Live Show Operations Manager, Wait Wait Don't Tell Me
About The Position
A thriving, mission-driven multimedia organization, NPR produces award-winning news, information, and music programming in partnership with hundreds of independent public radio stations across the nation. The NPR audience values information, creativity, curiosity, and social responsibility – and our employees do too. We are innovators and leaders in diverse fields, from journalism and digital media to IT and development. Every day, our employees and member stations touch the lives of millions worldwide. Across our organization, we’re building a workplace where collaboration is essential, diverse voices are heard, and inclusion is the key to our success. We are committed to doing the right thing in our journalism and in every role at NPR. This means that integrity, adherence to our ethical standards, and compliance with legal obligations are fundamental responsibilities for every employee at NPR. Intro to Position Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! is looking for a Live Show Operations Manager who can help lead logistical and operational processes for all live events–weekly tapings in Chicago (30+ per year), road shows (10-12 per year) and other performances. Our ideal candidate will be highly organized, customer-service-oriented, knowledgeable about the NPR Member station network, and, most importantly, a fan of the show. This is a role that primarily manages all talent and contract management, vendor management, merchandise inventory/management, sponsorship coordination, strategic partnerships, and will still provide room for growth as they help create new ventures outside of the radio show. Application Deadline: Friday, February 20th at 5pm CT
Requirements
- 3 - 5 years of professional experience in theater/tour operations or live event planning & production.
- Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail
- Willingness to travel up to 15% of the time (approximately 30-40 days per year) to support road shows across the country
Nice To Haves
- Excellent Customer service skills – gain insights into internal and external customer needs to build and deliver solutions.
- Operates effectively under ambiguous circumstances; adapts approach to respond to different situations.
- Computer literacy (Mac OS preferred, although not required).
Responsibilities
- Manage logistics for live events (approx. 50 per year)
- Plan and execute talent management, including onsite management (talent needs, etc.) and travel coordination
- Coordinate local station promotional partnership: working with local station(s) for each show on guest receptions, ticket needs, marketing assets, etc.
- Help coordinate needs for in-person guests (“Not My Job” guests), including travel, tickets, hospitality, etc.
- Coordinate onsite sponsor activations with NPM staff (when applicable)
- Work with other staff on road show routing, market research, station research, etc.
- Manage talent/vendor payments
- Merchandise management
- Manage inventory of merchandise for sale at live events
- Work with staff/vendor to develop new products
- Coordinate with the NPR Shop on products, sales, and related matters.
- Manage giveaways for premium seats
- Contract management - help manage negotiating and processing of contracts, including but not limited to:
- Venue contracts
- Talent contracts
- Member station partnership contracts
- Panel bookings
- Work with show producers to schedule panelists for live shows and scout potential new panelists.
- Explore future business development opportunities and other revenue streams
Benefits
- NPR offers access to comprehensive benefits for employees and dependents.
- Regular, full-time employees scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week are eligible to enroll in NPR’s benefits options.
- Benefits include access to health and wellness, paid time off, and financial well-being.
- Plan options include medical, dental, vision, life/ accidental death and dismemberment, long-term disability, short-term disability, and voluntary retirement savings to all eligible NPR employees.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
