Event Operations Career at RAGBRAI - $45-50K in Columbus
Career & Market Insight
Career-level assessment: This is an entry-to-mid level event operations role (1–3+ years experience required) with a salary range of $45,000–$50,000/year. For event management professionals in the U.S. Midwest, this is broadly in line with market rates at the junior-to-mid level, though it sits at the lower end of what comparable roles pay in larger metro markets.
Green flags:
- RAGBRAI is a nationally recognized, iconic brand in the cycling and events world — strong resume credibility for event professionals
- Managing a 70+ person crew at age 1–3 years experience is significant leadership responsibility that accelerates career growth
- Cross-functional exposure: logistics, vendor management, budgeting, community relations, and creative (mapping) all in one role
- Backed by USA TODAY Co. — access to a large media organization's resources and potential lateral career moves
Yellow flags:
- Compensation is modest for the scope of responsibility described (70+ staff, $X budget oversight, multi-stakeholder coordination)
- The role is highly seasonal and operationally intense during RAGBRAI week — expect significant crunch periods
- Limited explicit mention of benefits, PTO, or professional development support
This role is best suited for someone early in an event operations career who wants high-impact, high-visibility experience quickly and is comfortable with Midwest-based, community-focused work culture.
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About RAGBRAI: RAGBRAI is the world's largest and longest-running annual bicycle ride. Each year, we welcome over 20,000 riders and participants from all 50 states and more than 20 countries. RAGBRAI is focused on showcasing small-town Iowa and the communities that have graciously hosted us for more than 52 years.
Role Summary: We are seeking a candidate who is highly skilled in event operation planning, management, and execution. The ideal candidate has experience executing large-scale events in high-pressure situations with an emphasis on the participant's experience. This position will assist towns in their preparations by identifying and assigning campground spaces, overseeing a crew of 70+ people, and participating in advance travel meetings.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Plan, produce, and execute operational components for assigned events from contract execution through post-event closeout.
- Partake in advance travel meetings to assist towns in their preparations, including identifying and assigning campground spaces, working with Public Works departments and shower vendors to identify best locations, and placing various RAGBRAI accommodations.
- Oversee the Charter program and serve as the primary liaison between Charters, Overnight Towns, and RAGBRAI.
- Manage the RAGBRAI Crew — a group of 70+ individuals that assist with operations during the ride — including assigning positions, interviewing and hiring candidates, communicating pre-event logistics, and processing all payments.
- Reserve all rental vehicles for the week of RAGBRAI and the Route Inspection in June.
- Collect and track necessary documentation from host communities to process financial payments as part of the RAGBRAI Give Back program.
- Actively work alongside RAGBRAI Staff to project, track, and adhere to annual budget(s).
- Assist the RAGBRAI Creative Director in the creation and implementation of Overnight Town maps using Google MyMaps software.
- Support RAGBRAI staff in planning and execution of various annual events, including the Route Announcement Party, Overnight & Pass-Through Town Meeting, Route Inspection, and Fall Ride.
- During the week of RAGBRAI, command the RAGBRAI Information Tent and provide customer service to all participants.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Des Moines, IA based — requires in-office participation
- Bachelor's Degree in Event Management, Sports & Recreation Management, or similar field preferred
- 1–3+ years of experience in Event Operations or a similar field
- Strong interpersonal skills with an emphasis on participant experience
- Effective organization and time management skills
- Strong leadership abilities and initiative
- Quick decision-making and problem-solving abilities
- Reliable, self-paced worker that can proactively strategize on future responsibilities
- Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment
- Passionate and enthusiastic about the event and/or cycling industry
Compensation: The annualized base salary for this role will range between $45,000 and $50,000. Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including but not limited to the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications, and experience. Variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and, based on the role, may be applicable.
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Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation to complete this employment application or any other process in connection with their application should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.'s Recruitment Department at [email protected].
Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.
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