Director of Operations

A Jewel of Historic Downtown Joliet

Located in the heart of downtown Joliet, Illinois, the Rialto Square Theatre, proudly managed by VenuWorks, is a historical gem that has been delighting audiences for nearly a century. Originally built in 1926 as a vaudeville and movie palace, this magnificent venue has preserved its rich heritage while evolving into a premier entertainment destination. The Rialto Square Theatre, renowned for its architectural splendor and cultural significance, continues to be a central hub for artistic and community events.

The esplanade and rotunda of the theater are inspired by iconic French and Roman architecture, featuring designs from the Hall of Mirrors, Arc de Triomphe, and Pantheon. The rotunda includes 18 Corinthian columns and a dome, with a prominent crystal chandelier named "Duchess." The decor also includes draperies from the early Dufour period and the Goddess of the Eastern Star encircling the rotunda.4

The theatre boasts a 1,971-seat capacity, making it perfect for concerts, theatrical performances, public speakers, and more. Its palatial rotunda hosts numerous weddings, receptions, and community gatherings annually, offering a breathtaking space for special events. The Thomas J. and Patricia Kassis Lambrecht Hospitality Suite serves as a versatile event space ideal for intimate gatherings and special occasions. Maintained in pristine condition, the theatre exudes historic design with vintage charm and modern comforts.

Position Summary

The Director of Operations is responsible for the overall evaluation, coordination and management of event operations; ensuring departmental and operational needs are satisfied effectively and efficiently. Develops, coordinates, and executes service contracts and other events or operational projects. Plans and directs all functions for workers engaged in facility conversions, custodial services and security. This position will occasionally require work in excess of 40-hours per week and requires the ability to work irregular/flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays as dictated by event needs

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: include the following. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate workers engaged in setup, operation, and tear down of event related equipment and custodial services.
• Integrate the conversion and maintenance activities with the customer service and programming activities of the facilities.
• Inspect and evaluate physical condition of facility and equipment to keep building up to date and report recommendations of updates.
• Monitor expenses; prepare budgets for labor, materials and services necessary for conversion, maintenance and custodial activities.
• Maintain relationships with various agencies (contractors, fire inspection, elevator, sprinklers, etc) to accomplish compliance with codes and to resolve building maintenance needs and concerns.
• Oversee security plan for theatre
• Assign work projects to staff and provide direction to improve methods and productivity.
• Analyze event information to meet users’ equipment and service needs, prepares staff schedules and work plans for setup, operation, and tear down crews.
• Analyze operations data and recommend building modification, updated equipment, or changes in operating procedures to maximize energy efficiency.
• Assist in and oversee that maintenance activities are executed in a safe and professional manner.
• Oversee that all events are coordinated and executed in a professional and safe manner.
• Customer Focus: Dedicated to meeting and/or exceeding the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers.
• Integrity and Trust: Widely trusted and is seen as a truthful individual who keeps confidences, admits mistakes, doesn’t misrepresent him/herself and is highly respectful of others.
• Communication: Consistently exhibits courteous, respectful, non-defensive and appropriate communications and presents information in a concise and understandable format.
• Teamwork: Works cooperatively with others in the accomplishment of joint tasks and common objectives. Contributes to a positive work environment, fosters collaboration and provides a tangible contribution.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervise employees in the Operations Department. Carry out managerial responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION And/or EXPERIENCE

• The candidate must have a two-year degree or two years of experience in building operations. Other combinations of training and/or experience that can be demonstrated to result in the possession of knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position will also be considered.
• Must possess the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Thorough knowledge of methods, practices, equipment and machinery used in setups, operation and teardowns of general public facility maintenance procedures.
• Knowledge and ability to execute safety programs.
• Working knowledge of occupational hazards and of necessary safety precautions.
• Ability to hire, supervise, train necessary staff.
• Ability to develop budget recommendations and to prepare and maintain records relative to event labor costs.
• Must be able to utilize standard computer systems for both building (HVAC, fire, etc) and administrative (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.) purposes.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, establish priorities, and prepare budgets.
  
  

Language Skills

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to deal effectively and courteously with lessees, user groups, their representatives and the general public.
• Ability to speak and understand English.
  
  

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
  
  

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to maintain a calm, composed presence in an often fast-paced environment where multiple tasks, events and stimulus may occur simultaneously.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
  
  

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Must possess current, valid driver’s license.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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 accommodation(s) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; walk, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Must be flexible with hours including nights, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to work varied schedules under diverse conditions and according to sometimes-stringent time schedules.
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and high, precarious places.
• The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, outside weather conditions, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
  
  

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. This is not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

SALARY RANGE: $80,000 - $95,000 annually (exempt), plus bonus. (Salary determined by applicable position experience and years of experience.)

BENEFITS: Employee owned (ESOP), group health coverage for employee and dependents; includes medical, dental, vision, life, disability; 401k, PTO, and Paid holidays.

VenuWorks is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.