Job Description

Associate Director, Production and Operations, Arts + Public Life Join to apply for the Associate Director, Production and Operations, Arts + Public Life role at University of Chicago Associate Director, Production and Operations, Arts + Public Life 2 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicants Join to apply for the Associate Director, Production and Operations, Arts + Public Life role at University of Chicago About The Department Arts + Public Life (APL) at the University of Chicago is a dynamic hub of exploration, expression, and exchange on the South Side of Chicago. As a neighborhood platform for arts and culture in Washington Park, APL provides residencies for local artists and creative entrepreneurs, arts education for youth, and artist-led programming and exhibitions. Department AI Arts and Public Life About The Department Arts + Public Life (APL) at the University of Chicago is a dynamic hub of exploration, expression, and exchange on the South Side of Chicago. As a neighborhood platform for arts and culture in Washington Park, APL provides residencies for local artists and creative entrepreneurs, arts education for youth, and artist-led programming and exhibitions. Job Summary The Associate Director of Production and Operations plays a critical and diversified role within APL, overseeing production logistics, facility management, and day-to-day operations across all APL-managed sites on the Arts Block. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing operational systems, budget, and production protocols for programs, events, and space rentals. The role also includes leadership in facilities oversight, ensuring that APL venues are safe, functional, and prepared to meet the needs of a dynamic roster of internal and external users. This position works closely with APL leadership, University officials, partners, and contractors to maintain the excellence and efficiency of APL’s physical spaces and production capacity. Responsibilities Leads and coordinates the production of APL programs and events across all venues. Collaborates with APL program leads to ensure technical and logistical readiness for events and programs. Serves as a primary contact for program partners, artists-in-residence, keyholders, and collaborators regarding operational support. Oversees general facility operations, including maintenance, repairs, and vendor/contractor management. Liaise with building landlord and University departments for building upkeep and compliance. Plans and schedules preventive maintenance activities including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, painting, cleaning, and security systems. Supervises and manages maintenance personnel and/or independent contractors. Develops and implements policies and procedures for space rental across all APL-managed facilities. Coordinates scheduling, bookings, and support services for rentals and internal use. Supervises staff and/or contractors supporting rentals, including event staff, ushers, cleaning crew, and security. Develops and implements internal office procedures and policies. Ensures staff compliance with institutional policies and safety guidelines. Oversees daily operations of APL’s administrative and programming environments. Supervises and schedules operational, maintenance, and event staff. Participates in APL staff and departmental meetings. Contributes to APL’s strategic planning and annual implementation processes. Manages departmental budget. Works mostly independently to create and proactively maintain partnerships with clients, internal and third party service providers and other University partners in an assigned campus area. Interprets needs and gaps in service to collaborate with and recommend appropriate services to colleagues and vendors. Performs other related work as needed. Education Minimum Qualifications Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Work Experience Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications Preferred Qualifications Experience Five years of experience working in facilities, operations and production management at an arts organization. Strong facilities management experience, including maintenance, repairs, and rentals. Managing staff, contractors, and collaborative teams. Working with a variety of civic arts organizations, artists and creative entrepreneurs. Technical Skills Or Knowledge Computer skills including email and Microsoft Office suite. Knowledge of facilities operations and maintenance systems, including HVAC, electrical, security, and janitorial services. Familiarity with production requirements for live events and performing arts programming and availability to work evenings and weekends as needed. Proficiency in scheduling, budgeting, and use of operational management software. Understanding of rental processes, contracts, and risk management. Preferred Competencies Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; interface with a wide range of stakeholders. Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-based practices in cultural programming. Successfully manage a workload that balances long-range planning with the unanticipated daily demands of managing publicly visible projects. Work independently, be flexible, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously and under tight deadlines. Strong organizational, planning, problem-solving, and project management skills. Work with minimal supervision and coordinate and manage tasks and projects with vendors, service providers, and staff. Service/hospitality/retail-oriented. Cultural competency to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Demonstrated success in building collaborative relationships with diverse constituencies. Decisiveness, accountability and business acumen. Working Conditions Considerable office work including use of computers. Frequent movement through the work area that includes multi-level buildings and an outdoor performance space. Move supplies and furniture weighing up to 40 lbs. Travel to various campus and city locations. Evening and weekend work as needed. Application Documents Resume/CV (required) Cover Letter (preferred) References Contact Information (3)(preferred) When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Facilities Management Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary FLSA Status Exempt Pay Range $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook. Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637. 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