Job Purpose
Aravaipa Running is an event management company specializing in endurance running events across the country. We create unique, community-driven trail experiences and strive to bring "Endurance for All." To produce outstanding events, we rely on the expertise of well-rounded Race Directors who move production forward with participant safety, community engagement, and operational excellence at the forefront. Race Directors are the heart of the Aravaipa experience: visionary planners who are also highly detail-oriented executors.
We are currently seeking a Race Director to oversee the five events in Northern Michigan with the support of a local team we'll be curating. The 2026 season runs from June through August 8th, with potential for further growth in future years. The position will be a seasonal position - full-time around the event season with part time planning work leading up to each season. Aravaipa is looking to fill this role with a qualified individual who is local to the region and has ties to the trail running community here.
The ideal candidate is passionate about trail running and community, thrives under pressure, demonstrates obsessive attention to detail, and can juggle big-picture vision with on-the-ground logistics. This is a dynamic, hands-on role suited for a natural leader ready to shape the future of trail racing in Michigan.
Core Responsibilities
- Oversee planning, execution, and post-race wrap-up for all Great Lakes Endurance events
- Be the main point of contact for local permitting agencies, land managers, vendors, and sponsors
- Coordinate all event logistics: permits, staffing, volunteers, timing, photography, aid stations, course marking, medical, etc.
- Lead pre-production workflows and event timelines, using digital planning tools such as Google Workspace & Basecamp
- Ensure detailed course plans, volunteer assignments, and logistics documents are in place well ahead of each event
- Provide a consistent, welcoming, and professional on-site presence for participants, volunteers, and partners
- Manage budgets, track expenses, and contribute to revenue growth through cost efficiency and smart planning
- Collaborate with the marketing team on pre-event communications, social media coordination, and content capture
- Maintain and update event documentation, reports, and protocols
- Reflect on each event with a growth mindset and provide clear feedback and suggestions for future improvement
Required Skills & Attributes
- Proven ability to manage live events from start to finish
- Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills
- Ability to lead both paid staff and volunteers in high-pressure, fast-moving environments
- Effective communicator and public speaker who can energize a crowd and motivate a team
- Strong problem-solving skills; calm and adaptable under stress
- Willingness to travel and work long hours including evenings, weekends, and early mornings during event weeks
- Familiarity or experience with trail running, endurance sports, or outdoor recreation strongly preferred
- Comfortable using or learning tech tools including registration platforms (UltraSignup), spreadsheets, Google Drive, CRM software, Canva, CalTopo, Adobe Suite, etc.
Education & Experience
- 3+ years of professional event management or logistics experience (trail/ultra running a plus)
- Demonstrated success in budget management, marketing support, and/or sales
- Ability to lift and carry 50+ lbs and assist with course marking or aid station setup (bike or run as needed)
- Experience in volunteer recruitment, management, and retention
- Associate’s degree or equivalent relevant experience in event management, outdoor leadership, business, or nonprofit work
Success Metrics (What Great Looks Like)
- Consistently executed events that receive high participant satisfaction ratings
- Events delivered on time and on budget with minimal issues
- Positive relationships with land agencies, vendors, and partners
- Repeat volunteer and participant engagement year-over-year
- Operational systems built and refined for long-term growth
Join the Team
This is more than a job—it’s a chance to lead the charge in shaping Aravaipa Running’s future in Michigan & the Great Lakes Region. You'll work in a fast-paced but supportive environment with a passionate team and a community of runners who believe in pushing limits and building connection through trail racing. If you’re excited to bring energy, precision, and vision to this role, we want to hear from you.
Benefits
- Competitive wages, commensurate with experience
- Flexible hybrid work schedule (local to the Great Lakes/Michigan area is ideal)
- Paid time off, including vacation and sick leave
- Complimentary entries to Aravaipa Running events
- Discounts on Aravaipa merchandise and partner brands
- Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth
- Be part of a passionate team shaping the future of trail running in Michigan—it’s a chance to lead the charge in shaping Aravaipa Running’s future in Michigan. You'll work in a fast-paced but supportive environment with a passionate team and a community of runners who believe in pushing limits and building connection through trail racing. If you’re excited to bring energy, precision, and vision to this role, we want to hear from you.
