Girls on the Run Chicago - Entry Level Positions

JOB DESCRIPTION:
5k Coordinator
Girls on the Run-Chicago
Hours: Full-time
Organization Description
Girls on the Run-Chicago (GOTRC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to inspire girls
to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively
integrates running. In the past thirteen years, thousands of individuals throughout Chicagoland have
volunteered their time and dedicated their hearts to empower more than 27,000 young girls with the
confidence and character they need to become strong, healthy women. In our Spring 2014 season we
had more than 1,300 coaches mentoring more than 6,500 girls at nearly 300 sites in seven Chicago
area counties. More than just a running program, GOTRC uses a cutting-edge curriculum that
addresses the unique developmental stages of 8-14 year old girls. The fun, innovative program
combines training for a 5k event with interactive lessons that encourage positive emotional, social,
mental and physical development.
Position Summary
The 5k Coordinator is a member of the Program Department and reports to the Director of Programs.
The 5k Coordinator is responsible for all aspects of our 5k events and should have experience with
some form of event coordination; sporting, community, fundraising, etc., and a proven track record of
positive experience delivery. A successful candidate will be innovative and will have the ability to bring
a 360° perspective to the 5k experience.
Position Details
• Ensure the successful implementation of our 5k events; currently one (1) event in Chicago at
the end of our fall season (November, 3750 total participants) and a series of three (3) regional
events at the end of our spring season (May/June); Chicago (6000 total participants), Northern
suburbs (4000 total participants), and Southwest suburbs (3500 total participants)
• Handle permitting procedures within various jurisdictions
• Steward relationships with key 5k partners including our event management partner,
transportation partner, security firm, traffic management entities, and municipal support
organizations such as police, sheriff, TSA, and City Agencies
• With the Director of Programs and event management team, develop site maps, course
designs, transportation plans, emergency plans, and crisis communications; create policies and
secure vendors accordingly
• Work with the Director of Programs and Volunteer Manager to establish volunteer targets and
define volunteer and event staff roles
• Inventory and order all necessary 5k supplies, including office supplies, running bibs, runner
refresh items, etc.
• Lead bib assignment efforts, including directing volunteer groups accordingly and conducting
quality control throughout the process
• Provide support to the part-time office coordinator when developing online 5k registration
page and help to monitor 5k registrations
• Develop staffing plans and schedules for Packet Pick-Up dates and locations
• Supervise the 5k Budget with the Director of Programs
• At each 5k, serve as a key lead and decision maker in the Event Command Center
• Help to identify trends and patterns in 5k attendance so that we understand our capacity for
upcoming seasons, and if/when to expand the 5k events further
• Serve as a member on the Program & 5k Committee
• Work with the Director of Programs to establish timelines for upcoming seasons
• Collaborate with members of the Program Department and the Communications Manager on
all aspects of department communications to our external partners including parent, volunteer,
coach, 5k runner, and sites, to streamline messaging
• Lead 5k team meetings, including weekly check-ins, Production Meetings, and re-cap meetings
REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, with a concentration in sports management, hotel and tourism,
or event planning, or the equivalent in work experience
1-3 years of event planning experience; non-profit familiarity a bonus
Personal passion for the mission of GOTR and ability to be a role model for healthy living and
self-esteem
Able to present convincingly through a depth of knowledge, or have a willingness to learn about,
the GOTR program & philosophy
Ability to build relationships with vendors, community leaders, school personnel, volunteers,
parents, children, and funders
Excellent communication skills, especially in project management, writing, grammar, and public
speaking
Familiarity with Chicagoland geography, educational systems and community organizations
Ability to travel within assigned territory
Able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, with willingness to fill in as
needed for program requirements
Capacity to maintain the confidentiality of all GOTRC-related information
Willingness to undergo a comprehensive background check
Computer competence, including but not limited to: Microsoft Excel, SalesForce, and Microsoft
Office
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
Evening and weekend hours are often required. Vacation blackout periods due to program and event schedule
may apply.
Girls on the Run-Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.
To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to Carynn Olsen at jobs@gotrchicago.org with 5k Coordinator
in the subject line. No phone calls please.