Volunteer Captain: Event Leadership and Operations

Volunteer Captain: Event Leadership and Operations
 

Organization: YWCA Minneapolis – Women’s Triathlon

Location: Minneapolis, MN (Midtown YWCA & Lake Nokomis)

Time Commitment: ~30–50 hours over 6 months (March–August 2026)

Compensation: Unpaid volunteer role with significant benefits and professional development
 

About the Opportunity

The YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon is one of the largest women’s triathlons in the country, welcoming over 1,000 athletes and supported by hundreds of volunteers and spectators. We are recruiting Volunteer Captains to help plan and execute a safe, inclusive, and empowering event that advances the YWCA mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

This is a high-responsibility leadership role ideal for students interested in event management, nonprofit leadership, sports management, public health, recreation, or community engagement. Experience with triathlons or outdoor endurance sporting events is preferred but not required.
 

What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)
Volunteer Captains take ownership of a functional area of the event (awards, accessibility, run course, bike course, awards, officiating). Responsibilities may include:

• Planning and coordinating one area of a large-scale outdoor sporting event.
• Training, supervising, and supporting volunteers on race weekend.
• Communicating with staff, fellow Captains, and volunteers both in-person and digitally.
• Supporting athlete and spectator experience with a strong customer-service mindset.
• Assisting with risk management, safety procedures, and accessibility support.
• Participating in required trainings and planning meetings.
• Contributing feedback and post-event debriefs to improve future events.

Specific assignments are matched based on interest, skills, and availability.

Skills You’ll Build
This role is intentionally designed as a resume-building experience. Students can expect to develop:

• Event planning and operations management.
• Leadership and volunteer supervision.
• Customer service and inclusive communication (DEIA-centered).
• Risk management and emergency response awareness.
• Professional communication using Google Drive, email, spreadsheets, and messaging platforms.
• Team collaboration in a mission-driven nonprofit environment.
   

Required Qualifications (Minimum Requirements)

No prior triathlon experience required. Training is provided.

• Commitment to the YWCA mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.
• Basic digital proficiency (Google Drive, email, spreadsheets, group messaging)
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and meet deadlines.
• Initiate projects and communication.
• Collaborate within and across teams.
• Ability to stand, walk, lift up to 30 lbs, and remain engaged for extended periods on race day.
• Availability for required dates, including race weekend (August 8–9, 2026).
• Reliability and accountability — this role is critical to participant safety.

Time & Schedule Expectations

• Approximately 30–50 total hours over six months.
• Required training and planning dates in March and July.
• Race weekend commitment is mandatory.
• Training-focused roles may include evening and weekend classes in June–July.

Benefits
While unpaid, Volunteer Captains receive meaningful benefits, including:

• 6–12 month YWCA Midtown fitness membership (valued up to $1,050).
• Race entry (for gifting or deferral as most Captains cannot race the year they volunteer).
• Professional references upon successful completion.
• Direct community impact supporting women, girls, and families.
• Experience managing a high-visibility, mission-driven event.

Who Should Apply
This role is a great fit for students studying or interested in:

• Event Management or Hospitality.
• Nonprofit Leadership or Social Work.
• Public Health or Recreation Management.
• Sports Management or Coaching.
• Community Engagement, DEI, or Advocacy.

How to Apply

Read the Captains' Guide for more details and then fill out the correct application linked in the guide. Selected applicants will be contacted for role matching and onboarding.