Manager, Performance Program Operations

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

1d•$68,000 - $76,700•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager of Performance Program Operations oversees production and logistics for a rigorous schedule of more than 100 concerts and events for the Performance Program and related Department of Music initiatives. This role ensures the success of performance events and initiatives by serving as a key liaison with PP Directors, venue partners, and other campus and community collaborators: communicating about production schedules, instrument and equipment needs, and other logistical details; avoiding scheduling conflicts insofar as possible; and identifying areas of potential collaboration across campus and within the community. The Manager of Performance Program Operations ensures the smooth operations of all scheduled PP events through careful scheduling, detailed pre-planning, thorough communication, and careful management of a robust student workforce and a part-time operations assistant, shared with the University of Chicago Presents. This role also manages scheduling details for the annual audition process, for music lesson awards auditions, and for the biennial Concerto Competition. The Manager of Performance Program Operations provides building access and facilities and logistical training for Performance Directors, new staff members, student employees, and others as needed. The Manager of Performance Program Operations also communicates regularly with the Director of Performance Programs and other PP staff to help resolve problems and recommend improvements in procedures, as appropriate.

Requirements

College or university degree in related field.
2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Resumé/CV, including information about your musical training as well as your administrative experience in scheduling, managing, and overseeing concerts and/or other public events (required)
Letter of Interest in this position (required)
Reference Names and Contact Information (minimum 3; required)
Provide a brief response to the following question: How would this position fit into your short-term and long-term career goals? (required)

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in music or a related field.
Master’s degree.
Substantial musical background, preferably in both academic and performance arenas, as well as aptitude for and experience in operations management.
Minimum of 2 years experience working for a not-for-profit musical organization, or within a college or university department or school of music.
Background directly supervising and/or producing musical events.
Supervising staff members and volunteers of different ages and backgrounds.
Booking venues and working with calendar programs.
Prior experience working in an office environment and functioning as part of a larger team.
Familiarity with concert protocols as well as basic knowledge of composers, instruments, and standard musical terminology.
Proficiency in database management.
Effective communication skills, both written and spoken, within a wide variety of settings.
Identify and understand priorities, to manage individual workflow as well as timelines for collaborative endeavors, and to meet deadlines for concurrent projects successfully.
Manage interpersonal relationships successfully and utilize clarity, tact, and courtesy when interacting with patrons, faculty, staff, and students.
Recognize, resolve, or/and refer problems to colleagues on the PP staff.
Work independently on a day-to-day basis, without close supervision.
Utilize and learn a wide range of position-related software and equipment. Interest and ability to research and implement new software programs to improve processes and efficiency, as needed.
Polished presence, professional attitude, positive outlook, and love of music.
Strong work ethic and spirit of collaboration.
Foster and facilitate meaningful collaborations amongst diverse constituents.
Attention to detail. Strong proofreading skills. Accuracy, resourcefulness, dependability.

Responsibilities

Manages a comprehensive calendar of all Department of Music activities, resolving date conflicts and event overlaps as needed.
Schedules concerts, rehearsals, and other performance events in Fulton Recital Hall and a variety of venues across campus, in accordance with a canonical calendar; arranges technical support, logistics, and staffing to ensure each event’s success.
Co-manages a part-time operations assistant, shared with University of Chicago Presents.
Hires, trains, and supervises a team of part-time student employees to support front-of-house, technical, and logistical needs for assorted PP concerts and events.
Oversees logistical operations for all PP events in Fulton Recital Hall, as well as occasional performances/projects led by Music Department faculty, student/guest recitals and masterclasses, outside rental groups, and recording sessions as scheduled.
Oversees policies for Fulton Hall usage and prepares contracts for occasional outside rentals.
Directs the scheduling and ensures operational success for the annual audition period for all PP Directors at the beginning of each academic year; assists with music lesson award audition management mid-autumn quarter; coordinates the biennial Concerto Competition mid-winter quarter.
Coordinates the weekly Tea-Time Concert Series, arranging a workable schedule for Department of Music ensembles and programs and occasionally inviting/contracting local professional musicians to fill out the series, as needed.
Provides limited logistical support for community engagement initiatives and special projects within the Music Department, as needed.
Schedules piano tuning for all PP and Fulton Hall concerts and events, and helps arrange instrument repairs as needed.
Maintains an up-to-date list of recommended private lesson instructors, as well as records of music and instrument acquisitions, instrument loans, and music locker assignments in Goodspeed and the Logan Center.
Maintains ongoing records of audience attendance at all PP concerts and events, as reported by house managers for each event.
Updates the comprehensive PP personnel database in AirTable.
Communicates regularly with the Director of Performance Programs and other PP staff members to help resolve problems; suggest improvements in the programmatic offerings of the Department of the PP as appropriate.
Serves as reception manager for a select number of University Symphony concerts, Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company performances, Middle East Music Ensemble concerts, and occasional other events as needed, primarily during weekend evenings throughout the season, as scheduled in advance.
Works in conjunction with the Music Department Goodspeed staff to ensure safe and secure building operations.
Arranges access to facilities and provides basic logistical training for Ensemble Directors, new staff, and student employees as needed.
Executes day-to-day event logistics, and other moderately complex assignments with some guidance from others.
Assists with research, including vendor selection and contract negotiation.
Keeps track of all expenses, prepares reports on costs, using existing procedures to solve moderately complex problems as they arise.
Performs other related work as needed.