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, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations, including our network of local properties, in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions. USA TODAY Co. open roles are featured on various external job boards. When applying to a position at USA TODAY Co., you should be completing an application on USA TODAY Co. Careers via Dayforce. Job postings directing you to complete an application on other external sites may not be valid. If you are a California resident, you acknowledge that by applying for a job with us, this California Job Applicant Privacy Notice will apply to our collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information. To connect with us, visit www.usatodayco.com 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 that is highly skilled in event operation planning, management and execution. The ideal candidate has experience executing large-scale events in high pressure situations that emphasizes 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 include, but are not limited to:

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 Annuoncement Party, Overnight & Pass-Through Town Meeting, Route Inspection, and Fall Ride.
During the week of RAGBRAI, cmmand 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

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 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. In addition, 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 individuals’ 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. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.

USA TODAY Co., Inc.: Event Operations Role Career Guide

Job Overview

The Event Operations role at USA TODAY Co., Inc. focuses on managing and executing large-scale events, specifically the annual RAGBRAI bicycle ride. The candidate will be responsible for ensuring a positive experience for participants by overseeing logistical preparations and coordinating a large team of staff and volunteers.

Key Responsibilities

Plan and execute operational components for assigned events from start to finish.
Assist towns with preparations, including assigning campground spaces and coordinating with local departments.
Oversee and manage a team of over 70 individuals during the event.
Handle administrative tasks such as reserving rental vehicles and managing budgets.
Create and implement maps and assist in planning various events associated with RAGBRAI.
Provide customer service support in the RAGBRAI Information Tent during the event week.

Required Skills and Knowledge

Technical Skills

Event management and operations.
Budget management and financial documentation processing.
Use of mapping technologies, specifically Google MYMAPS.

Soft Skills

Strong interpersonal skills focused on enhancing participant experience.
Effective organization and time management abilities.
Leadership and decision-making skills.
Problem-solving and strategic thinking.

Tools and Technologies

Event planning software.
Communication tools for team coordination.
Basic office software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).

Certifications or Training

Bachelor’s Degree in Event Management or related fields is preferred.
Certifications in event planning or project management can be beneficial.

Interview Preparation

Common Interview Questions

Can you describe your experience with event operations?
How do you handle high-pressure situations during an event?
What strategies do you use to ensure a positive participant experience?
Can you give an example of a team you managed and how you motivated them?
How do you manage budgets for events?
What communication methods do you use when coordinating with multiple stakeholders?
How do you prioritize tasks during an event?
Can you describe a time you had to solve a problem quickly during an event?
What tools do you use for event mapping and logistics?
Why do you want to work for USA TODAY Co. and specifically in this role?

Advice on How to Answer

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for structured responses.
Focus on personal achievements and highlight the impact of your actions.
Research USA TODAY Co. to align your answers with their values and mission.

Important Topics to Review

Event management best practices.
Budgeting and financial documentation in event operations.
Customer service and participant experience enhancement techniques.

How to Increase Your Hiring Chances

CV Improvement

Highlight relevant experience in event operations and management.
Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Tailor your CV for the specifics of this role.

LinkedIn Profile Optimization

Include a professional photo and an engaging headline related to event management.
Showcase skills and endorsements relevant to the job description.
Network with industry professionals and join event management groups.

Portfolio or Project Ideas

Create a portfolio demonstrating your prior event planning experiences.
Include examples of maps, budgets, and team management experiences.
Document personal projects related to event planning and execution.

Learning Recommendations

Consider online courses in event management or project management.
Stay updated with industry trends by reading event planning blogs or attending webinars.
Obtain certifications related to event management or customer service.

Career Growth

With experience in this role, you can advance to positions such as Event Manager, Senior Operations Manager, or even Director of Events. Opportunities may also include positions in related fields such as marketing, public relations, or community engagement within media and event-focused organizations.