Senior East Manager, National Engagement

LA28 does not provide relocation assistance.

LA28 is the independent, non-profit, privately funded organizing committee for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We are on a singular mission to create an Olympic and Paralympic Games that celebrate all that this city and country have to offer, delivering an unparalleled experience for athletes, fans, partners and our community.  

The 2028 Games mark the return of the Summer Games to the U.S. for the first time in 32 years and Los Angeles’ third time hosting an Olympic Games and first time welcoming the Paralympic Games. This presents the unique and exciting opportunity to celebrate our legacy with the Games and push the Olympic and Paralympic Movements forward, writing a new chapter of Games history in Los Angeles.  

Putting on an Olympic and Paralympic Games is a team sport. To build a Games unlike any the world has seen before, we need the best team in place–a team full of diverse perspectives, experiences and expertise. We are guided by the following set of values and behaviors–optimism, integrity, excellence, inclusion, co-creation and boldness–and look forward to hearing about how your past experiences align with them.

Senior Manager, National Engagement 

The Government Affairs team engages a broad range of stakeholders, including elected and appointed officials and their staff at the international, federal, state, and local levels. The Senior Manager, National Engagement, will play a critical role in advancing these efforts and helping bring the Games to life nationwide.  

The Senior Manager will lead the development and execution of LA28’s National Engagement initiatives, including the Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays across the United States. They will serve as the primary liaison for over a dozen major cities and oversee the no-negotiation contracting strategy for 200 cities. Additionally, this role will help shape and drive strategies that strengthen relationships, secure key support, and build excitement and anticipation for the Games across all 50 states. 

This individual must be a strategic, results-oriented, and detail-driven professional, with the ability to operate with discretion in a confidential environment and navigate ambiguity in a fast-paced, evolving organization. A strong passion for community engagement is essential, along with experience managing and executing contracts. 

The ideal candidate is highly organized and comfortable managing a diverse portfolio of projects. This role reports to the Head of National Engagement and works closely with leaders across LA28’s External Affairs teams, as well as cross-functional partners throughout the organization. 

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & Execution 

• Lead contracting across over a dozen municipalities, overseeing trend monitoring and risk assessment with support from an associate
• Oversee a standardized, no-negotiation contracting strategy across 200 U.S. cities
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to deliver national programming, including event production and execution
• Ensure alignment across program strategies and establish supporting protocols and processes
• Partner with senior city officials to proactively resolve issues and mitigate risk to LA28 national programs   

Stakeholder Engagement 

• Lead negotiation of municipal service agreements to support LA28 national programs, securing required approvals across legislative, regulatory, and administrative bodies 
• Manage engagement with cities and external stakeholders, overseeing project planning and execution while establishing clear goals and outcomes
• Partner with municipalities and external stakeholders to drive public engagement and build enthusiasm for the LA28 Games
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with elected officials and key stakeholders 

Background & Requirements:

• Minimum 7+years of experience in government relations, policy advocacy, or a similar environment, with a track record of managing complex initiatives 
• Demonstrated experience negotiating and managing contracts
• Proven ability to quickly cultivate and sustain relationships with local government stakeholders
• Familiarity with legislative and regulatory processes, with experience developing briefing materials for senior leadership
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience 

Expectations:

• Proven ability to prioritize effectively and perform under pressure to meet deadlines
• Capacity to navigate ambiguity and develop innovative solutions
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels, including delivering public presentations
• Ability to strategically align complex, cross-functional workstreams
• Strong leadership skills, with experience motivating and managing diverse teams
• Ability to navigate a complex national stakeholder landscape, including political dynamics and community issues 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Role may require working East Coast and Central Time Zone hours
• Ability to work onsite in a Los Angeles–based office, with flexibility to attend in-person meetings and events as needed  
• Comfort working in an open floor plan environment, with the ability to remain effective
• Willingness to work outside standard business hours, including evenings and weekends, to support special events, travel, and the 2028 Games
• Perform other duties as required; the role will evolve over time and may include operational responsibilities during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

The annual base salary range for this position is $105,000-$140,000. 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.

LA28 is committed to 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. LA28 will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance and all applicable laws. We strive to build a team that is inclusive and encourage qualified candidates of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities to apply. We assess applications based on relevant skills, education, and experience a candidate can add to our team.