Director of Operations

Chicago Shakespeare Theater; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Chicago Shakespeare Theater in Chicago, IL seeks a Director of Operations to lead daily operations across its campus, including three theaters, lobbies, offices and backstage spaces. You will manage Facilities, Custodial and IT teams, ensuring safety, compliance and excellent visitor experiences.

Responsibilities include budgeting, vendor management, process improvement, and collaboration across departments to support artistic programming and patron service.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in operations or related fields.
• Experience managing facilities, vendors, contracts, budgets, staff or cross-functional operational systems.
• Familiarity with theater, live events, or nonprofit environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations across the campus, including theaters, lobbies, offices and backstage spaces.
• Develop and manage the annual department budget and oversee operating costs.
• Oversee Facilities, Custodial and IT teams and ensure safety, compliance and visitor experience.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting

Communication

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Staff leadership

Job description

Job Location: Chicago Shakespeare Theater – Chicago, IL 60611

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $80,000.00 - $86,000.00

The Director of Operations leads the activation of daily operations at Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s entire campus with its three theaters, lobbies, offices and backstage spaces, providing superior customer service to employees, performers and patrons. This role manages the Facilities, Custodial and Information Technology teams, overseeing day-to-day business operations, safety and compliance practices, facilities coordination, vendor relationships, and cross-departmental processes that support excellent artistic work and superior visitor experiences.

Financial and Operational Oversight:

• Develop and manage annual department budget.
• Manage operational budgets and capital improvement needs, adjusting resources to improve cost efficiency.

Process Optimization:

• Design and improve workflows, such as supply procurement, opening and closing procedures, health and safety protocols, and work schedules for theater operations and events.

Team Leadership:

• Ensure cohesive working relationships across the organization.
• Ensure complete venue readiness for every performance.

Strategic Planning:

• Align daily operations across the departments with the organization's long-term objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Ensure compliance with Chicago Shakespeare Theater safety policies, accessibility requirements, and City, State and Federal licensing requirements, fire regulations and health and safety obligations
• Develop and lead emergency and disaster preparedness and recovery plans to ensure the most current safety measures and that staff are fully prepared for any emergency or disaster
• Lead a health and safety committee for annual trainings and general maintenance and upkeep of health and safety equipment
• Cultivate and sustain strong relationships with Navy Pier counterparts, and be familiar with CST’s lease agreement rights and responsibilities
• Ensure the building is in excellent condition, always clean, and space is designed for optimal patron experience. Prepare spaces for events and activities as requested. Work with Front of House Manager to create the highest quality experience for audiences
• Oversee and maintain appropriate inventory, supplies and equipment via an inventory control system
• Create and maintain inventory and aging reports of building furniture, fixtures, technology, and equipment
• Negotiate with product and maintenance vendors/contractors
• Track spending on services such as HVAC, electric, waste management, major equipment maintenance and inspections, and others
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, insurance documentation, service agreements, purchasing, and operational supplies
• Support grant reporting, capital project documentation, and development requests by providing operational details, budgets, timelines, and expense information
• Supervise IT Manager, technology managed services, and all IT and data storage expenditures
• Plan and implement capital renewal and replacement projects for the facility
• Maintain proper records of events and maintenance
• Work closely with relevant departments across the organization to ensure appropriate set-up for CST events, in particular the Front of House Manager and departments involved in special events. Create systems, documents that ensure consistent information for everyone involved in events and activities
• Review and plan for performance, programmatic and event-based needs
• Oversee and monitor hiring, training and scheduling of work hours for full and part-time Facilities and Custodial staff
• Other duties and responsibilities may be added at the discretion of the Executive Director and the Director of Human Resources
• Champion the organization’s commitment to a respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace
• Model CST’s core values of service, ingenuity, and collaboration as well as its customer service ethos

QualificationsCOMPETENCIES and QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in operations, arts administration, nonprofit management, venue management, production administration, or a related field
• Strong project management, organizational, budgeting, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Experience managing facilities, vendors, contracts, budgets, staff, or cross-functional operational systems
• Familiarity with theater, live events, performing arts, or nonprofit environments strongly preferred.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• General knowledge of practices and techniques involved in implementing a program of building maintenance and repair including the scheduling of work and assigning priorities
• General knowledge of industry standards and practices applicable to building operations, such as building and utility systems, plumbing, fire protection and detection, electrical, HVAC, safety, and energy
• Demonstrate a commitment to the highest level of patron service
• The ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of volunteers, patrons and staff
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Valid drivers license

PHYSICAL DEMAND

Capable of performing physical tasks including but not limited to climbing, stooping, pushing, bending, kneeling, reaching, lifting, and moving up to 40 lbs.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

CST is dedicated to increasing equity, diversity and inclusion in our audiences, our programs and in all our hiring for staff and artists. We are committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination. CST prohibits discrimination in employment against any employee or job applicant because of that person’s race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, membership in a local human rights commission or any other legally protected status.