Head of Live Sites & Venue Experiences

The Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games will be hosted in Los Angeles, California in 2028, returning to the United States for the first time in over 30 years. 2028 will be the first time LA hosts the Paralympic Games, creating an opportunity to expand awareness, understanding and inclusion of people with disabilities.

LA28, the organizers for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, is on a mission to create an unparalleled Games experience for athletes, fans, partners, our community and our people. Our vision is to collectively create what’s next through sport, community and the power of our differences.

The 2028 Olympics and Paralympics will represent LA and leverage the strength of our community’s diversity and creativity as we collectively work to design a Games that we all want to be a part of. We do this by focusing on people and by inviting everyone into the story of the LA28 Games.

The LA28 organizing committee is an independent, non-profit organization that is privately funded and governed by a board of directors. 

Our Vision is to collectively create what’s next by harnessing sport, community and the power of our differences. Our Mission is to create an unparalleled Paralympic and Olympic Games for athletes, fans, partners, our community and our people.

Values and Behaviors:

• Optimism – Embody a positive, enthusiastic, and solution-oriented attitude in everything we do; challenge the status quo, inspire and support one another to achieve our best; have our eyes on the future and believe we can make a meaningful impact
• Integrity – We communicate openly and honestly, listen, and respectfully value multiple perspectives; we do what we say and are accountable for everything we do; we do the right thing, always. Even when it isn’t easy
• Excellence – We hold ourselves to the highest standard and expectations; we live our values and truths and persevere through challenges; we are continuous learners and adapt and pivot with speed to meet changing needs
• Inclusion – We seek to represent, include, empower and level the playing field; our work reflects the communities we serve and the world in which we live; we leverage our platforms to bring awareness to issues relevant to who we are
• Co-Creation – We are authors of a shared story. Everyone contributes their unique voice to our shared mission; we share pride in our accomplishments and ownership of our shortcomings
• Boldness – We embrace creativity, courage and outside-the-box thinking; we are unafraid to take risks, explore unconventional solutions, and learn from the process; we are innovators, disruptors, and challengers of the status quo

Sr. Director, Live Sites & Venue Experiences:

The Head of Live Sites & Venue Experiences is responsible for delivering exceptional fan and spectator experiences both on-premise and off-premise during the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

We are seeking a dynamic leader who is passionate about enhancing the fan experience and fostering community among Olympic and Paralympic enthusiasts. This individual will oversee the development and execution of Live Sites and Venue Experiences programming, ensuring that every aspect aligns seamlessly with the LA28 brand and vision. 

The ideal candidate not only excels at flawlessly executing experiences on budget but also brings a strategic mindset to create meaningful Marketing Partner activation opportunities, address operational challenges at on-premise locations, and elevate the overall Games experience for both spectators and non-spectators. Their work will celebrate the spirit of the Games while engaging local communities and delivering unforgettable moments for fans around the world. 

This role will report directly to the VP, Games Experiences & Engagement.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Implementation: Execution of the overall strategic vision for Live Sites & Venue Experiences, while exploring new innovative & relevant activation tactics & delivery models. Identify opportunities for new experiences and technologies to enhance fan interaction.  

• Event Management: Oversee all aspects of project planning and execution, to ensure seamless operations and high attendee satisfaction. Collaborate with cross-functional Functional Areas (FAs) & external stakeholders to ensure alignment and effectiveness. 

• Budget Management: Develop and manage the budget, ensuring efficient use of resources and adherence to financial constraints. 

• Partner Integration: Work with/ the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Properties (USOPP) to sell & manage partner/sponsorship(s). 

• Reporting & Analysis: Prepare regular reports on event performance, attendance, and fan satisfaction. Use data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions and improve future events. 

• Compliance: Ensure all activities comply with Olympic & Paralympic protocols and regulations. 

• Problem-Solving: Address any issues or challenges that arise during the planning and execution phases, ensuring minimal disruption to programming during the Games 

• Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate relationships with sponsors, vendors, local communities, and key stakeholders to enhance event success. Act as a spokesperson and advocate for the organization at industry events and community engagements. 

• Market Analysis: Stay informed about industry trends, competitive landscape, and audience preferences to drive innovative event concepts. Conduct market research to understand attendee demographics and enhance event offerings. 

• Team Management 
  • Build and lead an internal team to effectively deliver all aspects of Live Site and Venue Experiences through operational and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Responsible for hiring third-party agency & vendors to manage and execute on & off-premise activations that LA28 owns & operates.  
  • Be a highly effective and visible leader within the organization and serve as a role model for our values and culture.

Background & Qualifications:

• 10-15+ years of proven experience in event management/delivering of large multi-faceted, operationally challenging event production  

• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale events from conception to execution. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels. 

• Proficiency in budget management and financial analysis. 

• In-depth understanding of the live events industry, including logistical, technical, and regulatory considerations. 

• Creative mindset with a passion for fan experiences and community building. 

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a diverse team. 

• Ability to propose innovative solutions, adapt unknown situations  

• Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities, with a keen eye for detail. 

• Ability to manage long-term operational projects, managing team stress and fatigue  

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) 

• Understanding of and sensitivity to diverse cultures and traditions 

• A passion for the Olympic & Paralympic Movement and its values is a plus  

Position Requirements:

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions 

• Ability to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, outside standard office hours on occasion.  

• Ability to travel occasionally to different venues or locations across the Los Angeles region and possibly outside the Greater Los Angeles region. 

• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple priorities simultaneously 

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent work experience  

Submission Requirements:

• Resume

The annual base salary range for this position is $175,000.00 - $200,000.00. The pay scale provided is the range that LA28 reasonably expects to pay as starting base compensation for this role. All LA28 compensation remains subject to final determination based on individual candidate qualifications, experience, or other reasonable criteria consistent with LA28’s operational business needs and applicable law.

LA28 does not provide relocation assistance.

LA28 is committed to operating 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. We strive to build a team that is diverse, inclusive and encourages qualified candidates of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities to apply. We will consider all qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with local law. We assess applications based on relevant skills, education, and experience a candidate can add to our team.