Jobs & internships

Jobs

Policy and Planning Manager

Sports Backers is a nationally acclaimed 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to inspire people to live actively. We achieve this mission by hosting events and facilitating programs that encourage people to get moving. Through our work, we strive to build a healthier, more vibrant community in the Richmond region. 

position overview

Do you want to shape the future of biking and walking in the Richmond region? Are you motivated by the opportunity to advance policies and plans that prioritize safe, connected, and equitable active transportation networks such as the Fall Line trail? Do you get excited about influencing infrastructure projects that make streets safer and communities healthier? 

The Policy and Planning Manager will focus on advancing local and regional transportation policies, plans, and projects that support biking and walking. This role will require translating community needs into policy recommendations, analyzing planning documents, and working directly with government officials, technical staff, and advocates to ensure that walking and biking remain central to decision-making in the Richmond region.  Resumes will be accepted until November 23rd.

key areas of responsibility:

• Track, analyze, and provide public comment on local and regional transportation, land use, and budget processes that impact biking and walking. 
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with local and regional elected officials, government staff, planning commissions, and community partners. 
• Support the development and implementation of Bike Walk RVA policy campaigns, with emphasis on the Fall Line Vision Plan, in coordination with staff, advocates, and partner organizations. 
• Assist in the development of policy and planning communications tools such as maps, addenda to the Fall Line Vision Plan, and summaries of meeting minutes, budget priorities, and policy updates. 
• Work closely with the Engagement Manager to align grassroots advocacy efforts with policy opportunities and campaigns. 
• Translate complex policy, planning, and design documents into clear, accessible language for public consumption. 
• Support the Bike Walk RVA Academy by providing policy and planning expertise to participants. 
• Assist Sports Backers staff with major events as needed. 

Minimum qualification requirements:

• Knowledge of and experience with urban planning, transportation policy, or related fields. 
• Strong analytical and technical writing skills, with the ability to review plans and budgets critically. 
• Ability to clearly communicate policy and planning concepts to non-technical audiences. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders. 
• Passion for creating walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly communities. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in urban planning, transportation policy, or a related discipline. 
• Experience with policy advocacy campaigns or community-based planning. 
• Familiarity with the political and planning landscape of the Richmond region. 
• Experience presenting at public meetings and hearings. 

Salary and benefits

• Full-time salaried position with some evening and weekend work required. 
• Primarily an in-office position, with regular travel to meetings and events across the Richmond region. 
• Reports to and is supervised by the Director of Bike Walk RVA. 
• Compensation range: starting at $50,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience; benefits package including medical, dental, vacation, and moderate schedule flexibility around work events. 

Sports Backers believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a nonprofit, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. 

It is the policy of Sports Backers, in accordance with all applicable laws, to provide all individuals with equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, age, marital status, veteran or disability status, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. 

Sponsorship Coordinator

Sports Backers is a nationally acclaimed 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to inspire people to live actively. We achieve this mission by hosting events and facilitating programs that encourage people to get moving. Through our work, we strive to build a healthier, more vibrant community in the Richmond region.

position overview

The Sponsorship Coordinator plays a pivotal role in the success of Sports Backers’ award-winning events by managing sponsor relationships, securing sponsorship agreements, and ensuring fulfillment of sponsorship benefits. This individual will work closely with internal teams, external partners, and sponsors to support the organization’s mission and ensure positive outcomes for all stakeholders.

This is a full-time, office-based position located in Richmond, Virginia with flexibility to work remotely at times. Evening and weekend work is required during event weeks, and it’s an all-hands on deck approach to support event production and logistics. The Sponsorship Coordinator will report to the Director of Sponsorship, Lauren Millard ([email protected]). Resumes will be accepted until October 31^st.

key areas of responsibility:

• Sponsorship Sales and Acquisition
  • Identify and cultivate potential sponsors through research, networking, and outreach.
  • Develop compelling sponsorship proposals tailored to potential partners’ needs and objectives.
• Sponsor Relationship Management
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for sponsors, ensuring their needs are met and expectations exceeded.
  • Maintain regular communication with sponsors, providing updates, reports, and addressing inquiries.
  • Build long-term relationships with sponsors to encourage ongoing support and engagement.
• Sponsorship Fulfillment
  • Ensure the timely and accurate fulfillment of all sponsorship agreements, including branding, activation, and promotional deliverables.
  • Collaborate with the marketing and event operations teams to integrate sponsor activations seamlessly into events such as the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k, Dominion Energy Riverrock, and Allianz Richmond Marathon.
  • Provide post-event reports to sponsors, highlighting deliverables and value provided.
• Event Support
  • Assist with on-site sponsor activations during events, ensuring a positive experience for both sponsors and participants.
  • Coordinate sponsor signage, displays, and other branding elements for events.
• Administrative and Reporting
  • Maintain accurate records of sponsorship agreements, communications, and activities.
  • Track sponsorship performance metrics and provide regular updates to leadership.
  • Support budgeting and revenue forecasting for sponsorship-related activities.

knowledge and skill requirements:

• 2+ years of experience in sponsorship sales, account management, or event marketing.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain relationships with corporate partners.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Experience with CRM tools is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the Richmond, VA, community and its businesses.
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, sports management, or a related field.
• Experience working in sports, events, or non-profit organizations.
• Creative thinker with a track record of developing innovative sponsorship solutions.

Salary and benefits

• Annual salary $50k-$60k based on experience
• 3+ Weeks Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays 
• 401k with Company Match
• Health Insurance
• Mobile Phone
• Employee Discounts on Merchandise

Sports Backers believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a nonprofit, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. It is the policy of Sports Backers, in accordance with all applicable laws, to provide all individuals with equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender-identity, pregnancy, age, marital status, veteran or disability status, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in all terms, conditions and privileges of employment.

Key volunteer role

Water Stop Coordinator Assistant

Overview

The Water Stop Assistant supports the Head Water Stop Coordinators in managing and setting up the hydration and support stations within designated zones of the course. There are a total of 16 water and electrolyte stops, 2 gel stops, 2 wet water cloth stops and 1 pickle juice stop along the marathon, half marathon and 8k routes. The Water Stop Assistant would be responsible for the hydration and support stations within one of the course zones. This role is essential in ensuring that runners stay hydrated and energized throughout the race.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the Water Stop Coordinators and other volunteers with the setup and breakdown of the hydration and support stations.
• Help organize and direct volunteers to ensure water, electrolyte drinks, and other items are distributed efficiently to participants.
• Refill water cups, electrolyte drinks and restock supplies as needed.
• Monitor and maintain cleanliness around the water stop area, clearing discarded cups and debris.
• Communicate with race staff as needed to report any issues or request additional supplies.
• Ensure safety protocols are followed, making the stop accessible and safe for all participants.

Requirements:

• Must be 21 years or older.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills to help manage volunteers and tasks effectively.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform light physical tasks, such as moving tables or lifting cases of cups.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, outdoor environment.
• Positive, team-oriented attitude with a desire to help participants succeed.

Perks of Volunteering:

• Be part of America’s Friendliest Marathon and help support 21,000+ participants!
• Committee race gear including a jacket and volunteer shirt.
• Stipend for lunch.
• The satisfaction of helping athletes reach their goals in a major endurance event!

Internships

There are no internship positions currently open.