Overview

AHD Staff: Theater and Performance Studies

About the Department

The Committee on Theater and Performance Studies (TAPS) supports innovative work at the intersection of performance theory and practice across a broad spectrum of disciplines. The University of Chicago’s undergraduate and graduate programs in TAPS stand out for the intellectual commitment they demand, the interdisciplinary perspective they require, and the extraordinary collaborative opportunities they provide with theater, dance, and performance companies in partnership with other UChicago Arts entities, in Chicago, across the country, and around the world. TAPS also supports student-driven theater and performance-related activities by a broad range of co-curricular registered student organizations.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Chair of Theater and Performance Studies and/or his or her designee, the Managing Director oversees all financial aspects of production operations, communications and marketing efforts, and works in partnership with colleagues as a key liaison to co-curricular theater and performance organizations. The Managing Director administers production budgets, artist contracts, and payroll; generates annual budgets; provides quarterly reports to the Chair; trains and mentors students; and supervises part-time student and professional theater management staff. Serves as primary liaison with the Logan Center for the Arts for marketing, communications and related initiatives. Advises faculty- and student-driven projects including those generated by a range of co-curricular organizations. Applicants must upload a resume and cover letter to be considered for this full-time, benefits eligible, hybrid position, with an on-campus presence required.

Responsibilities

• Oversees day-to-day administrative and management operations with the Chair of TAPS and Director of Performance. Coordinates purchasing with others, such as TAPS Production Manager, Technical Director, Costume Shop Manager, Properties Master, Lighting Supervisor and Sound Supervisor. Oversees and coordinates budgetary needs for facilities, including three performance spaces and 5+ rehearsal spaces used for TAPS-related activities, which may include co-curricular, departmental and professional theater, dance, and circus productions. Maintains databases, administers surveys, and archives reports.
• Manages TAPS co-curricular and production finances, including strategic planning, management of performance program accounts, petty cash and student payroll. Generates budgets and quarterly reports. Helps ensure positive relations with vendors and prompt payment of bills and reimbursements.
• Trains, mentors and advises student staff in professional areas such as marketing, audience development, arts administration and general administration. Oversees the staff Marketing Manager. Advises students as an organization, as well as individuals entering the profession and post-graduate study.
• Oversees marketing initiatives, calendars, website content and social media outlets for TAPS, which produces more than forty annual productions. Organizes and collaborates with co-curricular student groups, such as University Theater, Dance Council, Le Vorris & Vox, Dean's Men, Off-Off Campus, and Performing Arts Roundtable; faculty driven projects; Chicago Performance Lab projects; and partner projects on posters, programs, box office, social media, photography and videography for each production. Works in partnership with the Logan Center and UChicago Arts Communications to raise the profile of TAPS related programs and activities.
• Serves as TAPS liaison for relationships with resident student organizations (RSOs); mentors and helps them develop administrative arts management skills. Hosts Performing Arts Roundtable meetings. Organizes orientation and graduation events with RSOs. Works with RSOs to select shows, acquire rights, and market and document work. Assists with financial aspects of production. Collaborates with the Logan Art Center with regards to the ongoing production and events throughout the building.
• Serves on relevant University boards and committees. Leads or attends finance and management related meetings.
• Performs some routine and complex assignments for the unit usually in the areas of finance, event planning or support services. Initiate the hiring process of students and staff for a unit, which includes the processing of payroll.
• Responsible for training office staff on office procedures and compliance protocols. Coordinates special projects.
• Assists in the monitoring of the various financial and budgetary activities, including vendors contracts. Preparing and monitoring the budget for a unit.
• Researches and analyzes data to create reports, and may create other reports for grants and contracts.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications: ---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, arts administration or related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of two years of progressively responsible administrative experience.
• Familiarity with general business practices.
• Familiarity with managing budgets, databases and spreadsheets.

Preferred Competencies

• Commitment to providing a high level of service and working in a team environment.
• High degree of professionalism.
• Attention to detail.
• Handle confidential information with utmost discretion.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously and under tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter, which is to include your interest in this position (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Administration & Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$65,000.00 - $78,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. The University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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