RAGBRAI Ride Operations

Remote from: USA
Salary, yearly, USD: 45,000 - 50,000
Department: Product & Operations
Employment type: Full Time,
Job posted: 21 May 2026
Apply before: 21 Jun 2026
Views / Applies: 101 / 35

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AI Summary

This role is for a RAGBRAI Ride Operations position at USA TODAY Co., managing the world's largest annual bicycle ride. The job involves planning, producing, and executing operational components for large-scale events, overseeing a crew of 70+, and coordinating with host towns. Key responsibilities include campground assignments, charter program management, budget tracking, and customer service during the ride. The position requires high-pressure event management skills and a focus on participant experience.

Job Complexity

Easy Hard

AI Insight The role involves managing a massive event with over 20,000 participants and a crew of 70+, requiring advanced planning, logistics, and crisis management skills, which justifies a difficulty of 4.

Salary Analysis

AI Insight The offered salary range of $45,000-$50,000 is below the typical market range for event operations managers, which spans $45,000-$65,000. The median salary of $47,500 is on the lower end, possibly reflecting the seasonal nature of the role or the nonprofit-like event context.

Key Skills

Event Planning Logistics Management Team Leadership Budget Management Customer Service Vendor Coordination Project Management Operations Large-scale Events Communication

Cover Letter Sample

I am writing to express my strong interest in the RAGBRAI Ride Operations position. With extensive experience in large-scale event planning and execution, I am confident in my ability to manage the logistical complexities of the world's largest bicycle ride.

My background includes overseeing crews of 70+ individuals, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, and ensuring seamless operations under high-pressure conditions. I have a proven track record of delivering exceptional participant experiences through meticulous planning and adaptability.

I am particularly drawn to RAGBRAI's mission of showcasing small-town Iowa and fostering community connections. I am eager to bring my skills in campground allocation, vendor coordination, and budget management to support this iconic event.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the continued success of RAGBRAI.

Possible Interview Questions

Describe your experience managing large-scale events with over 20,000 participants. What were the biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

In my previous role, I managed a marathon with 25,000 runners. The biggest challenge was coordinating logistics across multiple city departments. I overcame this by creating detailed timelines and conducting regular cross-functional meetings to ensure alignment.

How would you handle a situation where a host town is unprepared for the ride, such as inadequate campground space?

I would first assess the situation and identify alternative spaces. I would then work closely with town officials and vendors to quickly set up additional facilities. Communication with participants would be key to manage expectations.

Can you give an example of how you've managed a crew of 70+ people? How did you assign roles and ensure effective communication?

I previously supervised a team of 80 volunteers for a festival. I used a skills-based assignment approach and held daily briefings. I also implemented a group messaging system for real-time updates.

This role requires strict budget adherence. How do you track expenses and ensure you stay within budget?

I use spreadsheet tracking with regular updates, and I review expenses weekly. I also build in contingency funds and prioritize spending based on impact. For RAGBRAI, I would collaborate with the finance team to monitor the budget.

How would you approach creating overnight town maps using Google MYMAPS? What information would you prioritize?

I would start by gathering data on campgrounds, amenities, and road closures. I would then create layers for key locations like restrooms, food vendors, and emergency services. I would ensure the maps are user-friendly and tested before the ride.

|Current USA TODAY Co. Employees- Please ensure you are using our abbreviated process on the internal Careers site by logging into Dayforce through MyApps|USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations, including our network of local properties, in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions. USA TODAY Co. open roles are featured on various external job boards. When applying to a position at USA TODAY Co., you should be completing an application on USA TODAY Co. Careers via Dayforce. Job postings directing you to complete an application on other external sites may not be valid. If you are a California resident, you acknowledge that by applying for a job with us, this California Job Applicant Privacy Notice will apply to our collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information. To connect with us, visit www.usatodayco.comRAGBRAI is the world’s largest and longest running annual bicycle ride in the world. 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 that is highly skilled in event operation planning, management and execution. The ideal candidate has experience executing large-scale events in high pressure situations that emphasizes 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, which includes 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 RAGBRAI Creative Director in creation and implementation of Overnight Town maps using the Google MYMAPS software. • Support RAGBRAI staff in planning and execution of various annual events, including the Route Annuoncement Party, Overnight & Pass-Through Town Meeting, Route Inspection, and Fall Ride. • During the week of RAGBRAI, cmmand 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 towards participant experience • Effective organization and time management skills • Strong leadership abilities and initiative • Quick decision-making and problem-solving abilities • Reliant, self-paced worker that can proactively strategize on future responsibilities • Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment • Passionate and enthusiastic for the event and / or cycling industry#LI-REMOTE#LOCALiQ#LI-LLThe 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. Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicableUSA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co. employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals’ application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation 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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