event site production, vendor coordination, equipment logistics, and race-day crew management.
This is a hands-on position for an organized, detail-oriented professional who enjoys both the planning and execution sides of event management. The ideal candidate is comfortable taking responsibility for assigned projects, collaborating with a variety of stakeholders, and solving problems in a fast-paced environment.
The Director of Race Operations will work under the direction of the President/Race Director while assuming significant responsibility for the day-to-day coordination and implementation of race operations across the organization’s event portfolio.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Course Operations & Logistics
● Coordinate the implementation of race course plans, including course infrastructure, signage, barricades, cones, fencing, and other operational elements.
● Develop and maintain course operations maps, deployment schedules, equipment lists, and crew assignments.
● Coordinate course setup, maintenance, and breakdown in collaboration with race operations crews and contractors.
● Assist with course planning, route modifications, and logistical considerations related to construction, access, and traffic management.
● Support coordination with municipalities, law enforcement, public works departments, and other agencies involved in course operations.
● Coordinate operational logistics for aid stations, course marshals, SAG vehicles, and other on-course support services.
Event Site Planning & Operations
● Coordinate logistical planning and execution for event sites, including start and finish areas, participant services, staging areas, and other event-related locations.
● Develop and maintain site layouts, equipment plans, setup schedules, and production timelines.
● Oversee the coordination and placement of event infrastructure, including tents, fencing, barricades, signage, portable restrooms, and other operational equipment.
● Work with staff, vendors, and contractors to ensure event sites are prepared and operationally ready.
● Coordinate event setup and breakdown, including equipment transportation, deliveries, and removal.
Vendor & Equipment Management
● Serve as a key operational contact for race management vendors, contractors, and equipment providers.
● Coordinate vendor schedules, equipment requirements, deliveries, installation, and removal.
● Assist with obtaining vendor quotes, reviewing operational needs, and monitoring expenses within established budgets.
● Manage race equipment inventories, storage, maintenance, and transportation logistics.
● Coordinate vehicle and equipment needs for race setup, course operations, and event breakdown.
Race-Day Operations & Crew Coordination
● Coordinate and direct assigned race-day operations crews, contractors, and volunteers responsible for course and site execution.
● Develop detailed race-day operational schedules, crew assignments, and deployment plans.
● Provide on-site operational leadership during event setup, execution, and breakdown.
● Maintain effective communication with race operations teams, vendors, and event leadership.
● Identify and resolve operational challenges in real time, escalating significant issues to the Race Director as appropriate.
● Participate in post-event evaluations and assist with implementing operational improvements.
Event Planning & Administrative Responsibilities
● Develop and maintain operational timelines, checklists, maps, and planning documents for GO! St. Louis events.
● Track operational milestones and coordinate completion of assigned tasks throughout the event planning process.
● Collaborate with GO! St. Louis staff to support the operational needs of sponsorship activations, participant services, volunteer programs, and other event components.
● Assist with operational budgeting, expense tracking, vendor agreements, and related administrative responsibilities.
● Support the implementation of established safety, emergency response, and contingency plans.
● Participate in event planning meetings, site visits, and coordination meetings with external partners.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
● Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in race management, event operations, sports event production, or a related field; 3–5 years of relevant experience preferred.
● Demonstrated experience coordinating event logistics, vendors, equipment, and on-site operations.
● Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
● Experience working with event crews, contractors, and operational teams.
● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
● Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to make sound decisions in fast-moving environments.
● Ability to work independently on assigned responsibilities while collaborating closely with organizational leadership and staff.
● Ability to perform hands-on event operations, including loading and unloading equipment, moving event supplies, and assisting with event setup and breakdown.
● Ability to lift and carry 30 pounds or more on a regular basis, with or without reasonable accommodation.
● Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and remain on one’s feet for extended periods during event setup and race-day operations.
● Availability to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends as required by the event calendar.
● Valid driver’s license.
Preferred
● Experience with road races, marathons, trail races, or other endurance sporting events.
● Familiarity with race course logistics, traffic management, permitting, and municipal coordination.
● Experience working with race management vendors, timing companies, and event infrastructure providers.
● Proficiency with event mapping, operational planning, and project management software.
● Experience coordinating operational crews and managing multiple event sites.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
We’re looking for someone who enjoys the challenge of bringing complex events to life.
The successful candidate will be someone who takes initiative, anticipates logistical needs, and follows through on the details that make events successful.
They should be equally comfortable working through detailed operational plans at a desk, coordinating with vendors and partners, and spending long days in the field preparing for and executing events.
Above all, we’re looking for a collaborative, resourceful professional who takes pride in doing things well and wants to be an integral part of a small, dedicated team.
WHY JOIN GO! ST. LOUIS?
This position offers the opportunity to play a meaningful role in producing some of the St. Louis region’s most recognized running events.
As part of a small, collaborative organization, you’ll work closely with experienced race leadership, gain exposure to a wide variety of event operations, and have the opportunity to make a direct impact on the events we produce.
You’ll also have the unique opportunity to contribute to the planning and execution of the 2028 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Marathon in St. Louis.
COMPENSATION
Annual Salary: $75,000–$85,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Full-time position based in St. Louis, Missouri.
Benefits and additional employment details will be provided during the hiring process.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit a resume and brief cover letter highlighting their relevant event operations experience and interest in joining GO! St. Louis.
Submit to: Mona Vespa, mvespa@gostlouis.org