Overview Lyric Opera of Chicago seeks a Director of Payroll to oversee the strategic and operational management of the payroll function, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing for all employees across administrative, seasonal, and represented union groups. This role supports approximately 500 employees across 11 collective bargaining units and 100+ administrative staff and serves as the organization’s subject matter expert on payroll operations and compliance. The Director collaborates with Finance, IT, Artistic & Production, and People & Culture to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and integrity in all payroll practices. The ideal candidate is a seasoned payroll professional with leadership experience in complex, unionized environments and a strong commitment to confidentiality, accountability, and continuous improvement. Location Chicago, IL (Hybrid Eligible)

The Director of Payroll – Duties and Responsibilities Strategic Leadership

Direct all aspects of payroll operations for approximately 500 employees across 11 collective bargaining units and 100+ administrative staff.

Serve as the organization’s subject matter expert on payroll-related compliance, taxation, and reporting.

Partner with Finance, IT, Artistic & Production, and People & Culture to align payroll systems, processes, and reporting with organizational and financial goals.

Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance payroll accuracy, efficiency, and employee experience.

Oversee payroll system upgrades, integrations, and migrations (e.g., ADP Workforce Now) in collaboration with internal and external partners.

Operational Management

Supervise and mentor payroll staff to ensure high-quality service delivery, accuracy, and compliance.

Manage and process multi-state, multi-union payroll cycles, verifying earnings, deductions, pension contributions, dues, and garnishments.

Ensure accurate calculation and remittance of all payroll taxes, pension, and benefit deductions.

Administer payroll accounting, reconciliations, and year-end reporting, including W-2 and 1099 processing.

Maintain and audit payroll records and reports to ensure data integrity and compliance.

Oversee preparation and submission of union reports, benefit remittances, and pension contributions as defined by collective bargaining agreements.

Compliance and Reporting

Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, IRS regulations, and all collective bargaining agreements.

Partner with Finance and external auditors to support annual audits and internal controls.

Maintain awareness of legislative changes affecting payroll and implement policy or system updates accordingly.

Develop and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and documentation in partnership with the People & Culture leadership team.

Collaboration and Service

Partner with Benefits, HRIS, Finance, IT, Artistic & Production, and People & Culture to ensure seamless integration between payroll, benefits, and employee data systems.

Serve as a key resource for interpreting and applying payroll provisions outlined in 11 union contracts (including AGMA, AFM, IATSE, and others).

Provide accurate payroll data to support labor negotiations, budget planning, and financial reporting.

Respond promptly and professionally to employee inquiries, fostering trust and transparency in payroll operations.

Knowledge and Skills Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field required.

Minimum 10 years of progressive payroll experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership or managerial capacity.

Proven experience managing payroll in a complex, unionized environment; experience with multiple collective bargaining units preferred.

In-depth knowledge of ADP Workforce Now or comparable payroll systems required.

CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) designation strongly preferred.

Skills & Competencies

Expert knowledge of federal and state payroll laws, wage and hour compliance, and union payroll administration.

Strong leadership and team development skills.

Analytical and detail-oriented problem-solving abilities.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a customer-service orientation.

Ability to handle confidential information with integrity.

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with financial system integration.

Core Values

Integrity: Confidentiality, accuracy, and ethical conduct in payroll matters.

Collaboration: Cross-departmental coordination for seamless operations.

Excellence: Precision, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Inclusion: Equity across employee groups and bargaining units.

Service: Responsive support to employees and stakeholders.

Competencies

Strategic Thinking & Business Acumen

Relationship Building & Influence

Confidentiality & Professional Integrity

Problem-Solving & Compliance Expertise

Benefits & HR Operations Mastery

Change Management & Adaptability

Developing & Leading Others

Commitment to IDEA Principles

Work Conditions

Ability to occasionally work evening or weekend functions, deployments, or performances.

A fast-paced and demanding environment.

Sitting for extended periods.

Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment.

Compensation

Job Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Salary Range: $90,000-$120,000

Application Deadline: Monday, October 20, 2025 (5:00pm CT)

Lyric Opera offers benefits including health, dental, vision, 403B (no company match), 401(k) with company match, PTO, life/AD&D coverage, opportunities for professional development, and complimentary tickets.

Lyric Opera of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

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