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Backed by Supportive Board
Run Ottawa benefits from a highly engaged and passionate board, an exceptional brand and reputation, plus an event that has capacity for significant growth. Add to that the opportunity to partner with, or facilitate other events and you can begin to imagine the possibilities.
Impactful Role
Over the years, the previous leadership has done an exceptional job elevating Run Ottawa and Race Weekend, now there is the chance to take it to the next level and truly engage the run community locally, nationally and globally.
Opportunity for Sports Lovers
If you have a passion for events, a true leadership role, sports and likely running - is there a better opportunity in Ottawa? This is a once in a lifetime role for someone to combine their passion, their business acumen and event management expertise into one incredible job.
Executive Director @ Run Ottawa
Company: Run Ottawa
Position: Executive Director
Location: Ottawa, ON
From first time 5km runners to Olympic medalists running record-setting marathons, Ottawa race weekend has become the standard by which all other race events in Canada are measured. They have two IAAF gold races, the 10k and marathon, which serve as the basis to bridge their community and entry level races with their elite level status. Run Ottawa is a membership-based organization that delivers over 20 events each year and has transitioned from a volunteer-led organization to a multimillion-dollar not for profit. As the current Race Director transitions, they are looking to develop, implement and execute on a new strategic plan that can build on the terrific platform Race weekend provides them.
Skills & Experience
Event Leadership
Proven track record leading complex events with diverse stakeholder groups, ideally in a public-facing capacity
Strong Business Acumen
Ability to develop, implement and oversee changes in strategic plans
Innovative Spirit
Ability to re-invent an organization by building off of the core strengths and attributes that already exist
Interpersonal Skills
Strong people leadership skills
Operational Experience
Track record of creating objective and practical approaches to team effectiveness
Passion for Sports
Passion and interest in running or elite-level sports is a core interest of yours
Summary of the Role
As Executive Director & Race Director, you will be accountable to the successful execution of race weekend and the overall strategic direction and leadership of Run Ottawa. For Race Weekend you will oversee the team that puts the event together which includes staff and volunteers. You will take ownership of stakeholder engagement, sponsor relations and work with the city, emergency services, security groups and media to coordinate the finer details of the event. As event management opportunities go, very few compare to Race Weekend for its scale, complexity and exposure.
For the Run Ottawa side the complexity is currently reasonably low given 85% of all revenues are derived from the Race weekend. You will be expected to take an organization that moved from being volunteer led to employee operated without many changes and create a well-run organization, with a clear strategic plan, operating structure, processes and procedures. You will delegate effectively to your staff and support the volunteer core that handles a large percentage of the workload. It is expected that you will undertake a full operational review of the organization, evaluate all resources and develop a team that can execute and expand on the prior successes they have enjoyed.