Senior Project Manager - Head of RunChallenge

PlayMore! is a fast-growing non-profit organization that promotes Sport, Participation and Wellbeing, for All, since 2010.

Potrebbe essere proprio lei il candidato/la candidata ideale per questo lavoro. Legga tutte le informazioni associate e invii la sua candidatura.

We are looking for an experienced leader to drive the growth and international expansion of our flagship project, RunChallenge.

About RunChallenge

RunChallenge is an international community that promotes participation and wellbeing through sport, particularly running and walking, bringing together people with and without disabilities, including wheelchair users.

Every week, more than 1,100 people with and without disabilities take part in training sessions and social activities organized across 14 European cities.

Over the years, RunChallenge has received several awards. Among the most significant:

• Finalist (Top 3) at the European Commission #BeInclusive EU Sport Awards 2021;
• Charity of the Year at the Milan Marathon 2025;
• Top Fundraiser Non-Profit Organization at the Milan Marathon Awards 2026;
• Best Cheering Point at the Milan Marathon Awards in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

In 2026, SDA Bocconi School of Management published a research study to RunChallenge entitled Scaling Social Inclusion through Sport: The RunChallenge Case, validating the project's development model and highlighting its potential for growth and expansion.

We firmly believe this potential is still significant because RunChallenge addresses two of the greatest challenges of our time: tackling loneliness and physical inactivity.

Our dream is to transform RunChallenge into the Scout Movement of Sport: a global movement capable of spreading a culture of participation through thousands of local communities united by the same values.

If our vision resonates with you and you're excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of RunChallenge, we'd love to hear from you.

The Role

The Head of RunChallenge will be responsible for leading the evolution of the project, working closely with the CEO of PlayMore! and coordinating the project team, which currently includes:

• 1 Senior Project Manager
• 1 Event Manager
• 1 Junior Project Manager
• 1 Head Coach
• 1 Educational Coordinator
• 8 Sport trainers and Educators

Key Responsibilities

Following an onboarding period designed to provide a deep understanding of PlayMore!'s culture, the RunChallenge model and the activities already in place, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following areas:

Vision and Strategy

• Define RunChallenge's three-year development strategy in Italy and abroad
• Strengthen the existing RunChallenge Social Franchising model
• Define objectives, priorities, KPIs and monitoring tools
• Lead the three-year operational plan, ensuring alignment between strategic vision and day-to-day execution

Network Development

• Manage and expand the international RunChallenge network, overseeing the team member responsible for partner relations and network expansion
• Design and implement new strategies to identify and engage potential partners interested in bringing RunChallenge to their local communities
• Identify new development opportunities, partnerships and ways to scale the project
• Lead the RunChallenge team, enhancing the skills, responsibilities and motivation of all team members
• Work collaboratively with the leaders of the organization's other strategic areas: Communication, Fundraising, Administration, Volunteers, Events and Activities
• Promote a team culture based on trust, accountability, constructive feedback and continuous improvement
• Ensure quality, consistency and continuity throughout the experience of participants, volunteers, donors and project partners

Events, Community and Representation

• Design and oversee the delivery of all RunChallenge events, including both sporting events and initiatives aimed at strengthening the network (such as the Milano Relay Marathon, the RunChallenge Gathering at Anteo Cinema, the RC> International Meeting, etc.)
• Represent RunChallenge at public events, institutional occasions and networking opportunities
• Manage relationships with the project's stakeholders (public institutions, corporate partners, private donors, direct and indirect beneficiaries)
• Design and coordinate initiatives that strengthen the sense of belonging within the RunChallenge community, beyond sporting activities

Project Quality

In day-to-day operations, ensure quality, consistency and attention to detail across every aspect of the RunChallenge experience: sporting activities, social gatherings, sporting and community events, and both external and internal communication.

What we are looking for

• Native English speaker or fluent English (C2)
• 10+ years of experience in managing and developing complex projects, ideally in an international context
• Experience leading teams and managing relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Ability to combine strategic vision with strong operational execution
• Strong results orientation and commitment to measuring impact
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Confidence in public speaking

What set you apart

• Experience in developing scalable models, social franchising, territorial networks or international-scale projects
• Professional and/or personal experience abroad or in multicultural environments
• Knowledge of a second foreign language
• Passion for sport as a tool for social transformation

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Sporting Spirit: a willingness to get personally involved and actively participate in RunChallenge and other PlayMore! projects
• Purpose: genuine enthusiasm and a deep belief that our actions can change the world for the better, starting with making sport and social participation accessible to everyone
• Leadership: the ability to inspire, listen, empower people and build trust

What We Offer

• A key leadership role within a growing organization
• Direct responsibility for a European project with global ambitions
• A direct connection between your work and the social impact it generates
• Flexible working hours, autonomy and trust
• A young, dynamic and stimulating work environment
• An organizational culture built on excellence, teamwork, mutual respect and meaningful relationships

Spoken Languages

Italian: native speaker or equivalent proficiency

English: native speaker or fluent (C2)

Contract and Salary

Salary will be defined to gether, taking into account your experience, expectations and personal circumstances.

A probationary period will apply.

Location and Working Arrangements

Flexibility and autonomy in managing working hours and office presence: objectives and operational needs will guide the balance between office-based and remote work.

Availability to travel within Italy and internationally for monitoring visits and exchanges with partner organizations across the network is required.

Availability

Full-time.

We are an equal opportunity employer. xysqume All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

#J-18808-Ljbffr