Senior Associate, Operational Planning

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

You will help LA28 turn complex operational plans into a coordinated path to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. As Senior Associate, Operational Planning, reporting to the Senior Manager, Operational Planning, you support cross-functional integration across operational planning workstreams, building the trackers, timelines, dashboards, and decks that keep teams aligned. You research and distill complex information into clear, actionable recommendations, run working sessions, and flag risks and opportunities early, bringing the same energy and care to high-visibility projects as to behind-the-scenes work.

Key Responsibilities

• Support cross-functional integration and coordination across operational planning workstreams, keeping teams aligned on shared priorities. 

• Develop and maintain planning materials, trackers, timelines, dashboards, decks, and status updates that inform decision-making. 

• Research, analyze, and distill complex information into clear, actionable recommendations, presentations, and visuals for leadership. 

• Facilitate working sessions and meetings by scheduling, preparing agendas, capturing key decisions, and following up on action items. 

• Identify and escalate risks, issues, and opportunities with proposed recommendations, and provide administrative support to the team. 

Required Competencies

• Minimum 4 years of experience in operational planning or project management, ideally in large-scale sporting events.

• Experience in cross-functional roles within complex organizations, with adaptability in fast-moving, demanding environments. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at various levels of seniority. 

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with a demonstrated ability to manage ambiguity and changing priorities. 

• Fluency in English, with the intellectual curiosity and eagerness to learn that a fast-evolving Games environment demands. 

Valued Experience

• Fluency in PowerPoint, Excel, and Smartsheet. 

• Experience creating and managing Gemini AI agents. 

• Mega sporting event operational, event, or project management experience. 

• Experience creating executive-level presentations and briefing materials. 

• Passion for the Olympic and Paralympic Movement. 

What We Offer

• A central seat in planning how the 2028 Games will actually run. 

• Exposure to leaders and workstreams across the entire organizing committee. 

• A curious, optimistic team that values initiative, feedback, and growth. 

• Varied work that blends high-visibility projects with essential behind-the-scenes delivery. 

What This Role Means for the Games

Your plans, trackers, and recommendations help leaders see the whole operation and decide with confidence. That clarity keeps every workstream moving in step toward a successful, well-delivered Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028

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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. 

• Available to work in-office five days a week. 

Compensation

The annual base salary range for this position is $73,000 – $98,000. 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 an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please let us 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.