Director of Operations

Gainesville, FL - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 95000 - 110000

Posted on: 7 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Classification Title:	Director of Operations
Classification Minimum Requirements:	Masters degree in appropriate area of specialization and four years of appropriate experience or a bachelors degree in appropriate areas of specialization and six years of experience
Job Description:	You Belong at UF Performing Arts! The University of Florida Performing Arts (UFPA) invites applications for the position of Director of Operations. This is a unique opportunity to provide senior operational leadership for a nationally recognized performing arts program at one of the countrys top public universities while shaping exceptional experiences for artists patrons students and the broader community. Reporting to the Executive Director the Director of Operations plays a critical leadership role overseeing event operations venue management safety and security and a large diverse workforce across UFPAs multiple performance venues. This position is ideal for a collaborative strategic and highly organized arts operations professional who thrives in a fast-paced mission-driven environment and is excited to lead complex live events at scale. About UF The University of Florida the states flagship institution is a top-ranked public research university located in Gainesville Florida. With 16 colleges a major academic health center and championship-winning athletics UF is a leader in education research and innovation. Its 2000-acre campus integrates historic charm with state-of-the-art facilities and preserved natural spaces fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Ranked 7th among U.S. public universities in the 2025 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings UF continues to drive advancements across multiple fields. With over 60000 students 32000 employees and a $10 billion annual budget UF is among the largest and most well-funded universities in the nation. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) UF boasts 6600 faculty including National Academy members and award-winning 2024 UF research expenditures surpassed $1.26 billion demonstrating a strong commitment to discovery and technological advancement. The university leads in artificial intelligence education incorporating AI into 200 courses taught by 350 faculty supported by HiPerGator the most powerful university-owned supercomputer in the U.S. About UF Performing Arts University of Florida Performing Arts (UFPA) is one of the countrys leading university presenters dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural hub for world-class performances and artistic experiences for the University of Florida campus and the North Central Florida community. More than just a presenter UFPA believes the performing arts are for everyone offering a diverse season of music dance theatre and spoken word that inspires educates and connects audiences while reflecting the richness of global artistic expression. Performances take place across several distinctive venues: the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts featuring a 1700-seat mainstage theatre with reception foyers and an intimate UpStage cabaret setting; the Squitieri Studio Theatre a black box style theatre with approximately 200 seats; the historic University Auditorium celebrated for its acoustics with seating for around 840 ; and the Baughman Center an elegant serene space accommodating about 96 guests for smaller events and community gatherings. As a dynamic university unit UFPA supports academic programming and fosters meaningful engagement through the arts welcoming both campus and community audiences. Patron experience accessibility and hospitality are central to UFPAs mission which also includes a strong commitment to community engagement through arts education school partnerships and outreach programs that bring creativity directly to students and area residents. UFPAs mission is to bring moments of meaning to life. About the Opportunity The Director of Operations provides comprehensive leadership for UFPAs event and venue operations ensuring that all venue events are executed safely efficiently and at the highest level of quality. This role oversees advance planning on-site execution and post-event evaluation while serving as a key decision-maker during live events. The Director of Operations also leads venue and infrastructure management across UFPA facilities working closely with campus partners and external vendors to maintain safe functional and welcoming addition this role oversees safety security and emergency preparedness planning ensuring compliance with university local state and federal requirements. As a people-centered leader the Director of Operations manages a large and diverse workforce including full-time staff part-time employees and volunteers fostering a culture of accountability collaboration and continuous improvement. The position also represents UFPA within the university and the broader performing arts field through professional engagement and partnerships. Key Duties Include: The Director of Operations provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for UF Performing Arts venues and events ensuring exceptional experiences for artists patrons and the community. Event & Production Operations