Operations Manager - Maggie Daley Park

ASM Global; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

401(k)

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Job summary

Legends Global in Chicago is seeking an Operations Manager for Maggie Daley Park to lead daily operations of attractions, events, and seasonal activities. You will oversee The Ribbon (ice skating/roller skating), the climbing wall, light shows, and private rentals, coordinating with internal and external partners to ensure a safe, engaging experience.

This role blends strategic oversight with hands-on leadership, requiring strong event operations, guest services, and ADA compliance focus,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Hospitality, Event Management, Public Administration, or related field.
• Relevant work experience may substitute for formal education.
• Safety, event operations, or project management certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations for all park attractions.
• Ensure attractions are staffed, safe, clean, and guest-ready.
• Lead planning and execution of park events and programming.
• Manage logistics for setup, staffing, security, and vendor coordination.
• Act as on-site lead during key events and handle guest concerns.
• Ensure ADA compliance and accessibility.

Skills

Operations management

Event management

Guest services

ADA compliance

Vendor coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Hospitality, Event Management, Public Administration, or related field

Job description

Job Title: Operations Manager - Maggie Daley Park

Reports To: Facility Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time/ Salaried - Exempt

Job Summary

The Operations Manager plays a critical leadership role in the smooth, safe, and efficient daily operations of Maggie Daley Park’s key attractions, events, and seasonal activities. This includes oversight of The Ribbon (used for ice skating in winter and roller activities in warmer months), the climbing wall, light show installations, public programming, private rentals, and new initiatives that enhance visitor engagement and community involvement. The ideal candidate is both operationally strategic and hands‑on, with a strong background in event management, outdoor venue operations, and guest services. This individual will work closely with internal departments, city agencies, third‑party vendors, and seasonal staff to ensure a seamless park experience for annual visitors.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations for all park attractions, including but not limited to the ribbon (ice skating/roller skating), climbing wall, Seasonal activations like holiday light shows, pop-up markets, food & beverage programming, and fitness classes, and more.
• Ensure attractions are staffed, safe, clean, and prepared for guests on a daily basis.
• Implement and uphold operational standards, cleanliness protocols, and safety guidelines.
• Work cross‑functionally with Park Maintenance and Facility Manager teams to resolve issues swiftly.
• Lead planning and execution of all events and programming within the park from an operations standpoint.
• Manage logistics including setup, teardown, staffing, security, signage, vendor coordination, and sound/electrical needs.
• Serve as on‑site lead during key events, ensuring smooth operations, real‑time problem‑solving, and positive guest experiences.
• Develop operational plans for seasonal features like the Christmas Light Show, including permitting, installation schedules, and vendor management.
• Monitor and enhance guest experience, ensuring all areas are welcoming, inclusive, and engaging.
• Act as primary point of contact for escalated guest concerns or emergency response situations.
• Conduct regular walkthroughs to ensure ADA compliance, risk mitigation, and accessibility.
• Evaluate the success of new initiatives and propose scaling strategies.
• Identify emerging trends in urban public spaces and recommend future park features or improvements.
• Assist with budget development and cost tracking for seasonal programming and daily operations.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, revenue, staffing, maintenance logs, and incident reports.
• Support grant application processes and community outreach efforts by providing operational data.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Hospitality, Event Management, Public Administration, or a related field preferred. Relevant work experience may substitute for formal education. Additional certifications in safety, event operations, or project management are a plus.

Skills & Abilities

• 3–5 years of relevant experience in operations, venue/event management, outdoor recreation, or public programming
• Excellent organizational and project management skills; ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Familiarity with event permitting, vendor coordination, safety inspections, and emergency procedures
• Comfortable working outdoors year‑round and during irregular hours, including holidays and weekends
• Knowledge of accessibility standards and ADA compliance
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certified (or willingness to obtain within 60 days of hire)
• Ability to work weekend, evenings, mornings, and holidays.

Salary Range

$70,000-$75,000

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
• Health, dental, vision insurance
• 401(k) investment plan
• Employer-paid and supplemental life insurance
• Short-and long-term disability insurance available

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to work both indoors and outdoors, sometimes inclement weather. Employee must be able to lift 50lbs and must have the physical ability to maneuver around the facility, at times, walking and/or standing up to 8-10 hours daily.

Location

Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, IL

Legends Global is an Equal Opportunity / Aff

Our Work Experience is the combination of everything that's unique about us: our culture, our core values, our company meetings, our commitment to sustainability, our recognition programs, but most importantly, it's our people.

Our employees are self-disciplined, hard working, curious, trustworthy, humble, and truthful.

They make choices according to what is best for the team, they live for opportunities to collaborate and make a difference, and they make us the #1 Top Workplace in the area.