Senior Project Manager - Head of RunChallenge

Play More! is a fast-growing non-profit organization that promotes  Sport, Participation and Wellbeing, for All , since 2010.
We are looking for an experienced leader to drive the growth and international expansion of our flagship project, Run Challenge.
About Run Challenge  Run Challenge 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, Run Challenge 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 Run Challenge entitled  Scaling Social Inclusion through Sport:
The Run Challenge Case , validating the project's development model and highlighting its potential for growth and expansion.
We firmly believe this potential is still significant because Run Challenge addresses two of the greatest challenges of our time:  tackling loneliness and physical inactivity .
Our dream is to transform Run Challenge 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 Run Challenge, we'd love to hear from you.

The Role  The  Head of Run Challenge  will be responsible for leading the evolution of the project, working closely with the CEO of Play More! 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 Play More!'s culture, the Run Challenge model and the activities already in place, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following areas:
Vision and Strategy   Define Run Challenge's three-year development strategy in Italy and abroad
Strengthen the existing Run Challenge 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 Run Challenge 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 Run Challenge to their local communities
Identify new development opportunities, partnerships and ways to scale the project
Lead the Run Challenge 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 Run Challenge events, including both sporting events and initiatives aimed at strengthening the network (such as the Milano Relay Marathon, the Run Challenge Gathering at Anteo Cinema, the RC International Meeting, etc.)
Represent Run Challenge 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 Run Challenge community, beyond sporting activities
Project Quality  In day-to-day operations, ensure quality, consistency and attention to detail across every aspect of the Run Challenge experience: sporting activities, social gatherings, sporting and community events, and both external and…