Associate Director, Production and Operations, Arts + Public Life

Department

AI Arts and Public Life

About the Department

Arts + Public Life (APL) at the University of Chicago is a dynamic hub of exploration, expression, and exchange on the South Side of Chicago. As a neighborhood platform for arts and culture in Washington Park, APL provides residencies for local artists and creative entrepreneurs, arts education for youth, and artist-led programming and exhibitions.

Job Summary

The Associate Director of Production and Operations plays a critical and diversified role within APL, overseeing production logistics, facility management, and day-to-day operations across all APL-managed sites on the Arts Block. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing operational systems, budget, and production protocols for programs, events, and space rentals. The role also includes leadership in facilities oversight, ensuring that APL venues are safe, functional, and prepared to meet the needs of a dynamic roster of internal and external users. This position works closely with APL leadership, University officials, partners, and contractors to maintain the excellence and efficiency of APL’s physical spaces and production capacity.

Responsibilities

• Leads and coordinates the production of APL programs and events across all venues.
• Collaborates with APL program leads to ensure technical and logistical readiness for events and programs.
• Serves as a primary contact for program partners, artists-in-residence, keyholders, and collaborators regarding operational support.
• Oversees general facility operations, including maintenance, repairs, and vendor/contractor management.
• Liaise with building landlord and University departments for building upkeep and compliance.
• Plans and schedules preventive maintenance activities including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, painting, cleaning, and security systems.
• Supervises and manages maintenance personnel and/or independent contractors.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures for space rental across all APL-managed facilities.
• Coordinates scheduling, bookings, and support services for rentals and internal use.
• Supervises staff and/or contractors supporting rentals, including event staff, ushers, cleaning crew, and security.
• Develops and implements internal office procedures and policies.
• Ensures staff compliance with institutional policies and safety guidelines.
• Oversees daily operations of APL’s administrative and programming environments.
• Supervises and schedules operational, maintenance, and event staff.
• Participates in APL staff and departmental meetings.
• Contributes to APL’s strategic planning and annual implementation processes.
• Manages departmental budget.
• Works mostly independently to create and proactively maintain partnerships with clients, internal and third party service providers and other University partners in an assigned campus area.
• Interprets needs and gaps in service to collaborate with and recommend appropriate services to colleagues and vendors.
• 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 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Five years of experience working in facilities, operations and production management at an arts organization. 
• Strong facilities management experience, including maintenance, repairs, and rentals. 
• Managing staff, contractors, and collaborative teams.
• Working with a variety of civic arts organizations, artists and creative entrepreneurs.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Computer skills including email and Microsoft Office suite.
• Knowledge of facilities operations and maintenance systems, including HVAC, electrical, security, and janitorial services.
• Familiarity with production requirements for live events and performing arts programming and availability to work evenings and weekends as needed. 
• Proficiency in scheduling, budgeting, and use of operational management softw