Manager, Mascot Operations

LA28 does not provide relocation assistance.

The Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games will be hosted in Los Angeles, California in 2028, returning to the United States for the first time in over 30 years. 2028 will be the first time LA hosts the Paralympic Games, creating an opportunity to expand awareness, understanding and inclusion of people with disabilities.

LA28, the organizers for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, is on a mission to create an unparalleled Games experience for athletes, fans, partners, our community and our people. Our vision is to collectively create what’s next through sport, community and the power of our differences.

The 2028 Olympics and Paralympics will represent LA and leverage the strength of our community’s creativity as we collectively work to design a Games that we all want to be a part of. We do this by focusing on people and by inviting everyone into the story of the LA28 Games.

The LA28 organizing committee is an independent, non-profit organization that is privately funded and governed by a board of directors. 

• Optimism – Embody a positive, enthusiastic, and solution-oriented attitude in everything we do; challenge the status quo, inspire and support one another to achieve our best; have our eyes on the future and believe we can make a meaningful impact
• Integrity – We communicate openly and honestly, listen, and respectfully value multiple perspectives; we do what we say and are accountable for everything we do; we do the right thing, always. Even when it isn’t easy
• Excellence – We hold ourselves to the highest standard and expectations; we live our values and truths and persevere through challenges; we are continuous learners and adapt and pivot with speed to meet changing needs
• Inclusion – We seek to represent, include, empower and level the playing field; our work reflects the communities we serve and the world in which we live; we leverage our platforms to bring awareness to issues relevant to who we are
• Co-Creation – We are authors of a shared story. Everyone contributes their unique voice to our shared mission; we share pride in our accomplishments and ownership of our shortcomings
• Boldness – We embrace creativity, courage and outside-the-box thinking; we are unafraid to take risks, explore unconventional solutions, and learn from the process; we are innovators, disruptors, and challengers of the status quo

The Manager, Mascot Operations supports the execution of Mascot Operations for the LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games by supporting the development of Games-wide operational plans and coordinating the day-to-day logistics that enable successful mascot appearances across the Games footprint. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Mascot Operations, this role is responsible for translating operational plans and appearance schedules into fully staffed, well-coordinated activations that bring the LA28 mascots to life safely, consistently, and in alignment with brand standards. 

Workforce Planning & Shift Scheduling: 

• Manage scheduling, and location planning for multiple mascot performers and handlers across multiple venues and activations
• Forecast staffing demand based on appearance schedules, event volume, and operational needs
• Build and manage weekly and daily staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage
• Monitor schedule gaps and proactively adjust staffing plans to meet demand 

Games Integration & Operational Readiness 

• Actively ingest and apply LA28 operational information by attending venue logistics meetings, cross-functional planning sessions, and site visits
• Develop a strong understanding of the Games footprint, including venue layouts, activation zones, and operational constraints
• Represent the Mascot Operations team in meetings, ensuring alignment and clear communication when responsibilities are divided across the team
• Learn and uphold security protocols, accreditation requirements, and venue-specific procedures, ensuring compliance across all mascot activities
• Understand transportation routes, access points, and movement plans for personnel and assets across venues
• Translate operational insights into clear, actionable guidance for performers and handlers 

Games Time Execution 

• Manage daily call-outs, absences, and last-minute changes, adjusting schedules and shift assignments in real time to maintain coverage
• Confirm upcoming schedules, performer and handler availability, and readiness for all assigned activations
• Serve as a key point of contact for day-of operations, providing quick problem solving and decision making
• Support operations from both LA28 Headquarters and on-site at venues, traveling between locations as needed
• Communicate updates clearly to performers, handlers, and cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and continuity across all activations 

Operations & Logistics: 

• Support onboarding, and training of Mascot performers and support staff
• Ensure compliance with labor laws and union regulations, identifying and mitigating any operational constraints 

IP/Brand Management: 

• Ensure Mascot appearances and asset usage align with LA28 brand guidelines and IP standards
• Support Mascot-related assets, including tracking, distribution, and usage approvals

Health & Safety: 

• Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to performer safety, environmental conditions, and venue logistics
• Support in developing protocols and Mascot emergency response plans

• Live Entertainment or Character Operations Training (theme park or entertainment environments) a plus

Qualifications & Experience: 

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in character programming, live entertainment operations, theme park logistics, event or stage management. (ideally managing multiple character performers and/or multiple locations)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) or equivalent
• Experience using project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Monday.com, Asana)
• Proven success building large-scale scheduling grids and performer logistics across multiple locations
• Familiarity of labor regulations, union requirements, and operational planning for live events

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions 

• Ability to work from the Los Angeles office
• Hours of work may vary, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially during peak event periods 

Key Qualities: 

• Exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills
• Operational, on-the-ground executional expertise
• Comfortable working in high-pressure, fast-paced environments with shifting priorities
• Strong communicator (both written and verbal). Contributing and leading presentations as needed
• Self-starter who thrives with minimal direction and takes initiative to drive results

Games Time

• Ability to coordinate and support transportation of costume elements and equipment between locations, including occasional pick-up and drop-off; must have a valid driver’s license
  Ability to lift and transport costume elements and equipment up to 20lbs, using appropriate tools (e.g., hand carts, dollies) to safely move items across venues and locations

• Resume

The annual base salary range for this position is $88,000.00 - $115,000.00. 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.

LA28 does not provide relocation assistance.

LA28 is committed to operating 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. We strive to build a team that is diverse, inclusive and encourages qualified candidates of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities to apply. We will consider all qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with local law. We assess applications based on relevant skills, education, and experience a candidate can add to our team.