RUNCenter Lead
Description
New York Road Runners (NYRR) was founded in 1958 when a small group of passionate runners vowed to bring running to the people and has grown from a local running club into the world’s premier community running organization. NYRR’s vision is to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running.
NYRR’s year-round offerings of races, community events, programs, and training resources provide hundreds of thousands of people with the motivation, know-how, and opportunities to start running and keep running for life. NYRR’s premier event, the famed TCS New York City Marathon, attracts the world’s top professional runners and committed amateurs alike, while also raising millions of dollars annually for charity and driving economic impact for New York City. NYRR is equally committed to the runners of tomorrow, passionately providing youth fitness programs that educate and inspire children in underserved communities in New York City, nationwide, and around the world.
Headquartered in New York City, NYRR is a 501(c)(3) organization. To learn more, please visit www.nyrr.org .
At New York Road Runners, we are committed to building an inclusive, diverse workplace by finding the best candidate for the job. We understand that skills come from a variety of different backgrounds. Checking off every single requirement on our job description is not necessary to apply. If you think you are a good fit and have a passion for the work we do, please submit your application. We are eager to learn about your experience and skills! You may be the right candidate for this or other open positions.
New York Road Runners is an Equal Opportunity Employer
About the Department
The Strategic Partnerships & Runner Products Department consists of the Strategic Partnerships team, the Runner Products and Services team, and Professional Athlete Group
The Strategic Partnerships team is responsible for developing revenue-generating partnerships from corporate and community-based organizations and managing those relationships. Partnerships vary from year-round engagement to specific races and events. They work closely with all of NYRR’s departments to develop programs that maximize revenue opportunities and ensure NYRR‘s partners’ objectives are being met. Our Licensing & Merchandising provides merchandising services, including staff clothing, weekly race premiums, and premiums for programs.
The Runner Products and Services team supports the training, racing and community experience of our runners —through classes, seminars, and customized training programs, and tailored customer service. The Runner Services team is the information source for our runners, serving for a conduit of information and an advocate for NYRR's runner-first philosophy both online and at the NYRR RUNCENTER. Our NYRR RUNCENTER also offers programming and serves as a hub of resources for our runners year-round. NYRR’s Charity Programs include more than 500 Official Charity Partners whose runners raise over $40 million annually. NYRR’s ITO Program operates in 100+ countries, and across six continents, and brings more than 15,000 international runners across the finish line at the TCS NYC Marathon.
The Professional Athlete group (PAG) develops and oversees programming related to the participation of professional and elite athletes, including wheelchair athletes, in NYRR events and initiatives, working closely with athletes, agents, coaches and federations while developing and implementing the recruiting strategy for professional athletes to compete in NYRR events
About the Position
The Position The RUNCenter Full-Time Lead oversees a team of part-time Run Center Associates. Responsibilities include offering mentorship to a group of RUNCenter Part-Time Associates who provide customer care during activities such as bib distribution and RUNCenter events. The RUNCenter Full-Time Lead will assist the RUNCenter Director, and other key stakeholders, in optimizing the RUNCenter to provide runners with experiences that reflect NYRR’s mission to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running. Responsibilities include facilitating race premium and premium distribution, inventory management, managing the RUNCenter traffic during programs/events, supporting team development, and finding resolution for escalated situations. The RUNCenter FullTime Lead will also be responsible for enhancing communication among the RUNCenter team by developing effective tools for organizational updates and RUNCenter specific information. The RUNCenter Full-Time Lead(s) will support the RUNCenter Director in day-to-day activations and may have delineated areas of responsibilities including (but not limited to) event management, inventory management, age group awards management, etc.
Job Responsibilities (primary and secondary duties):
Interpersonal Savvy & Team Leadership
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and engaging RUNCenter environment where team members feel motivated and supported Build strong relationships with the RUNCenter team, New Balance Run Hub team, and cross-functional partners
- Lead team huddles at the start of each shift to share updates, encourage feedback, and drive engagement among Part-Time Associates
- Provide in the moment coaching and feedback to support team performance and development
- Recognize team contributions and celebrate wins to build morale and connection
- Help identify development opportunities and support onboarding and training of new team members
- Navigate change effectively and guide the team through new processes, initiatives, and operational updates
Customer Focus & Experience
- Create a welcoming, dynamic, and high-quality runner experience through positive, solution-oriented interactions
- Support the team in delivering exceptional customer service across all touchpoints, including bib pickup, events, and programming
- Build relationships within the running community and contribute to a strong, connected RUNCenter environment
- Confidently and professionally resolve customer concerns, especially in high-pressure situations
Operations & Process Management
- Lead ancillary projects and evergreen initiatives while working cross-functionally with stakeholders
- Maintain a strong working relationship with the New Balance Run Hub team and develop a cohesive partnership with the RUNCenter Director
- Manage race logistics for weekly races, including bib assignment and premium distribution, ensuring accurate execution by the team
- Coordinate load-out of race supplies, materials, and technology for weekly races, including RNYRR events
- Execute inventory counts for supplies, materials, premiums, and assets; accurately track results and identify opportunities for improvement
- Oversee marquee event and age group award distribution, including managing relationships with third-party vendors
- Demonstrate a solution-oriented mindset and ability to adapt processes to meet operational needs
- Prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines
- Support scheduling and operational planning to ensure smooth day to day execution
- Lead teams through ambiguity and adjust plans as needed to meet business and event needs
- Ensure all operational processes are completed efficiently and align with company standards
Compliance & Administrative Responsibilities
- Process cash and credit card transactions, reconcile cash, and prepare bank deposits as needed
- Uphold all health and safety protocols in accordance with organizational and New York State guidelines
Job Requirements:
Experience:
- Minimum 3 years of experience in customer service
- Previous experience in fitness industry or retail a plus
- Organized team player with a personable manner, excellent customer service skills, and able to work with a diverse group
- Experience leading, supervising, coaching, or mentoring a team.
Education & Certifications:
- Any combination of education, training, experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, ability
Skills and Attributes:
- Demonstrate passion and commitment to the NYRR brand and core values: excellence, teamwork, passion, innovation, service, and integrity
- Strong organizational agility; able to recommend solutions in a high velocity environment with shifting priorities.
- Sets the standard for excellence in customer service through leading by example and holding the team accountable
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, Salesforce)
- Strong attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Other Requirements:
- Able to work a flexible schedule including weekends, some holidays, and extended hours
- Must be available for a minimum of one weekend day a week
- All staff are required to work the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon, RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon, and the TCS NYC Marathon.
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs.
Salary: 76K
New York Road Runners is an Equal Opportunity Employer