Operations Manager

University of Iowa; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement plans

Tuition assistance

Job summary

University of Iowa's Hancher Auditorium is seeking a 100% full-time Operations Manager to coordinate events, oversee building operations, and create a welcoming experience for patrons, clients, artists, and campus partners. The role requires a highly organized, service-oriented professional who thrives in a collaborative setting.

The incumbent will manage planning meetings, supervise staff, and support a variety of events including festivals and outdoor shows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in event management or related field.
• Minimum 2 years Event Planning/Management.
• Ability to work nights and weekends based on event schedule, including venues in Iowa City.
• Ability to move furniture and equipment weighing around 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Take in information for potential rental events, create and execute estimates and agreements, schedule planning meetings with clients, ensure all teams are informed of details for scheduling support and execution of events.
• Provide operational support in the planning of special events presented by Hancher and the Office of Performing Arts and Engagement.
• Serve as functional supervisor for hourly staff by providing direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling to assure achievement of outcomes.
• Directly supervise custodial supervisor.
• And more!

Skills

Verbal & written communication

Microsoft Office

Event coordination

Supervisory experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in technical theatre or stage management

Tools

Momentus Elite software

Job description

Hancher Auditorium and the Office of Performing Arts & Engagement is seeking to hire a 100% full-time Operations Manager.

Join the team behind the experiences that make Hancher special. Hancher Auditorium is the performing arts center at the University of Iowa, serving as center for performances, university and community events, and campus-wide creative engagement.

Our Operations Manager plays a vital role in coordinating events, overseeing building operations, and creating a welcoming experience for patrons, clients, artists, and campus and community partners. We’re looking for a highly organized, service-oriented professional who enjoys variety, collaboration, and making sure every detail comes together beautifully.

In This Role, You’ll Have The Opportunity To

• Take in information for potential rental events, create and execute estimates and agreements, schedule planning meetings with clients, ensure all teams are informed of details for scheduling support and execution of events.
• Provide operational support in the planning of special events presented by Hancher and the Office of Performing Arts and Engagement. Special events might include multidisciplinary, multivenue festivals like Infinite Dream and Stop/Time and outdoor shows like the annual Fall Welcome Concert
• Serve as functional supervisor for hourly staff by providing direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling to assure achievement of outcomes.
• Directly supervise custodial supervisor.
• And more!

About the Department

Hancher is a university arts presenter, initially launched in 1972 and now based in a facility that opened in 2016. As a central element of the performing arts campus, Hancher presents a range of contemporary and traditional performances every year, connects students with visiting artists, hosts many university and community events, and serves as a beacon for creativity at the University of Iowa.

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in technical theatre or stage management, or equivalent combination of event management experience
• Demonstrates minimum 2 years Event Planning/Management.
• Ability to work several nights and weekends based on event schedule, including in venues in the Iowa City area.
• Ability to move various furniture and equipment that weigh around 50 pounds.

Competencies Required

• Demonstrates an extensive proficiency level of verbal and written communication skills
• Communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Microsoft Office and Adobe platforms.
• Must be able to keep event files organized and coordinate multiple events all at once.

Desirable Qualifications

• Supervisory experience of a staff of 50 or more (can include volunteers, interns, students, and professional staff)
• Experience working with patrons in a performing arts venue, preferably in a college or university setting.
• Experience/knowledge of small sound systems and other production systems.
• Experience with Momentus Elite software.

Work Modality

This position is onsite at Hancher Auditorium.

Compensation

Anticipated salary will be $60,000 – $65,000 with Competitive Benefits.

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Perform Event Mgmt Manager
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Modality Options: On Campus

Compensation Details

• Pay Level: 4A
• Starting Salary Minimum: 60,000

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.

Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.

Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.