Director, National Engagement

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 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

Director, National Engagement:

The Government Affairs team engages regularly with a wide range of stakeholders, including elected and appointed officials and their staff at the international, federal, state, and local levels. LA28’s Director of National Engagement will lead numerous multi-state efforts and work closely with the internal and external teams who will conceive, develop, manage, and execute the Olympic & Paralympic Torch Relays and additional Games activations outside of California for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. They will be responsible for leading strategies and developing key initiatives to engage all 50 states, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation across the country. 

The candidate should exhibit strong leadership and managerial skills, particularly the ability to set clear direction, organize teams, and drive results with diverse unique stakeholders. This position will be highly cross-functional and will require collaboration with 75+ municipalities across the country that may be hosting events in support of the Games. They will be an expert at navigating legislative and administrative processes at the various levels of government across the country and shepherding an agenda through those processes effectively and with public support. Responsibilities will include leading required coordination to secure necessary approvals from public agencies for transportation, public safety, and other key operational priorities. 

This role will report to the SVP, Government Affairs. 

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & Execution 

• Lead nationwide activation strategy to engage and drive excitement in all 50 states in Games planning; Own key operational milestones for government engagement
• Ensure all plans comply with US Government and Olympic and Paralympic protocols and regulations
• Collaborate with external partners including event production, event management and internal LA28 functional areas, including but not limited to Fan Engagement and Experiences, Transportation, and Commercial Partner to build and lead an internal National Engagement team to effectively plan & deliver key components of Olympic & Paralympic Torch Relays and other nationwide initiatives as required.
• Ensure strategic alignment, shape operational protocols, and integrate them seamlessly into operational plans.  
• Advocate for necessary legislative or regulatory support to facilitate key projects
• Lead efforts to obtain all necessary permits, licenses, and approvals for nationwide initiatives
• Ensure compliance with national, state, and local regulations
• Monitor and mitigate risks related to government relations and public policy challenges 

Stakeholder Engagement 

• Work with all levels of government and external stakeholders to maximize public engagement and enthusiasm for the LA28 Games
• Develop and maintain relationships with government agencies, elected officials, and community partners across all jurisdictions involved with community engagement initiatives including community celebrations and the Olympic & Paralympic Torch Relay.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Associations and affiliate-based organizations such as the US Conference of Mayors, National Governors Association, and other national convening bodies
• Facilitate engagement with external municipal partner(s), overseeing all project planning and execution while setting clear roles & responsibilities
• As needed, lead negotiation of agreements for provision of municipal services and to support LA28 priorities, and secure approvals in other legislative, regulatory and administrative bodies as necessary
• Secure support and collaboration for transportation, public safety, and other key operational priorities and legacy opportunities
• Work with USOPP to identify and manage supplier sponsorship{s) 

Background & Qualifications:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in government, public affairs, or government affairs, including minimum 5 years of experience in a senior leadership/management role 

• Proven track record of building and maintaining relationships at all levels of government across the United States 

• Track record of successfully managing large-scale, multi-faceted and operationally challenging event production from conception to execution  

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

Position Requirements:

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions 

• Availability to work in-person in a Los Angeles-based office 5 days a week  

• The LA28 office is an open floorplan working environment, employees must be able to work efficiently in an open cubicle environment.   

• Willingness to travel and work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends 

• 2025-2027: Approx. 25% annually for stakeholder meetings, observation opportunities, site-checks, etc. 

• 2028: Expectation to be on the road with the Torch Relays and other initiatives 

Education:

• An undergraduate or graduate degree in public policy, political science, law, or related field 

Expectations:

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and contribute under pressure and meet tight deadlines 

• Ability to adapt to unknown situations and propose innovative solutions 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels, including delivering effective presentations in a public setting  

• Ability to strategically align complex, cross-functional workstreams   

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

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

Submission Requirements:

• Resume

The annual base salary range for this position is $150,000.00 - $170,000.00. 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.