Air Force Marathon Operations Director Jobs 2026 at Wright Patterson Air Force Base Full Time

Introduction

The Department of the Air Force is seeking an experienced and motivated leader to oversee one of its most visible and successful endurance sports programs. This full time position supports Marathon Operations at Wright Patterson Air Force Base and serves as the senior executive responsible for the direction growth and overall success of the Department of the Air Force endurance events enterprise.

This role goes far beyond event management. The selected professional will guide long term strategy oversee financial operations manage personnel and ensure the successful delivery of nationally recognized endurance events including the Air Force Marathon and the Space Force T 10 Miler.

For individuals with strong leadership experience and a passion for large scale event operations this position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to programs that promote fitness community engagement and military pride.

Job Overview

Category	Details
Position Title	Marathon Operations Director
Organization	Department of the Air Force
Location	Wright Patterson Air Force Base Ohio
Employment Type	Permanent Full Time
Pay Grade	NF 4
Salary	$35 to $37 Per Hour
Work Schedule	35 to 40 Hours Per Week
Travel Requirement	Occasional Travel Required
Supervisory Role	Yes
Security Clearance	Not Required
Drug Testing	Required
Background Investigation	Required

About the Position

This leadership position serves as the senior authority for the Department of the Air Force endurance events enterprise. The individual selected will direct the planning management and future growth of major endurance events while ensuring efficient daily operations.

The role includes responsibility for financial management event development staff leadership contract oversight and strategic planning. The position also supports the continued success of the Air Force Marathon and Space Force T 10 Miler which attract participants from across the nation.

As the senior leader the employee works closely with race directors functional managers military organizations government agencies sponsors volunteers and community partners to ensure each event is executed successfully and professionally.

Daily Duties and Responsibilities

The Marathon Operations Director oversees a wide range of operational and leadership functions.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic leadership for all endurance event operations

• Directing the Air Force Marathon and Space Force T 10 Miler programs

• Supervising race directors and functional management teams

• Establishing performance goals and evaluating staff effectiveness

• Identifying opportunities for future event growth and expansion

• Managing enterprise budgets and monitoring financial performance

• Reviewing funding requirements and budget adjustments

• Ensuring sponsorship and donation activities follow established guidelines

• Coordinating planning activities for all marathon related operations

• Overseeing transportation communication medical and safety support requirements

• Working with local and state agencies to obtain permits and approvals

• Managing contracts for supplies equipment and services

• Serving as the primary spokesperson for marathon publicity and public relations efforts

• Supporting marketing initiatives for Air Force and Space Force endurance events

• Assisting with volunteer planning and operational staffing needs

• Ensuring pre race race day and post race activities are executed successfully

The position also performs additional duties necessary to support mission objectives and event success.

Work Environment and Training

The position operates in a fast paced environment where leadership planning and coordination are essential. The employee works with military personnel civilian staff community organizations contractors volunteers and public agencies.

Travel is required periodically to attend professional meetings conferences seminars and endurance events. Site visits may also be necessary to evaluate race operations course layouts event logistics and participant flow.

The position may require evening weekend and holiday work particularly during major event preparation and execution periods. Long work hours may occasionally be necessary to support operational requirements.

Training is an important part of the role. Employees are expected to remain informed on event management practices contracting procedures financial oversight requirements and organizational leadership principles.

Required Qualifications

Candidates must possess progressively responsible supervisory experience that demonstrates the ability to manage large programs personnel and financial resources.

Qualified applicants should have experience in:

• Advertising and promotional activities

• Budget management and financial oversight

• Workforce supervision and staffing

• Timekeeping and labor management

• Program administration and operational planning

A Bachelor degree preferably in Business or Public Affairs may substitute for qualifying experience.

Applicants should also possess:

• Strong leadership and decision making abilities

• Experience managing contracts procurement and pricing activities

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

• Knowledge of word processing software

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

• Willingness to travel when required

• Ability to work weekends and extended hours when necessary

• Valid driver license eligibility

Equivalent combinations of training and experience may also be considered.

Skills Needed for Success

Successful candidates typically possess a combination of leadership operational and financial management skills.

Important skills include:

• Strategic planning and organizational leadership

• Staff supervision and performance management

• Budget development and financial analysis

• Contract administration and procurement oversight

• Effective communication and public speaking

• Problem solving and decision making

• Project coordination and time management

• Team building and employee development

• Attention to detail

• Ability to manage competing priorities under pressure

Career Growth and Advancement

This position offers valuable leadership experience within a highly visible Department of the Air Force program.

The selected employee gains experience directing large scale national events managing substantial budgets supervising professional teams and working with military and civilian organizations.

The role provides opportunities to strengthen executive leadership capabilities while developing expertise in event management financial administration marketing operations and organizational planning.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers an hourly salary ranging from $35 to $37 based on applicable NAF pay setting rules.

Employees may be eligible for:

• Paid holidays

• Annual leave accrual

• Group health insurance

• Dental insurance

• Life insurance

• Retirement benefits

• 401K participation

• Flexible benefits plans

Who Should Apply

This opportunity is ideal for experienced professionals who enjoy leading complex programs and managing large scale events.

Strong candidates may include:

• Event management professionals

• Operations managers

• Business administration leaders

• Recreation program directors

• Budget and contract management specialists

• Individuals with supervisory experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a full time position?

Yes. This is a permanent full time position with a guaranteed work schedule of 35 to 40 hours per week.

Where is the position located?

The job is located at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.

Is travel required?

Yes. Occasional travel is required for meetings conferences seminars and event related activities.

Does the position supervise employees?

Yes. The selected candidate will supervise race directors and functional leadership staff.

Is a security clearance required?

No. A security clearance is not required for this position.

Is drug testing required?

Yes. The position requires pre employment drug testing and may include random testing after employment begins.

Are benefits available?

Yes. Employees may receive paid holidays leave accrual insurance coverage retirement benefits and participation in a 401K plan.

Conclusion

The Marathon Operations Director position offers a unique opportunity to lead two of the Department of the Air Force’s premier endurance events while guiding the future growth of its endurance sports enterprise. This role combines executive leadership financial management event planning and team development within a mission focused environment.

For professionals with strong management experience and a passion for large scale operations this position provides a rewarding career path with meaningful responsibilities outstanding benefits and the opportunity to support programs that represent both the Air Force and Space Force on a national stage.