Wisconsin Union Theater - Arts Business and Operations Specialist

University of Wisconsin Madison • Madison, WI

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Wisconsin Union Theater (WUT) seeks an Arts and Business Operations Specialist to join its team. This position plays a vital role in supporting the Midwest’s premier university-based performing arts presenter, located at the heart of the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. The Arts and Business Operations Specialist ensures the smooth daily operation and fiscal integrity of the Wisconsin Union Theater by maintaining efficient administrative systems, supporting financial operations, and contributing to a highly collaborative and mission-driven arts environment. WUT presents an annual season of 25–30 professional performing arts events and hosts approximately 200 rental events each year for university departments, student organizations, community arts organizations, conferences, and special events. It also houses Campus Arts Ticketing, the university’s performing arts ticketing service. Reporting to the Wisconsin Union Theater Director, this person provides direct support to WUT leadership and collaborates across all areas of the unit, including artistic programming, artist services, rentals, event production, patron services, and the box office. The position also serves as a primary liaison with Wisconsin Union Accounting and Human Resources, as well as UW–Madison Business Services, Risk Management, and the Office of Legal Affairs.

Requirements

• Three years of experience in business management and office operations
• Experience handling confidential or sensitive information
• Experience with assisting with budget preparation, data collection and analysis, and financial processes
• Strong analytical skills
• Highly organized
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite and Google Suite and comfort with learning new software systems

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in higher education or similar complex institution
• Experience in arts administration, performance venue operations, or a performing arts setting

Responsibilities

• Manages the full life cycle of artist contracts for WUT’s annual season, including contract administration, redlining, scheduling, meeting deadlines, compliance tracking, and payment coordination.
• Assists with budget preparation, financial tracking, data collection and analysis, reconciliation, and reporting.
• Processes invoices, payments, purchases, and account transfers.
• Supports event settlements and close-outs.
• Prepares reports and presentation materials.
• Coordinates calendars, meetings, and travel arrangements.
• Maintains organized digital and physical filing systems.
• Supports purchasing card reconciliations.
• Assists with phone and email correspondence.
• Schedules logistics and secures resources for a designated work unit to contribute to the day-to-day operational success.
• Analyzes data and trends, compiles progress reports, and provides appropriate recommendations or conclusions in support of the assigned operational work unit(s).
• Assists, recommends, and advises staff on unit or program administrative issues, personnel matters, and budgetary problems.
• Implements and executes established policies and procedures for a designated work unit to adhere to unit objectives and to align with established strategies.
• Serves on committees and attends meetings, representing the interests of the unit or program.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off
• Competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance
• Tax-advantaged savings accounts
• Participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level