Operations Manager - Maggie Daley Park

Legends Global•Chicago, IL

19d•Onsite

About The Position

The Operations Manager plays a critical leadership role in the smooth, safe, and efficient daily operations of Maggie Daley Park’s attractions, events, and seasonal activities. Areas of oversight include The Ribbon, the climbing wall, light show installations, public programming, private rentals, and initiatives that enhance visitor engagement and community involvement. The role combines operational planning with hands-on leadership and works closely with internal departments, city agencies, third-party vendors, and seasonal staff to support a seamless park experience. The position oversees attraction operations and event programming, including staffing, safety, cleanliness, guest services, logistics, vendor coordination, and on-site problem-solving. It also supports budgeting, recordkeeping, grant applications, and community outreach. The role requires working indoors and outdoors, including in inclement weather, and may involve irregular hours, weekends, evenings, mornings, and holidays.

Requirements

3–5 years of relevant experience in operations, venue or event management, outdoor recreation, or public programming.
Excellent organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Familiarity with event permitting, vendor coordination, safety inspections, and emergency procedures.
Comfort working outdoors year-round and during irregular hours, including holidays and weekends.
Knowledge of accessibility standards and ADA compliance.
CPR, First Aid, and AED certification, or willingness to obtain certification within 60 days of hire.
Ability to work weekends, evenings, mornings, and holidays.
Ability to lift 50 pounds and maneuver around the facility, including walking or standing for up to 8–10 hours daily.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Hospitality, Event Management, Public Administration, or a related field; relevant work experience may substitute for formal education.
Additional certifications in safety, event operations, or project management.

Responsibilities

Oversee day-to-day operations for park attractions, including The Ribbon, the climbing wall, seasonal activations, food and beverage programming, and fitness classes.
Ensure attractions are staffed, safe, clean, and prepared for guests each day.
Implement and uphold operational standards, cleanliness protocols, and safety guidelines.
Work with Park Maintenance and Facility Manager teams to resolve issues.
Lead operational planning and execution for park events and programming.
Manage event logistics, including setup, teardown, staffing, security, signage, vendor coordination, and sound and electrical needs.
Serve as the on-site lead during key events, ensuring smooth operations, real-time problem-solving, and positive guest experiences.
Develop operational plans for seasonal features, including permitting, installation schedules, and vendor management.
Monitor and improve the guest experience, ensuring park areas are welcoming, inclusive, and engaging.
Act as the primary contact for escalated guest concerns and emergency response situations.
Conduct regular walkthroughs to check ADA compliance, mitigate risks, and assess accessibility.
Evaluate new initiatives and propose strategies for scaling them.
Identify trends in urban public spaces and recommend future park features or improvements.
Assist with budget development and cost tracking for seasonal programming and daily operations.
Maintain records of attendance, revenue, staffing, maintenance logs, and incident reports.
Support grant applications and community outreach by providing operational data.
Complete other duties as assigned.