Wheeler Operations Manager

Job Postings Closing Dates: A job posting may close before the listed deadline if the number of applications reaches the limit for that position. If the original deadline produced fewer applications than expected, the posting may remain open longer.

Application: The application must be filled out completely; stating "see resume" anywhere in the application, is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.

Pay Ranges:

• Hiring Range: The hiring range covers the starting segment of the pay scale, from the entry point up to the first quartile (Q1). Starting pay is determined based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

• Salary Range: The salary range reflects the full pay range for the position, from the minimum rate to the maximum rate. This represents the earning potential employees can achieve over time while in the role.

*Up to $3,000 Sign On Bonus May Be Available*

Enjoy Industry Leading Benefits:

• Generous paid vacation and extended sick leave, holidays, and flexible work arrangements.
• Free and discounted transportation options to get around Aspen and the Valley.
• Professional development and learning opportunities, including a tuition reimbursement program.
• Health and wellbeing options that include Medical, Dental, Vision, robust and accessible employee assistance program, and nationally recognized wellbeing platform.
• Monetary bonuses for healthy lifestyle choices and to use towards other personal needs.
• Plan for your future with competitive employer contributions to a 401a retirement plans and Social Security, in addition to an individual 457b retirement plan and Roth IRA option. Have peace of mind with life and disability insurance.

The City of Aspen is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Title: Wheeler Operations Manager

Department: Wheeler Opera House

Classification: Exempt

Hiring Range: $96,762/annually - $108,867/annually

Salary Range: $96,762/annually - $145,163/annually

Position Summary: A member of the Wheeler Leadership Team, the Wheeler Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the functional areas of operations for events that are hosted, presented, or produced by the Wheeler Opera House. This position directs the day-to-day production, front of house, and facility teams to fulfill the logistic and communication needs of 200+ events from inquiry to performance/event execution, and through the settlement process to ensure smooth and efficient running of the Wheeler.

Supervision Exercised and Received: Position works under the direct supervision of the Executive Director. This role directly manages the Wheeler Production Manager, Wheeler Front of House Manager, and Wheeler Events Manager, offers functional supervision of the Wheeler Building Supervisor, and provides leadership to the broader operations team and indirect reports across the production, front of house, and security roles.

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Essential Job Functions:

Operations and Event Management

* Leads all operations units including production, front of house, and event management. Supervises, facilitates, and executes all logistics for events hosted, presented, or produced by the Wheeler Opera House from initial planning to implementation and through settlement.

* Manages the execution of events to ensure quality assurance related to the attendee and artist experience. Provides support and experts guidance to visiting artists and event planners. Acts as manager on duty for events, as needed.

* Oversees the Wheeler's primary booking calendar which includes tracking and management of all Wheeler Presents programming, community partner events, rental event inquiries, and general usage requests including internal events, meetings, building closures, and anything that is considered usage of the Wheeler spaces.

* Develops, maintains, and enforces venue use policies and related documents. Makes recommendations on venue use rental and service rates. Prepares materials for Wheeler Advisory Board or City Council, as necessary.

* Promotes and ensures effective use of Momentus Elite, event management software, by serving as organizational lead on establishing and maintaining cross-departmental best practices, general workflow, staff training, and general maintenance of the system.

Client, Staff, and Vendor Relations

* Manages contact with venue users for date availability, contracts, payment and paperwork deadlines, and logistics surrounding their performances and events. Ensures timely feedback regarding availability, enforce venue use policies, and facilitate communication with all clients.

* Actively maintains relationships, provides excellent communication, and quality service in event execution to support a positive reputation and encourage return visits for all clients, guests, and artists.

* Manages all aspects of event staffing across multiple units, including the planning, implementation, hiring, scheduling, supervision and training of full-time staff and part-time staff. Schedules staff in order to meet the needs of events, minimize excessive overtime, and provides professional development opportunities. Provides leadership to broader operations team including full-time, part-time, and volunteer staff.

* Establishes, negotiates, and maintains relationships with third-party vendors that provide event services such as outsourced security, backline rental, custodial services, and concessions. Manages contract administration, develop scope of work, bid work, select contractors, and monitor performance.

Financial and Organizational Leadership

* Prepares and monitors annual budgets, including rental revenue projections. Tracks and approves purchases and expenditures for multiple operating units.

* As a member of the Wheeler Leadership Team, exemplify positive, purposeful team approach to each opportunity and challenge for the entire Wheeler team. Sets an example for direct reports for supportive, focused, and exceptional execution grounded in teamwork. Models sound judgment, "full picture" organizational thinking, effective conflict resolution and creative problem solving. Fosters by example a culture of excellence and accountability. Clearly defines responsibilities and expectations, helps team members set goals, provides motivation and regular constructive performance feedback, recognizes contributions, and creates a training and professional development path for each employee.

