Trail Race Director

Trail Race Director

Company Overview:

Nitehawk Year-Round Adventure Park is a local non-profit outdoor recreation facility that organizes and manages trail running races and events. We are passionate about promoting fitness, adventure, and environmental stewardship through our trail race experiences. As the Trail Race Director, you will play a pivotal role in delivering unforgettable and challenging race experiences for participants while maintaining a strong commitment to safety and community building.

Job Summary:

As a Trail Race Director, you will be responsible for planning, organizing, and executing all aspects of our trail running races. You will oversee the entire race lifecycle, from pre-event preparation to post-event evaluation. You will coordinate with various Nitehawk departments, volunteers, sponsors, and vendors to ensure smooth and successful race operations. Additionally, you will be actively involved in promoting our races, attracting participants, and enhancing our reputation within the Grande Prairie Region trail running community and beyond.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Race Planning and Logistics:
   • Design and plan racecourses that offer challenging and memorable experiences for participants while considering safety and environmental factors.
   • Secure necessary permits and permissions for race events, adhering to local regulations and land-use agreements.
   • Organize race logistics, including aid stations, medical support, race timing, trail markings, and communication systems.
   • Create race registration website pages, utilizing WordPress.
2. Participant Engagement:
   • Develop and implement marketing strategies to attract participants, including social media campaigns, email newsletters, and collaborations with other running communities.
   • Provide excellent customer service to participants, responding to inquiries and providing race-related information.
   • Establish a positive and inclusive atmosphere for racers of all skill levels, abilities, and backgrounds.
3. Volunteer and Team Management:
   • Recruit, train, and coordinate/schedule volunteers to assist with various race tasks, such as registration, course marshaling, aid station support, and post-race activities.
   • Manage race volunteers and any Nitehawk staff being utilized, ensuring everyone is aligned with their roles and responsibilities.
4. Race Operations:
   • Oversee race-day operations, including registration, bib distribution, and start/finish line setup.
   • Coordinate with medical teams and emergency responders to ensure the safety and well-being of participants.
   • Address any unforeseen challenges that arise during the event promptly and effectively.
5. Environmental Stewardship:
   • Promote environmentally responsible race practices, such as waste reduction, recycling, and trail preservation.
   • Collaborate with local conservation organizations to implement sustainable race practices.
6. Budget Management:
   • Develop and manage race budgets and business plans, ensuring financial viability and adherence to spending guidelines.
   • Seek sponsorships and partnerships to offset race costs and enhance the overall race experience.

Requirements:

• Diploma in sports management, outdoor recreation, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Proven experience in event management, preferably with trail races or similar outdoor events.
• Strong passion for trail running, outdoor sports, and environmental conservation.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with participants, volunteers, sponsors, and vendors.
• Experience working with Microsoft platforms (e.g., Word, Excel) and website systems.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours and weekends during peak race seasons.
• First Aid/CPR certification (or willingness to obtain one).
• Knowledge of trail running communities and familiarity with popular trail race circuits is a plus.

Join our team and make a meaningful impact on the trail running community! If you have a passion for outdoor adventure, event management skills, and a commitment to environmental sustainability, we invite you to apply for the Trail Race Director position at Nitehawk Year-Round Adventure Park.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: $20.00-$22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 15 – 25 per week

Additional pay:

• Overtime pay

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Dental care
• Discounted or free food
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Flexible schedule
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Work from home

Flexible language requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person