Senior Manager, Torch Relays Partner Activations

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, Torch Relays Partner Activations

The Torch Relays (RLY) functional area is responsible for the planning & execution of LA28’s Olympic & Paralympic Torch Relays. They are key national engagement & promotional tools, creating an inclusive and accessible Games experience for people of all backgrounds and abilities by developing a sense of excitement and anticipation across the country leading up to the Olympic & Paralympic Opening Ceremonies. 

The Senior Manager, Torch Relays Partner Activations will serve as the day-to-day Torch Relays team contact for Commercial Partners activating on the Torch Relays. This role will shape how LA28’s Commercial Partners come to life across one of the most visible and culturally significant moments of the Games—the Torch Relays. They will be responsible for the integration of Commercial Partners into the Relay’s thematic framework by ensuring that partner rights, activations, and storytelling are seamlessly woven into the operational fabric of the relays. Reporting to the Director of Relay Experience, the Senior Manager will lead execution and fulfillment strategy for partners looking to engage with the Olympic & Paralympic flames, the torchbearers, and the local community celebrations. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement partner activation strategy specifically within Torch Relay environments (route, celebrations, flame moments) 
• Manage partnership integration and relationships for the Torch Relays, ensuring all activations align with the overarching LA28 brand and the Relay theme
• Work cross-functionally with other LA28 functional areas (FAs) to coordinate the delivery of sponsorship assets
• Work with agencies and partners to manage the end-to-end delivery of partner-specific activations
• Manage the end-to-end partner approval workflow, routing all partner-submitted creative, merchandise, and promotional materials through the LA28 Brand and Relay teams
• Partner with the Torchbearer Manager to coordinate partner-selected torchbearer programs
• Liaise with LA28 Torch Relays Production Partner, Partner Marketing & Operations, Fan Experience, Brand, and Legal to ensure partner deliverables are vetted against security and operational constraints
• Manage partner-facing timelines, playbooks, and asset tracking to ensure all contractual obligations are met
• Manage onboarding and regular meeting cadence with partners
• Support planning of Partner-facing summits and workshops

Background & Requirements:

• Minimum 7+ years of professional experience in partnership management, sponsorship activation, or sports marketing. Experience with large-scale touring events or multi-city activations is highly preferred
• Proven ability to manage complex stakeholder interests and find creative solutions that balance commercial needs with operational realities
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to "sell in" experiential concepts to leadership and stakeholders
• Demonstrated success in navigating high-pressure, fast-paced environments with a proactive, solution-oriented approach
• Experience working cross-functionally with marketing, production, HR, finance and legal teams

Expectations:

• Track record of successfully delivering large-scale, multi-faceted and operationally challenging event production 
• Ability to self-manage multiple projects and tight timelines  
• In-depth understanding of the live events industry, including logistical, technical, and regulatory considerations  
• Strong ability to navigate and align cross-functional stakeholder interests  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels  
• Understanding of and sensitivity to various cultures and traditions  
• Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining scalable systems for tracking partner assets 

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Ability to work on-site in an open office environment, based in Los Angeles, CA
• Hours of work may vary, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially during peak event periods
• Willingness to travel and work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends 
• 2026-2027: approx. 30-40% annually for stakeholder meetings, observation opportunities, site-checks, etc.  
• 2028: expectation to be on the road with the Torch Relays (approx 100 days) 

The annual base salary range for this position is $105,000.00 - $140,000.00. 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.

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.