Senior Director, Press Operations

LA28 does not provide relocation assistance.

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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. 

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

Senior Director, Press Operations:

The Senior Director, Press Operations is responsible for the planning, organization, and execution of all media facilities and services for accredited press at the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This includes overseeing the Main Press Centre (MPC), venue press operations, photo operations, and the Olympic Information Service to ensure a seamless experience for written and photographic press, as well as non-rights-holding media. 

 

Reporting to the SVP, Broadcast and Press Operations, this role requires close collaboration with internal stakeholders (e.g., Venue Management, Technology, Accreditation, Communications) and external partners, including major international media organizations, National Olympic Committees, International Federations, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Media Operations team. The Senior Director will also work alongside the broadcast team to coordinate shared media facilities. 

 

Success in this role will be measured by stakeholder satisfaction, operational efficiency, and budget alignment. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in media operations, large-scale event management, and stakeholder engagement to ensure the delivery of world-class press services at LA28. 

 

Press Operations is responsible for planning, organizing and operating all media facilities and services for the Olympic accredited written and photographic press and the non-media rights holders.  

Media facilities include the Main Press Centre and the work areas for press in the Olympic competition venues and the Olympic Village.   

 

Role Purpose 

Responsible for ensuring the smooth planning and delivery of all facilities and services for the Olympic accredited press, including the Main Press Centre. He/she ensures that media facilities and services meet the required standards, working closely with the broadcast team in the OCOG for the planning of all common media facilities and services shared with the media rights holders.  

 

Direct Reports 

Roles responsible for Press Services, Venue Press Operations, Photo Operations, Main Press Centre and Olympic Information Service 

Key External Stakeholders  

• Major The IOC recognized press world news agencies  
• Major national and International media organizations 
• National Olympic Committees and International Federations 
• Existing Venue Operator(s) 
• Major goods and service providers 
• Marketing Partners (e.g. Coca-Cola, Visa etc.) 
• LA28 Licensees 
• IOC Media Operations (including the IOC Press  Commission Committee)  
• IPC Media Operations 

Key Internal Stakeholders

• Accommodation  
• Accreditation  
• Ceremonies 
• Cleaning and Waste 
• Communications 
• Energy 
• Event Services 
• Finance (including Rate Card) 
• Food and Beverage 
• Language Services 
• Logistics 
• Look 
• Medical Services 
• People Management 
• Security 
•  Sport  
• Technology 
• Transport 
• Venue Infrastructure 
• Venue Management  

Functional Areas in Role Scope 

Press Operations  

 

Success Measures 

• Stakeholder Group Feedback from Press, Marketing Partners and Workforce 
• Optimization - forecast and planning accuracy – demand and supply of goods and services to meet agreed stakeholder group services and service levels 
• Planning of facilities and services for the Main Press Centre (MPC); collaborate with the Programme and Planning team with Service planning and Readiness planning 
• Press stakeholder representative in the venue operational planning workstream for venue press operations  
• Utilize innovation to drive MPC operational planning optimizations and ensure the forecast planning accuracy of goods and service requirements to meet agreed press stakeholder group services and service levels 
• Is the operational point of contact for the International media organizations and the media directors of the various IFs and NOCs/NPC
• Work effectively with relevant external stakeholders to ensure their full integration and delivery of their parts of the operational delivery programme 
• Ensure existing venue operators/marketing partners/goods and service providers meet the Games technical requirements for resources (including people), goods, services and operations to meet stakeholder group services and services levels and OCOG obligations 
• Deliver the Games press operations and services within a sustainable budget 
• Lead a large Games-time workforce team of paid staff and volunteers who will deliver press and photo operations and assist the press stakeholders covering the Games. 

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

• Planning of facilities and services for the Main Press Centre (MPC); collaborate with the Programme and Planning team with Service planning and Readiness planning 
• Press stakeholder representative in the venue operational planning workstream for venue press operations  
• Utilize innovation to drive MPC operational planning optimizations and ensure the forecast planning accuracy of goods and service requirements to meet agreed press stakeholder group services and service levels 
• Is the operational point of contact for the International media organizations and the media directors of the various IFs and NOCs/NPC
• Work effectively with relevant external stakeholders to ensure their full integration and delivery of their parts of the operational delivery programme 
• Ensure existing venue operators/marketing partners/goods and service providers meet the Games technical requirements for resources (including people), goods, services and operations to meet stakeholder group services and services levels and OCOG obligations 
• Deliver the Games press operations and services within a sustainable budget 
• Manage the operations of the Main Press Centre (MPC) during the Games.  
• Lead a large Games-time workforce team of paid staff and volunteers who will deliver press and photo operations and assist the press stakeholders covering the Games.

 

Background & Qualifications:

• Previous mega event or major Games press/media operations experience preferred 
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience (preferably at least 5 years in a senior leadership position)  
• Proven track record of leading the planning and delivery of large-scale, complex operations across multiple project phases including contract negotiation, planning, readiness, and operation. 
• Skill building cross-functional partnerships and influencing stakeholders across multiple functional areas 
• Experience working with media and full understanding of their needs in covering major sport events. 
• Experience reviewing and negotiating contracts with venues, facilities and/or service providers. 
• Experience working within a complex, cross-functional organization 
• Strong communication skills both written and oral 
• Ability to identify issues, analyze problems, and think creatively and innovatively to develop solutions-based approaches 
• Experience creating, developing, and refining business process and structure 
• Extremely detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills 
• High EQ and strong interpersonal skills with a proven track record as a relationship builder 
• A high energy level, entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to manage through a period of growth and change 
• Demonstrated commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging 

Position Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent work experience 

Expectations:

• Strategic thinker and tactical operator – Ability to translate strategic plans into effective and efficient operational delivery 
• Leadership – Ability to build, lead and motivate a diverse, high-performing team 
• Innovative Approach – Ability to identify opportunities, develop new ideas, and execute on creative concepts while managing to a budget and fixed timelines 
• Self-starter – Takes initiative to identify challenges, gathering inputs from key stakeholders, makes quick decisions, and resolves challenges proactively  
• Collaborative and flexible approach – Demonstrate a collaborative and flexible approach, adept at navigating the transitional nature of the organization's growth, and swiftly adapting to changing priorities and requirements with a can-do attitude. 
• Autonomous agility – Work effectively and independently in a fast-paced, dynamic environment 
• Equitable Operations – Ensure operational plans and delivery are equitable and accessible, proactively addressing potential barriers that could impact diverse groups and implementing solutions that promote inclusivity. 
• DEIB Advocacy – Champion DEIB initiatives within the organization and operational practices, actively promoting an inclusive culture that values diversity in all its forms. 
• Influencing skills – Ability to communicate information, drive understanding, alignment and buy-in across stakeholders and the organization 
• Team player – Contribute to a collaborative diverse team environment and work closely with cross-functional teams to achieve objectives 
• Problem solver – ability to identify issues and develop effective solutions that meet stakeholder needs  
• Fluent working with Office suite products including Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint 
• Excitement for the role and opportunity to help shape the future of Los Angeles and the Olympic and Paralympic Movement

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions 

• This role requires the candidate to be based in Los Angeles and work on-site in the office 4-5 days per week. 
• Ability to travel locally to Olympic and Paralympic venues for planning, site visits, and stakeholder meetings. 
• Work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, particularly leading up to and during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which may require flexibility in working hours, including evenings and weekends. 

 

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.

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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.