Adaptive and Para Athletics Programs Manager (Contract Position)

Company Overview:

Chicago Event Management is more than an event production company, it’s a team motivated to connect the communities we serve through the events we produce. At the core of our organization, we believe in sharing best practices, using learnings to create unforgettable experiences and building lasting relationships that lead to new ideas and innovation.

Since its inception in 1996, CEM has stayed true to this mission and as a result, has become a leader in event production and the endurance sports industry.

Position Summary:

The Adaptive and Para Athletics Programs Manager is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of Adaptive and Para Athletics Programs across multiple Bank of America events, including the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle, the Bank of America Chicago 13.1, and the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. This role ensures compliance with World Para Athletics rules and regulations, manages participant and guide registrations, coordinates race day logistics, and fosters accessibility improvements to enhance the experience for all athletes.

This is an independent contractor position for project-based assignments related to the Adaptive and Para Athletics programs. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of Adaptive and Para Athletics and experience or interest in endurance events and a flexible schedule to accommodate increased hours during key event production periods.

Status: Independent Contractor

Term: May 2025 to December 2025, with the opportunity to renew annually from January to December

Time Commitment: Approximately 20 hours/week, with up to 40 hours/week during key event production periods, agreed upon in advance between the Company and Contractor

Reports To: Senior Manager, Professional Athlete & Participant Programs

Scope of Services:

Adaptive Program – Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle

• Manage registration for participants and guides/support runners
• Coordinate with contractor on race day logistics
• Work with participants on any requested accommodations
• Manage Adaptive Program email box and participant communications
• Recruit sign language interpreters for Packet Pick Up and race day
• Manage packet pick up for Adaptive Program athletes, guides, and support runners
• Manage race day operations
• • Ensure proper setup of facility
  • Assist Adaptive Program participants in accessing Start Corrals
  • Assist Adaptive Program participants at Finish Line

Adaptive Program – Bank of America 13.1

• Help ensure event compliance with World Para Athletics rules and regulations
• Manage registration for participants and guides/support runners
• Coordinate with contractor on race day logistics
• Work with participants on any requested accommodations
• Manage Adaptive Program email box and participant communications
• Recruit sign language interpreters for Packet Pick Up and race day
• Manage packet pick up for Adaptive Program athletes, guides, and support runners
• Manage race day operations
• Manage race day operations
• • Ensure proper setup of facility
  • Assist Adaptive Program participants in accessing Start Corrals
  • Assist Adaptive Program participants at Finish Line

Para Athletics Program – Bank of America Chicago Marathon

• Help ensure event compliance with World Para Athletics rules and regulations
• Manage registration for participants
• • Ensure athlete compliance with program requirements
  • Verify classification or impairment documentation
• Manage registration for guides and support runners
• Coordinate with contractor on race day logistics
• Work with participants on any requested accommodations
• Manage Adaptive Program email box and participant communications
• Recruit sign language interpreters for Expo and race day
• Manage packet pick up for Adaptive Program athletes, guides, and support runners
• Manage National Classification event at Expo (if applicable)
• Assist in Technical Meeting presentation to professional wheelchair field
• Manage race day operations
• • Ensure proper setup of facilities
  • Assist in movement of athletes to start facility
  • Manage load in of athletes to start line
  • Assist athletes at finish line
  • Assist with post-event appearances and obligations of wheelchair field champions
• Assist with prize money allocation to Para Athletics field athletes (if applicable)

General Responsibilities

• Advance accessibility of webpages and registration form
• Work to develop accessible facilities in Grant Park
• Provide suggestions and feedback to advance and improve the programs overall
• Work with Volunteer Management team to recruit needed volunteers
• Work with Workforce Management team to recruit and register event staff

Other

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Requirements

• Strong understanding of Adaptive and Para Athletics, including World Para Athletics regulations.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards and accommodations is a plus.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and coordinate logistics effectively.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and event days.

Education & Experience

• Experience in event management, particularly in sports or endurance events.
• Experience working with adaptive athletes is highly preferred.

Expected Work Location & Schedule

• Approximately 20 hours/week distributed Monday to Friday, with up to 40 hours/week during key event production periods, agreed upon in advance between the Company and Contractor
• Primary work location: CEM Office in Downtown Chicago.
• Opportunity to work some hours remotely agreed upon by Contractor and Manager in advance.
• Occasional work at CEM Warehouse in Bellwood, Illinois, and on-site event locations throughout Chicago.

Chicago Event Management is an equal opportunity employer.