Job Description

Job Description

Active Central Minnesota is seeking a mission-driven, operationally skilled Race Director to lead the design, planning, and execution of our region’s premier community wellness events—including the CentraCare Earth Day Run , the Buffalo Graniteman Triathlon , and the Big Lake Graniteman Triathlon , all held in Central Minnesota.

This is a key management role responsible for ensuring that every event delivers an exceptional, safe, and community-centered experience. The Race Director serves as the operational hub of a complex ecosystem of paid event staff, volunteers, sponsors, medical teams, municipal agencies, and event-day participants. If you are energized by community building, logistical orchestration, and delivering events that inspire thousands toward healthier living, we invite you to explore this opportunity.

The Opportunity

The Race Director will lead the full lifecycle of our flagship event portfolio:

• CentraCare Earth Day Run, April 17-18 – St. Cloud, MN
• Buffalo Graniteman Triathlon, June 7 – Buffalo, MN
• Big Lake Graniteman Triathlon, August 1 – Big Lake, MN

Roles and Responsibilities

• Event planning
• Race management
• Participant experience
• Guiding a Race Announcer
• Guiding a Race Timing Company
• Guiding a Course Manager
• Guiding a Volunteer Coordinator
• Guiding a Registration Coordinator
• Guiding a core volunteer team
• Community engagement
• Expense management and budget reporting

This role requires a blend of project manager, operations leader, race-day general, community ambassador, and ecosystem orchestrator.

The Engagement Level

The Earth Day Run Series requires an estimated 600 to 800 hours per year, with 400 to 600 of those hours concentrated in the January 1 through April 30 range and the remainder allocated to planning and preparation during the off season. The Graniteman Triathlons require an estimated 300 to 350 hours each per year, with those hours likewise concentrated in the 3 to 4 months prior to each event.

Qualifications

Experience

• 3+ years in race management, event production, public events, or related fields.
• Demonstrated track record leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
• Experience managing volunteers or teams in dynamic, public-facing environments.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to lead with calmness, clarity, and confidence in high-pressure moments.
• Effective communicator with the ability to build trust across diverse groups.
• Comfortable working outdoors, problem-solving in real time, and leading hands-on operations.
• Proficiency with registration software, planning tools, and digital communication platforms.

Other Requirements

• Availability for early mornings, evenings, and weekends surrounding event operations.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Compensation and Job Sharing Note

• Active Central MN prefers to hire a Race Director who would manage all 3 events, though is also open to hiring 2 Race Directors with one managing the Earth Day Run Series and the other managing the Buffalo and Big Lake Triathlons. The compensation range includes approximately $40,000 for managing the Earth Day Run event, and approximately $15,000 for managing the 2 triathlons. Compensation will be set to match professional experience. This event-oriented position does not provide employee benefits.

Why This Role Matters

Your work will bring thousands of people together each year to celebrate health, resilience, and community. You’ll shape the future of Minnesota’s signature endurance events and contribute to a legacy of active living across the region.

How to Apply

If you’re excited to lead some of Minnesota’s most beloved community races, we’d love to meet you. Apply directly via LinkedIn.

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