Lead planning and execution for all events in UFPA venues including assessment cost estimation stage production services artist relations and hospitality. Serve as Manager on Duty during events to ensure safe efficient and high-quality delivery. Venue & Infrastructure Management Oversee scheduling contracting and maintenance for UFPA venues including the Phillips Center University Auditorium and Baughman Center. Direct capital improvement projects and ensure readiness of venue systems such as stage production systems HVAC security and accessibility resources. Safety Security & Compliance Develop and implement policies for venue use event operations and public safety. Coordinate emergency preparedness and security services with UF Police and external vendors to maintain compliance with university and regulatory standards. Personnel Leadership & Workforce Management Manage hiring training scheduling and professional development for a diverse team of staff and volunteers. Ensure clear communication and alignment across front-of-house technical production artist services and security personnel. Institutional & Community Engagement Represent UFPA within the university and broader community through outreach guest lecturing and professional involvement with industry organizations. Promote best practices and contribute to UFPAs visibility and mission. This position requires flexibility due to the nature of performing arts and event operations. While a standard business schedule is maintained when possible regular evening weekend and variable-hour work is required to support performances and special events. Why Gainesville Gainesville is a vibrant and welcoming city that serves as the cultural educational and commercial heart of North Central Florida. Home to the University of Florida the states largest and oldest university and UF Health Shands Hospital Gainesville is a regional hub for education healthcare research athletics and the arts. These institutions along with a diverse mix of public and private employers contribute to a robust local economy and a vibrant community that attracts residents and visitors from across the region. Renowned for its natural beauty and commitment to preservation Gainesville offers an exceptional quality of life. The city is known for its lush urban forest historic neighborhoods and abundance of parks museums lakes and nearby natural freshwater springs earning recognition as a Tree City USA. Residents enjoy access to a regional airport public transit system and recreational amenities such as a championship golf course along with a central location that makes Floridas beaches springs and state parks on both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts easily accessible.
Expected Salary:	$95000-$110000 commensurate with education and experience The University of Florida offers a comprehensive Total rewards package including health insurance retirement plans paid leave tuition assistance and professional development opportunities.
Required Qualifications:	Masters degree in appropriate area of specialization and four years of appropriate experience or a bachelors degree in appropriate areas of specialization and six years of experience
Preferred:	Masters Degree in Theatre Production and/or Design Arts Management or Arts Administration 6 Years progressive leadership experience in Performing Arts Venue or Event Operations Stage Production or similar related field. Demonstrated experience managing complex event operations and multi-venue facilities Experience leading and managing large highly skilled and dedicated teams including staff hourly employees and volunteers Strong knowledge of event safety security and emergency preparedness practices Experience in contract negotiation and fulfillment Excellent communication organizational and problem-solving skills with large teams Ability to collaborate effectively with campus partners artists vendors and community stakeholders Commitment to collegial and collaborative teamwork Demonstrated commitment to career growth and development for personnel as well as commitment to community service Credentials: CPR/First Aid/AED Trained Crowd Manager (TCM) Certified Venue Professional (CVP/CVE) Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or other relevant certification
Special Instructions to Applicants:	Join us at UFPA and help shape the future of performing arts! We welcome nominations and applications for individuals who bring strong experiences to support UFPAs mission to Bring Moments of Meaning to Life. Nominations can be sent to the Mackenzie Burkett Assistant Director of Operations at . Candidates must apply online at Careers at UF. The anticipated start date for this role is May 2026. For full consideration applications must be submitted by Sunday February 15th at 11:55 p.m. with the following required documents: Cover Letter summarizing experience qualifications and interest in this role (1-2 pages) Resume List of references for at least three (3) professional contacts that includes: Full name Current position Email address Telephone number Applications received after Sunday February 15th at 11:55 p.m will be reviewed at the discretion of the search panel. The position posting will remain open and accept applications until a competitive pool of applicants is established. Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.
Health Assessment Required:	No

