Community Integration Manager, Action Sports Events

About the role

MARI Group, a global events and experiences company, is seeking a Community Integration Manager for its Action Sports division. This is a senior commercial role based in Melbourne, sitting within the Commercial team and reporting to the Senior Director of Commercial. It covers the running events portfolio, starting with the Nike Melbourne Marathon and extending to the Great Ocean Road Running Festival and the Bondi to Manly Ultra, and has direct impact on participant loyalty and commercial value.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end community experience for the Nike Melbourne Marathon, including Club 42, VIR and travel package programming, then extend that standard across the other running events.
• Connect the running events into one community, growing the existing event affiliate program and driving cross-event participation and loyalty.
• Own the participant-facing apps and digital touchpoints, and coordinate broadcast arrangements so each event reaches its audience on-screen.
• Design the spectator experience and event entertainment, and build relationships with run clubs as a core engine of participation.
• Recruit, coordinate, train and retain the volunteer base and event workforce, and build systems to scale it across events.
• Plan and manage a series of community training events and shakeout runs.
• Manage accessibility and inclusion practices, sustainable practices and the tree planting program, and grow charity partnerships.
• Play a supportive role at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.

Required profile

• Proven experience building community, engagement or fan experience, ideally in mass-participation events, sport, endurance or a membership-driven brand.
• A strong feel for running or endurance culture and credibility with run clubs, participants and volunteers.
• Track record managing partners and stakeholders such as charity partners, suppliers, licensees and internal teams.
• Experience coordinating volunteers or an event workforce at scale.
• Commercial awareness, understanding that engagement, merchandise, affiliates and partnerships reinforce each other.

Required skills

• Fluency with digital and app-based experiences.
• Exceptional organisation, communication and relationship-building skills.

What we offer

• Superannuation scheme and bonus program.
• Paid parental leave and flexible paid time off.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Office in a vibrant part of the city.