Operations Manager

The Head Of The Charles Regatta (HOCR) is the largest rowing event in the world and Boston’s second-largest sporting event. Every October, 12,000 athletes and 375,000 spectators gather along the Charles River for a vibrant, three-day celebration of sport, community, and experience.

We are seeking an Operations Manager to support the planning, coordination, and execution of Race Operations, Volunteer Management, and key Commercial and Special Projects across HOCR and select year-round initiatives such as Boston Beach Sprints. This Boston-based role is well suited for an organized, detail-oriented, and proactive operator who thrives in a fast-paced event environment and enjoys working cross-functionally with staff, volunteers, committees, and partners.

This role offers a unique opportunity to play an integral role in producing a globally recognized rowing event, applying sport-specific knowledge, and operational rigor to one of the most iconic competitions in the sport.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Race & Volunteer Operations

• Oversee volunteer management for the Head Of The Charles Regatta and Boston Beach Sprints, including recruitment, placement, communications, and post-event surveying.
• Manage volunteer database, sign-ups, and reporting in collaboration with Race Operations.
• Support race logistics including procurement of race materials (bow numbers, bibs, medals), sorting sessions, and materials handling.
• Maintain entry and competition documentation including waitlists, ineligibles, and champions/records lists.
• Coordinate Race Operations meetings, schedules, communications, and internal documentation.
• Serve as a liaison between Race Operations and Site Operations to ensure alignment.
• Lead development and updates of athlete-facing materials including the Athlete Guide, Rule Book, Viewing Guide, and registration inserts.
• Oversee Race Operations orders and systems using EventHub, internal databases, and Google Workspace.
• Maintain trophy inventory and service records in partnership with the Awards Committee.
• Coordinate trophy engraving, procurement, and sourcing of new trophies.
• Support planning and execution of special HOCR events and year-round initiatives including Spring Fling, 4702, Boston Beach Sprints, and other organizational programs
• Manage regatta email inboxes and ensure timely, accurate responses

Commercial & Hospitality Operations

• Serve as primary point of contact for select exhibitors across onboarding, placement, onsite execution, and post-event follow-up.
• Support ticket sales and website updates for HOCR hospitality offerings.
• Assist with catering contracts and agency staffing for hospitality venues in partnership with the Commercial team.
• Support food vendor recruitment and application processes.

Office Operations & Project Management

• Support day-to-day office operations, ensuring projects, meetings, and workflows are well planned, coordinated, and executed.
• Apply project management best practices, including workback schedules, task tracking, and deadline management, to support internal initiatives and recurring operational needs.
• Plan and manage internal meetings, including Board and leadership meetings, overseeing scheduling, space, materials, and catering.
• Support onboarding and offboarding processes, including systems access, equipment coordination, and team logistics.
• Maintain shared files, calendars, timelines, and internal documentation to support efficient collaboration and information flow.
• Provide general administrative and operational support as needed to keep the organization running smoothly.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 5–8 years of experience in event operations, volunteer management, sports management, or a related field.
• Background in rowing (athlete, coach, official, administrator, etc.) strongly preferred, with a practical understanding of race operations, athlete needs, and on-water logistics.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage detailed workbacks, multiple workstreams, and competing deadlines.
• Strong operational and analytical skills, including comfort with basic data management such as analyzing surveys, tracking operational metrics, building simple event budgets, and evaluating vendor proposals.
• Experience using project management and productivity tools such as Asana, Monday, or similar platforms.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience coordinating across staff, volunteers, committees, and external partners.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace; familiarity with EventHub, RegattaCentral, CRM platforms, spreadsheets, or comparable operational systems is a plus.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop and InDesign, preferred.
• Experience with WordPress or website content management systems is a plus.
• Hands-on, solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to operate effectively within a small, collaborative, high-performing team.
• Willingness and ability to work extended hours during peak event periods and manage onsite logistics.
• Passion for live events and a strong interest in the sport of rowing.

WHY JOIN HOCR?

Be part of a mission-driven team producing one of the most iconic and beloved events in rowing. The Operations Manager plays a vital role in delivering a world-class experience for athletes, volunteers, partners, and spectators, helping shape the future of the Regatta and its year-round programming.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their resume along with a cover letter, and any relevant work samples communicating why they would be a great fit for this role.