Manager of Production and Operations

Title: Manager, Production and Operations

Job Location: Chicago, IL

Status: Full-Time, Exempt, Hybrid

Reports to: VP, Operations

Salary Range: $70,000 – $75,000/annualized

Job Summary

The Manager, Production and Operations of the All Stars Project (ASP) of Chicago is tasked with leading operational excellence in event production, office and fiscal management, information technology and overall coordination among ASP of Chicago programs and activities. The successful candidate will produce major special events as well as community-based activities, and organizes the coordination of schedules and resource allocation between key elements of the ASP of Chicago business. They will partner with regional and national staff to ensure the production of high-quality developmental events and performance programs involving young people and partners.

The Manager, Production and Operations is an integral partner to the ASP of Chicago leadership team in the implementation of strategies, policies, and best practices for the ASP of Chicago. This role serves as the initial point of contact for visitors to the Hub for Afterschool Development as well as representing the All Stars Project to vendors, young people, and philanthropic and community partners.

The position is a hybrid role and requires in-person attendance for the majority of the workweek in the ASP Chicago regional office.

Job Responsibilities:

Operations and Administration

• Lead the creation of a strong positive environment for staff and volunteers, which includes team-building activities for various groupings.
• Manage and operate the office of the ASP of Chicago, liaising with building management for facility and property upkeep, maintaining the order, repairs, and cleanliness of the office, and ordering supplies to ensure a smooth running of office functions.
• Oversee the ASP of Chicago’s information technology needs, including computers, phones, video conferencing, security, and other office equipment.
• Produce and maintain a standard operating manual for the ASP of Chicago. Set and update organizational and office policies and procedures; communicate them effectively and regularly to all staff and volunteers.
• Manage all aspects of event, program and office budgets for the ASP of Chicago.
• In partnership with VP, Operations and the VP/Director of ASP of Chicago, ensure coordination of schedule and resource allocation between key elements of the ASP of Chicago business – including but not limited to internal and external communication, programs, fundraising/development and education/social policy.
• Manage process for the recruitment and orientation of volunteers within the ASP of Chicago.
• Ensure compliance with national standard operating procedures for data inputting and information management software and applications for ASP of Chicago (e.g., Sharepoint, Dropbox, TeamUp, Airtable)
• In coordination with hiring managers, develop hiring and onboarding plans for all ASP of Chicago part-time employees as well as select full-time employees.
• Respond to the requests of the VP, Operations and the VP, Director, ASP of Chicago as needed.

Production

• Contribute to annual production and program planning to ensure program plans are reflective of All Stars mission and vision.
• Manage and coordinate special projects and production of activities as needed to ensure optimal functioning of ASP of Chicago programs and business priorities.
• Review and direct event production logistics, including communication with staff and other stakeholders for all events, both virtual and in person, including program initiatives, in partnership with the directors and associate directors.
• Direct the production of all major special events, and function as lead producer on annual benefits for ASP of Chicago, including but not limited to the following:
  • Establish event goals and objectives for each event.
  • Create and manage timelines and lead the creation of concepts and scripts with the Chicago leadership team and coordinate the finalization process, including sign-off from national leadership.
  • Create volunteer producing teams for each event, direct and train volunteers to lead areas of the production.
  • Lead all areas of event production, including venue selection and management, rehearsals, contract and external vendor relations, and the budget.

Qualifications:

• 4-6 years of relevant experience in nonprofit operations and/or program execution, and event production
• Strong administrative skills including use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook; Database and online proficiency required
• Proven capacity to apply independent judgment in planning, prioritizing, and organizing multiple tasks in a diversified workload
• Ability to manage and stay within budgets, including managing expenses for events
• Understanding of poverty-related issues and a commitment to creating educational and developmental opportunities for underserved youth in outside of school contexts
• Strong leadership, management, and interpersonal skills and the ability to interact and communicate professionally with individuals at all levels of the organization, as well as external stakeholders (youth, donors, volunteers)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and business acumen
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment
• Ability to lift 25 pounds and climb a ladder
• Flexibility in schedule; with periodic weeknight and Saturday hours required
• Capacity to travel locally for site visit and events.
• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience required

About All Stars Project

The All Stars Project, Inc. (ASP) is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to transform the lives of youth from poor and underserved communities using the developmental power of performance, in partnership with caring adults, giving everyone the opportunity to grow. While the ASP’s afterschool programs include hip-hop talent shows, training in theatre and the arts, and programs where we partner with the business community to help young people create a professional performance, we are doing so much more – we are building community and imagining possibility.

Founded in 1981, the ASP operates in five locations across the United States (New York, New Jersey, San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago and Dallas). The ASP is primarily privately funded, with two-thirds of our support coming from individuals.

All Stars Project of Chicago

The ASP of Chicago, launched in 2007, now reaches more than 5,000 youth annually on the south and west sides of Chicago and has raised more than $16 million in private funding. In 2016, ASP of Chicago embarked on a comprehensive expansion campaign – an important element of which is a visionary strategic growth initiative to establish a “Hub” for Afterschool Development in downtown Chicago. In March 2023, ASP of Chicago opened its’ new “Hub” – a home that welcomes young people from poor and underserved communities, non-profit partners, and business leaders to collaborate on how to collectively create a new Chicago.

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