Director of Operations - Performing Arts Venue

Placements24; Riverton (UT); Presencial; USD 109.000 - 170.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Medical aid

Retirement annuity

Professional development

Generous annual leave

Access to venue management training

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 seeks a Director of Operations for a premier performing arts venue in Upington, Northern Cape. Lead daily venue operations, oversee technical theatre, and manage front-of-house services to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality experiences for artists and audiences.

You will develop policies, manage budgets, and supervise diverse teams while coordinating with visiting artists and organizers to meet technical and logistical needs. Prior experience in public venues is essential.

Formación

• 7+ years in performing arts venue management or operations.
• Expertise in technical theatre production and building operations.
• Budget development and cost control experience.
• Experience leading diverse teams of staff and volunteers.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and regulatory compliance in public venues.
• Proficiency in venue management software and standard office apps.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and crisis management abilities.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Passion for the performing arts and delivering exceptional audience and artist experiences.
• Experience within the Northern Cape region is advantageous.

Responsabilidades

• Oversee daily venue operations including building maintenance, security, and facility management.
• Direct technical theatre departments (lighting, sound, stage management) to support productions.
• Develop and implement operational policies to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance.
• Manage budgets for operations, maintenance, technical supplies, and front-of-house services.
• Lead, train, and supervise venue operations staff, including crew and ushers.
• Coordinate with visiting artists, production companies, and event organizers for technical needs.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, fire, and accessibility regulations.
• Oversee contract negotiations and management with vendors and service providers.
• Develop emergency preparedness and response plans.
• Contribute to strategic planning and capital improvement projects.

Conocimientos

Venue management

Leadership

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

Staff supervision

Crisis management

Communication

Negotiation

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a renowned performing arts venue in **Upington, Northern Cape**, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Director of Operations. This critical leadership position is responsible for the overall management and smooth functioning of the venue's physical operations, technical departments, and front-of-house services. You will ensure a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment for artists, audiences, and staff, while meticulously managing budgets and resources. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in venue management, operational logistics, technical theatre, and staff supervision, coupled with a passion for the arts. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the vibrant cultural life of **Upington** and the **Northern Cape** by maintaining and enhancing a premier performing arts facility. You will play a vital role in ensuring the venue consistently delivers high‑quality experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of daily venue operations, including building maintenance, security, and facility management.
• Manage and direct the technical theatre departments (lighting, sound, stage management) to support diverse productions.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance.
• Manage budgets for operations, maintenance, technical supplies, and front‑of‑house services.
• Lead, train, and supervise venue operations staff, including technical crew, ushers, and administrative personnel.
• Coordinate with visiting artists, production companies, and event organizers to meet their technical and logistical needs.
• Ensure the venue adheres to all health, safety, fire, and accessibility regulations.
• Oversee contract negotiations and management with vendors and service providers.
• Develop and implement emergency preparedness and response plans.
• Contribute to strategic planning and capital improvement projects for the venue.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in performing arts venue management or operations, with significant leadership responsibilities.
• Proven expertise in technical theatre production, stagecraft, and building operations.
• Strong financial management skills, including budget development and cost control.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing diverse teams of staff and volunteers.
• Excellent understanding of health, safety, and regulatory compliance within public venues.
• Proficiency in venue management software and standard office applications.
• Exceptional problem‑solving, decision‑making, and crisis management abilities.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as dictated by performance schedules.
• A passion for the performing arts and commitment to delivering exceptional audience and artist experiences.
• Experience within the **Northern Cape** region is advantageous.

Benefits

This role provides a unique opportunity to manage a high‑profile performing arts venue and contribute to its artistic and operational success.

• competitive executive salary, performance‑related bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and a retirement annuity.
• Professional development opportunities, including industry training and conferences, are supported.
• Additional benefits include generous annual leave and opportunities to work with a variety of performing artists and companies.
• Access to ongoing training in venue management technologies is also provided.