Operations Director

Grace Farms Foundation • New Canaan, CT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Grace Farms is a cultural and humanitarian center in New Canaan, Connecticut that brings people together across sectors to explore nature, arts, justice, community, and faith at the SANAA-designed River building and Barns on 80 acres of publicly accessible natural landscape. Since opening in 2015, Grace Farms has become a destination for arts and culture, welcoming 1 million visitors from around the world to experience its innovative programming in music, visual and performing arts while fostering contemplation and connection through architecture and nature. Its humanitarian work includes leading the Design for Freedom movement to eliminate forced labor in the building materials supply chain and advancing initiatives to foster more grace and peace locally and globally. The integration of cultural programming and humanitarian action reflects Grace Farms' collaborative approach to generating new outcomes and meaningful change.

Requirements

• Demonstrated success as a skilled project manager with the ability to plan, direct, and supervise complex, multi-disciplinary projects involving both technical and non-technical components, timelines, and teams.
• Strong ability to read, understand and translate schematics, blueprints, and technical drawings or specifications related to the fabrication and installation of parts and components associated with exhibits and related projects.
• Advanced understanding of computer-based systems and technologies associated with A/V production for live performances, exhibits, and immersive environment.
• Hands-on proficiency with basic power equipment and hand tools used in the in the assembly, installation and construction of components in a place-based venue.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and collaboration skills with the ability to effectively engage across multi-disciplinary teams and levels of an organization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work a Tuesday – Saturday schedule with the flexibility to work weekends and evenings as needed.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of 10 Years of progressive experience in a public facing, place-based venue with deep involvement in leading visitor experiences that integrate exhibits and operations-based elements including, but not limited to facilities, AV/production and theatrical experiences.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Physical activities will include standing/bending/stooping/ squatting/reaching above shoulder level/ kneeling.
• Ability to reach overhead, crawl into confined spaces, manipulate small tools and parts, and perform prolonged walking, standing, and reaching.
• Position requires extended time outdoors in a variety of conditions (e.g., hot sun, rain, cold temperatures, etc.)

Responsibilities

• Provide project-management support to the Chief Operating Officer by overseeing and executing assigned projects and/or initiatives from concept through implementation. Responsibilities include establishing project scope and timelines, coordinating cross-functional teams, managing logistics, assessing risk, and ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with Grace Farms' programmatic, artistic, and operational goals. This may involve the collaboration of multiple departments to bring each project to its successful completion.
• Oversee the onsite activation of Grace Farms Tea & Coffee by partnering closely with members of the Programming, Culinary, Events, Education, Facilities teams as well as the Grace Farms Tea Expert and Tea & Coffee team. Ensure seamless execution of event-related tea & coffee experiences, provide quality control support of coffee & tea served, and support staff in delivering tea & coffee experiences with consistency, professionalism, enthusiasm and excellence.
• Provide partnership and support to the Grace Farms Technical Director for AV and Production support onsite as it relates to events, exhibits, meetings, and promotional technology. Collaborate on the research, evaluation, and implementation of new and emerging technologies to assist the fulfillment of Grace Farms' programmatic and artistic vision.
• Provide partnership and support to the Grace Farms Director of Events, Catering & Visitor Experiences to provide support and/or oversight to a variety of Grace Farms events or event components – especially live performances and programs in the Sanctuary, room set-up and strike, décor and other site activation elements.
• Provide partnership and support to the Director and Assistant Director of Facilities on special projects, particularly those related to facilities management technology, exhibit fabrication and installation, event set up and strike, permanent artwork maintenance and horticulture related projects.
• Provide partnership and support to the Director of Horticulture on special projects requiring mechanical, repair or construction expertise working in close collaboration with the Facilities team to ensure alignment with operational standards and site priorities.
• Provide support to, coordinate and/or provide oversight of programmed systems projects (ie: lighting/light mitigation, AV, life/safety, etc...) that span multiple Operations and onsite teams. Ensure redundancy of knowledge, creation and maintenance of accurate technical documentation, and serve as a consistent point of contact for internal end-users who can coordinate the necessary teams.
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Grace Farms offers a competitive benefit package that includes a choice of medical plans, a dental and vision plan, 100% employer-paid basic life insurance and short-term disability and a 403(b)-retirement benefit with an organization match.
• We encourage our staff to take time off to rest and recharge and provide PTO, sick, and personal days as well as 11 paid holidays.
• All staff are welcome to explore the beautiful 80-acres of our preserved land and may take part in any of the numerous public events on-site.
• Grace Farms is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

What This Job Offers

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