* Attends meetings, reviews plans, and facilitates collaboration in the development and implementation of services and/or program offerings; serves as a Wheeler representative on various committees, in meetings with City staff and management, and with external stakeholders and organizations. Prepares and presents information, address issues, provide information, recommends and implements solutions.

* Establishes and maintains a safe, clean, and organized environment that operates within clear policies and procedures that prioritize the safety of all personnel occupying the space or affiliated with events that are hosted, presented, or produced by the Wheeler Opera House.

City Organizational Values

* Supports and models the City of Aspen organizational values: Service, Partnership, Stewardship, and Innovation. Organizational values are shared principles that guide behavior across the organization. This position is responsible for upholding and applying these values while performing daily work functions.

Other duties as assigned.

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Core Competencies: Displays the following key competencies in the overall job performance to include knowledge, skills, and abilities:

* Service: Provides service with excellence, humility, integrity, and respect in daily work, builds trust by listening, treats people with respect, acknowledges opportunities for improvement, and follows through with commitments.

* Partnership: Actively creates strong, supportive internal and external relationships to attain a common goal and achieve greater impact together.

* Stewardship: Balances social, environmental, and financial responsibilities, evaluating the impact of decision making on a thriving future for all.

* Innovation: Develops operational expertise to pursue innovative ideas and creative outcomes, grounded in Aspen's unique culture, opportunities, and challenges.

* Communication: Knowledge of effective and appropriate communication with a range of stakeholders and collaborators. Ability to use knowledge effectively in various contexts which may require oral, written, visual and non-verbal communication.

* Interpersonal: Works to develop strength in interpersonal skills. Has the ability to work well with diverse groups of people, both inside and outside the organization.

* Technology: Demonstrates technology skills sufficient for the nature and level of position. Demonstrates a willingness to learn new technologies and transition job duties accordingly to support technological advances and innovation.

* Team Building: Works to build and maintain high performing teams to include appreciating differences and reinforcing a sense of belonging.

* Accountability & Trust: Follows through on commitments, takes responsibility for outcomes, and values relationships.

* Strategic Thinking: Works to bring a strategic focus to daily work, anticipates problems and considers solutions.

* Business Acumen: Demonstrates understanding of business processes, objectives, and goals.

* Emotional Intelligence: Ability to remain calm and resolve multiple challenges and/or requests in a responsible manner in a dynamic environments.

* Problem Solving: Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

* Safety: Knowledge of policies, procedures, and strategies to promote safety operations relevant to the Wheeler Opera House.

* Leadership: Provides guidance, mentorship, and oversight to staff, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.

* Project Management & Organization: Plans, coordinates, and executes events and operations efficiently from start to finish.

* Venue Management: Oversees all aspects of the venue, including bookings, policies, client relations, and operational logistics.

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Minimum Requirements:

Education: Bachelor's degree in arts administration or related.

Experience: At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience venue management, arts administration, or live event management including at least three (3) years of supervisory experience.

Technical Knowledge: Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams. Must have a solid understanding of computers and online computer-based technology applications, which includes accessing web-based platforms. Experience with Momentus Elite venue management software is a plus.

Licenses & Certifications: Must possess a valid Colorado Driver's License or be able to obtain one within 30 days of start date.

NOTE: Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required abilities, knowledge, and skills as determined by the City of Aspen may be substituted for the requirements above.

NOTE: Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a Criminal Background Check and physical examination.

Position Type and Work Hours:

* Full Time employment, hours will vary with workload and event requirements.

* Evenings/Weekends will frequently be required depending on department needs and event calendar. Work on Holidays may occasionally be required.

Work Environment:

* Indoors: Performing arts center environment, in addition to a typical office environment

* Outdoors/Off-Site: Meetings, special events, and trainings. Position may require removal of snow and ice from walkways and truck loading areas. May need to operate a city vehicle to travel to offsite locations.

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Physical Demands:

Visual Acuity: Ability to bring objects into focus.

Balancing: Maintaining equilibrium.

Bending: Bending or position oneself to move an object from one level to another.

Carrying: Transporting or moving heavy objects, specifically as it applies to loading and unloading trucks.

Crouching: Bending body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.

Climbing: Ascending or descending stationary objects.

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Performing work through using two or more body parts or other devices.

Gripping/Grasping: Ability to apply pressure with fingers and palm.

Handling: Seizing, holding, grasping, through use of hands, fingers, or other means.

Hearing: Perceiving and comprehending the nature and direction of sounds.

Kneeling: Bending legs at knees to come to rest on knee or knees

Lifting: Moving objects alone weighing no more than fifty pounds from one level to another.

Pushing/Pulling: Ability to use upper extremities to exert force to press, draw, drag or haul objects in a sustained motion.

Reaching: Extending the hands and arms or other device in any direction.

Repetitive motions: Making frequent or continuous movements.

Sitting: Remaining in a stationary position.

Standing: Ability to sustain position for an extended period of time.

Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.

Talking: Communicating ideas or exchanging information.

Walking: Ability to move to traverse from one location to another.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.