Sr. Manager, Ceremonies Operations

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.

The Senior Manager, Ceremonies Operations plays a critical role in supporting the successful planning and delivery of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Reporting to the Head of Ceremonies Operations, this role is responsible for driving day-to-day operational execution, ensuring alignment across all Ceremonies workstreams, and maintaining momentum across a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.  

This position serves as a key link between Ceremony Production, Creative, and Integration teams—translating strategic direction into actionable plans, managing timelines and dependencies, and ensuring operational readiness at every stage of the Ceremonies lifecycle.

The ideal candidate brings strong program management discipline, operational rigor, and the ability to lead across functions in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment of global scale. 

Operational Execution & Program Management 

• Manage day-to-day execution across Ceremonies workstreams, ensuring alignment to delivery strategy 
• Own and manage the integrated master schedule, including milestones, dependencies, and critical path 
• Align Creative, Production, and Integration teams to ensure coordinated delivery
• Identify and resolve risks, gaps, and conflicts; escalate where needed
• Implement tools and workflows to drive operational efficiency and consistency 

Cross-Team Integration 

• Serve as the central coordination point across Ceremonies teams and stakeholders   
• Drive alignment of priorities, timelines, and deliverables across all teams  
• Collaboration with key Operational Functional Areas - Finance, Legal, Procurement, Comms, and Venue Operations into delivery planning 

Delivery Planning & Readiness 

• Plan and track key delivery milestones, including rehearsals and readiness exercises
• Ensure teams meet readiness benchmarks with clear visibility on progress and actions
• Support contingency planning and operational risk mitigation
• Maintain oversight of delivery against timelines, budgets, and quality standards  

Governance, Reporting & Tools 

• Support governance forums (Steering Committees, Readiness Reviews) and decision-making processes 
• Maintain clear, real-time reporting on progress, risks, and key decisions
• Own RADIO (Risks, Actions, Decisions, Issues, Opportunities) tracking, ensuring accountability and timely resolution
• Prepare concise briefings and materials to support leadership decisions

• Minimum 7 years of experience in large-scale event operations, program management, or complex project delivery 
• Experience working in highly matrixed, multi-stakeholder environments with competing priorities 
• Proven ability to manage integrated schedules, budgets, and cross-functional dependencies
• Familiarity with live-event production, broadcast, or major international events (preferred) 

• Strong program management and organizational skills, with exceptional attention to detail 
• Ability to translate strategic direction into clear, actionable plans
• Skilled at identifying risks and implementing proactive solutions
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills; able to influence without direct authority  
• High level of adaptability and composure in fast-paced, high-pressure environments 

Leadership & Mindset 

• Collaborative and solutions-oriented, with a proactive and ownership-driven approach
• Strong judgment and decision-making capabilities
• Ability to operate both strategically and tactically as required
• Committed to excellence, accountability, and delivering at a world-class standard

• Bachelors degree or equivalent work experience  

• Available to work onsite in our Los Angeles-based office
• The majority of work will be conducted in an office setting, requiring extended periods of time using computers, phones, and other office equipment    
• The LA28 office is an open floorplan working environment; employees must be able to work efficiently in an open cubicle environment 
• Hours of work may vary, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially during peak event periods
• 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 $105,000.00 - $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.