Manager, NCS Volunteer Program & Operations

Sport & Games Delivery — National Olympic & Paralympic Committee Services (NCS)

Reports to: Sr. Director, NCS

LA28 does not provide relocation assistance for any positions. If you are based outside the Los Angeles area, we still welcome your application — we value talent from all geographic backgrounds and want to hear from you if you are able to work on-site in LA.

Role Purpose

Positioned within the NCS Services & Operations team, the NCS Volunteer Program & Operations Manager is charged with architecting and delivering a comprehensive, enriching, and highly effective Volunteer Program. This program plays a pivotal role in ensuring all National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) have the critical support they need throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Key Responsibilities:

NCS Volunteer Program Management

• Develop the comprehensive NCS Volunteer Program encompassing the NOC/NPC Assistants Program, NOC/NPC Own Assistants Program, and NCS Games-time Volunteers (estimated 800+ volunteers).

• Lead recruitment and training of required volunteers in close collaboration with People Management (PEM).

• In partnership with and in accordance with the IOC and IPC manage the forecasting and allocation of Volunteers to NOCs and NPCs according to delegation size, experience and multilingual needs.

• Deliver a high-impact training and onboarding curriculum covering Olympic and Paralympic Games, cultural sensitivity, and disability awareness in order to effectively support the diverse needs of the NOCs and NPCs at Games-time.

• Design a volunteer testing and readiness program that leverages Pre-Games events, such as the Chefs de Mission Seminar to trial operations and identify key volunteer leadership talent early.

• Create engaging Games-time activities and retention strategies that keep volunteers motivated, connected, and supported throughout their missions.

NCS Volunteer Program Operations

• Develop the tools, manuals, and tracking systems required to monitor program development and ensure on-time delivery of all NCS volunteer-related operational milestones across both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

• Coordinate NCS volunteer role assignments and shift scheduling, ensuring coverage aligns with specific delegation operational needs.

• Serve as the primary escalation point for all NCS Volunteers, directing ongoing communications (such as volunteer newsletters) and setting clear expectations.

• Actively monitor and manage working conditions, ensuring reliable access to transport, meals, and dedicated rest areas within the Village

Games-time Operations (Volunteer Office Leadership)

• Direct the daily operations of the NOC/NPC Assistants Program office within the NOC/NPC Services Centre, overseeing seamless volunteer check-in/check-out processes, credential verification, and daily briefing sessions.

• Manage NOC/NPC Services Center volunteers assigned to front desk and back-of-house (BOH) administration; and supporting other Games-time programs.

• Actively manage the shared pool of unassigned NOC/NPC Assistants, redistributing resources in real-time to support delegations during peak operational periods or to immediately cover shift absences.

• Oversee the successful dispatch of volunteers for critical daily tasks, including inventory inspections, office set-ups, uniform distribution, and specialized missions like Ceremonies field marshaling.

• Serve as the immediate operational point of contact to rapidly resolve scheduling conflicts, performance issues, or expectation mismatches between NOCs/NPCs and their assigned volunteers.

• Execute daily reporting on volunteer attendance, shift fulfillment rates, and operational stress points to inform NCS leadership and adapt workforce strategies on the fly.

Team Management

• Build and lead a team dedicated to supporting the successful and on-time delivery of the NCS Volunteer Programs

• Empower teammates to deliver an enriching and engaging volunteer experience for both the volunteers and the NOCs & NPCs.

• Set clear and measurable objectives to track team progress, performance, and workforce trends, supporting a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making.

• Cultivate an inclusive, transparent, honest, and welcoming working environment for all NCS staff and volunteers.

Required Competencies

• 5+ years of professional experience in volunteer management, workforce operations, large-scale event management, or international relations.

• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, International Relations, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and professional experience).

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage scheduling matrices, shift rosters, and workforce management systems.

• Proven experience designing and delivering onboarding programs and specialized training for large, diverse groups.

• A high degree of cultural sensitivity, disability awareness, and a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment for a globally diverse delegation and workforce.

• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required. Proficiency or fluency in an additional language (especially French and Spanish) a plus.

• Very comfortable with the Microsoft suite, including building PowerPoint presentations, and highly accustomed to working in Excel, with some experience using project management tools.

Valued Experience

• Experience with Smartsheet is a major plus.

• Previous Games or major-event experience.

• Familiarity with the Olympic and Paralympic Movement.

• Experience using workforce management tools

• Public Speaking

What We Offer

• A historic, once-in-a-career opportunity to help welcome the world to the first Los Angeles Summer Games in 32 years and the city's first Paralympic Games.

• The opportunity to build and lead a large, mission-driven volunteer team and shape how international delegations experience the Games.

• Collaborative teammates and partners across the organization, offering real ownership, visible impact, and durable, transferable skills.

What This Role Means for the Games

NCS Volunteers are frequently the first LA28 representatives that National Olympic and Paralympic Committees encounter. By building a program that supports them effectively, you shape the welcome that hundreds of delegations will remember, and help ensure the Games run smoothly for every team that travels to compete.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Available to work onsite in our Downtown Los Angeles-based office.

• The majority of work will be conducted in an office setting, requiring extended periods of time using computers, phones, and other office equipment.

• The LA28 office is an open floorplan working environment; employees must be able to work efficiently in an open cubicle environment.

• Hours of work may vary, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially during peak event periods.

• Perform other duties as required; the role will evolve over time and may include operational responsibilities during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Compensation

The annual base salary range for this position is $88,000-$115,000. The pay scale provided is the range that LA28 reasonably expects to pay as starting base compensation for this role. All LA28 compensation remains subject to final determination based on individual candidate qualifications, experience, or other reasonable criteria consistent with LA28's operational business needs and applicable law.

Accommodation

LA28 is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please let your recruiter know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Equal Opportunity

LA28 is committed to fair and unbiased recruitment procedures allowing all applicants an equal opportunity for employment, free from discrimination on the basis of religion, race, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, color, ethnic or national origin, or any other classification as may be protected by applicable law. LA28 will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance and all applicable laws. We strive to build a team that is inclusive and encourage qualified candidates of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities to apply. We assess applications based on relevant skills, education, and experience a candidate can add to our team.