Technical Course Director
This is a hybrid role based in Hopkinton/Boston, MA.
Candidates should either reside in, or be willing to relocate to, RI, MA, or NH.
ABOUT BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) is a non-profit organization with a mission to promote a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A. is committed to a world where all people can access and benefit from running and an active lifestyle. The B.A.A. advances its mission and vision by organizing mass-participatory running events such as the Boston Marathon, creating or supporting community fitness events, and sponsoring a running club that serves the greater Boston area.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Reporting to the Chief of Race Operations and Production, the Technical Course Director will lead the planning and execution of signature B.A.A. events, including the Boston Marathon. They will partner closely with multiple parties, from key vendors to volunteers, to manage all course planning, logistics, and execution. They will help to ensure that the Boston Marathon, and the B.A.A. Distance Medley events meet or exceed all expectations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage, organize and direct B.A.A. events, as assigned by the Chief of Race Operations and Production. Play a key role in executing technical race operations for the Boston Marathon and B.A.A. Distance Medley events.
- Supervise and lead the Boston Marathon and Distance Medley course management team, overseeing event elements and the related support groups including, but not limited to:
- - Hydration
- - Pro-hydration
- - Course Equipment Distribution and Storage Management
- - Clean up and Road Re-opening Program
- - Lead Vehicle and Cycling programs
- Oversee and support relevant Organizing/Race Committee members with planning for their area(s), ensuring that committee members are communicating with one another effectively.
- Drive successful marathon planning, Organizing/Race Committee, and other relevant meetings. Serve as a key contact, representative and liaison for the B.A.A. in these engagements; leading and presenting at meetings, as appropriate.
- - Serve as Chair of the Course Disruption Marathon Planning Group; ensure all course evacuation locations and plans are developed, updated and implemented for marathon emergency action plans.
- Partner with relevant parties from the Cities and Towns along the Boston Marathon course and all other relevant and necessary jurisdictions for B.A.A. events, such as Police Departments, Department of Public Works, etc. – for all permitting and permissions needed for course approval, as well as an overall effective working relationship.
- Integrate and align all City and Town personnel for activities such as equipment distribution, medical tent locations, signage placement and traffic planning.
- Partner closely with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency to determine and meet City and Town needs.
- Collaborate with internal parties, such as Corporate Partnerships/the sponsorship team, to ensure all requirements are adequately integrated into course planning and delivered to satisfaction.
- Help to maintain a robust plan for community outreach and engagement regarding B.A.A. events, such as outreach to residents, businesses and other institutions along the course routes. Ensure the Operations team plays a role in executing such a plan, as appropriate, and identifies opportunities for the B.A.A. to inform and involve stakeholders proximate to course routes.
- Lead course budget projections, maintenance and management.
- Maintain a firm understanding of World Athletics / USATF / USADA / MTOFA rules and regulations.
- Implement appropriate course accommodations for Pro and Para Athlete divisions, inclusive of but not limited to:
- - Pro Men and Women
- - Wheelchair participants
- - Duo participants
- - Vision and hearing-impaired participants
- Oversee all course changes, measurements, and certification processes.
- Support new organizational initiatives and event elements, such as cheer zones.
- Manage, coach and develop B.A.A. staff who support technical course programming. Directly manage up to 2-3 employees in this space.
- Other duties as assigned.
WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR
There are innumerable ways to learn, grow and excel professionally. We know people gain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences. We respect this when we review applications and take a broad look at the experience of each applicant. We want to get to know you and the unique strengths you will bring to the work. This said, we are most likely to be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate the majority of the qualifications and experiences listed below.
- 6 or more years of related work experience in a race director, road racing management role, or the endurance event industry – with a record of achieving excellent event outcomes.
- 8 or more years preferred.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the communities within the Greater Boston area and along the Boston Marathon course.
- Exceptional relationship management and influencing skills; able to build and maintain relationships with a diverse set of constituents. Strong customer service abilities.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Exceptional planning and organizational skills, with an ability to prioritize in advance and in the moment.
- Demonstrated success in helping to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and/or accessibility.
- History of inspiring others and leading by example. Genuine enthusiasm for meeting, motivating, and involving people toward shared outcomes.
- Proficient in Microsoft 365 tools, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Experience in Salesforce a plus.
- Flexibility to attend night and weekend events.
WORK EXPECTATIONS AT B.A.A.
We are a hands-on team and seek employees who are passionate about our work and service to our community and sport. The Technical Course Director role is a 40 hours/week, exempt position. The role will require working weekends and evenings throughout the year. There will be longer work hours surrounding event production and B.A.A. events, such as the 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Boston Marathon. Local travel required.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The salary range is competitive and commensurate with lived and professional experience. The B.A.A. will promote your professional growth and development by providing access to:
- Competitive health and dental insurance plans.
- Life insurance, short term, and long-term disability plans funded 100% by the B.A.A.
- 401(k) matching dollar-for-dollar up to 4% after one year of service, elective deferrals may begin upon hire.
- An annual allotment of professional development funding (up to $2,000 per calendar year).
- Paid vacation based on years of service.
- 11 paid holidays, 9 scheduled and 2 floating.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply to this position, please prepare a resume and cover letter to the attention of the B.A.A. Human Resources team and submit your materials to Opportunities Opportunities@baa.org.
The B.A.A. is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of an individual’s race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