Required Experience:

Director

Classification Title:Director of OperationsClassification Minimum Requirements:Masters degree in appropriate area of specialization and four years of appropriate experience or a bachelors degree in appropriate areas of specialization and six years of experienceJob Description:You Belong at UF Perfor...

Classification Title:	Director of Operations
Classification Minimum Requirements:	Masters degree in appropriate area of specialization and four years of appropriate experience or a bachelors degree in appropriate areas of specialization and six years of experience
Job Description:	You Belong at UF Performing Arts! The University of Florida Performing Arts (UFPA) invites applications for the position of Director of Operations. This is a unique opportunity to provide senior operational leadership for a nationally recognized performing arts program at one of the countrys top public universities while shaping exceptional experiences for artists patrons students and the broader community. Reporting to the Executive Director the Director of Operations plays a critical leadership role overseeing event operations venue management safety and security and a large diverse workforce across UFPAs multiple performance venues. This position is ideal for a collaborative strategic and highly organized arts operations professional who thrives in a fast-paced mission-driven environment and is excited to lead complex live events at scale. About UF The University of Florida the states flagship institution is a top-ranked public research university located in Gainesville Florida. With 16 colleges a major academic health center and championship-winning athletics UF is a leader in education research and innovation. Its 2000-acre campus integrates historic charm with state-of-the-art facilities and preserved natural spaces fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Ranked 7th among U.S. public universities in the 2025 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings UF continues to drive advancements across multiple fields. With over 60000 students 32000 employees and a $10 billion annual budget UF is among the largest and most well-funded universities in the nation. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) UF boasts 6600 faculty including National Academy members and award-winning 2024 UF research expenditures surpassed $1.26 billion demonstrating a strong commitment to discovery and technological advancement. The university leads in artificial intelligence education incorporating AI into 200 courses taught by 350 faculty supported by HiPerGator the most powerful university-owned supercomputer in the U.S. About UF Performing Arts University of Florida Performing Arts (UFPA) is one of the countrys leading university presenters dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural hub for world-class performances and artistic experiences for the University of Florida campus and the North Central Florida community. More than just a presenter UFPA believes the performing arts are for everyone offering a diverse season of music dance theatre and spoken word that inspires educates and connects audiences while reflecting the richness of global artistic expression. Performances take place across several distinctive venues: the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts featuring a 1700-seat mainstage theatre with reception foyers and an intimate UpStage cabaret setting; the Squitieri Studio Theatre a black box style theatre with approximately 200 seats; the historic University Auditorium celebrated for its acoustics with seating for around 840 ; and the Baughman Center an elegant serene space accommodating about 96 guests for smaller events and community gatherings. As a dynamic university unit UFPA supports academic programming and fosters meaningful engagement through the arts welcoming both campus and community audiences. Patron experience accessibility and hospitality are central to UFPAs mission which also includes a strong commitment to community engagement through arts education school partnerships and outreach programs that bring creativity directly to students and area residents. UFPAs mission is to bring moments of meaning to life. About the Opportunity The Director of Operations provides comprehensive leadership for UFPAs event and venue operations ensuring that all venue events are executed safely efficiently and at the highest level of quality. This role oversees advance planning on-site execution and post-event evaluation while serving as a key decision-maker during live events. The Director of Operations also leads venue and infrastructure management across UFPA facilities working closely with campus partners and external vendors to maintain safe functional and welcoming addition this role oversees safety security and emergency preparedness planning ensuring compliance with university local state and federal requirements. As a people-centered leader the Director of Operations manages a large and diverse workforce including full-time staff part-time employees and volunteers fostering a culture of accountability collaboration and continuous improvement. The position also represents UFPA within the university and the broader performing arts field through professional engagement and partnerships. Key Duties Include: The Director of Operations provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for UF Performing Arts venues and events ensuring exceptional experiences for artists patrons and the community. Event & Production Operations Lead planning and execution for all events in UFPA venues including assessment cost estimation stage production services artist relations and hospitality. Serve as Manager on Duty during events to ensure safe efficient and high-quality delivery. Venue & Infrastructure Management Oversee scheduling contracting and maintenance for UFPA venues including the Phillips Center University Auditorium and Baughman Center. Direct capital improvement projects and ensure readiness of venue systems such as stage production systems HVAC security and accessibility resources. Safety Security & Compliance Develop and implement policies for venue use event operations and public safety. Coordinate emergency preparedness and security services with UF Police and external vendors to maintain compliance with university and regulatory standards. Personnel Leadership & Workforce Management Manage hiring training scheduling and professional development for a diverse team of staff and volunteers. Ensure clear communication and alignment across front-of-house technical production artist services and security personnel. Institutional & Community Engagement Represent UFPA within the university and broader community through outreach guest lecturing and professional involvement with industry organizations. Promote best practices and contribute to UFPAs visibility and mission. This position requires flexibility due to the nature of performing arts and event operations. While a standard business schedule is maintained when possible regular evening weekend and variable-hour work is required to support performances and special events. Why Gainesville Gainesville is a vibrant and welcoming city that serves as the cultural educational and commercial heart of North Central Florida. Home to the University of Florida the states largest and oldest university and UF Health Shands Hospital Gainesville is a regional hub for education healthcare research athletics and the arts. These institutions along with a diverse mix of public and private employers contribute to a robust local economy and a vibrant community that attracts residents and visitors from across the region. Renowned for its natural beauty and commitment to preservation Gainesville offers an exceptional quality of life. The city is known for its lush urban forest historic neighborhoods and abundance of parks museums lakes and nearby natural freshwater springs earning recognition as a Tree City USA. Residents enjoy access to a regional airport public transit system and recreational amenities such as a championship golf course along with a central location that makes Floridas beaches springs and state parks on both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts easily accessible.
Expected Salary:	$95000-$110000 commensurate with education and experience The University of Florida offers a comprehensive Total rewards package including health insurance retirement plans paid leave tuition assistance and professional development opportunities.
Required Qualifications:	Masters degree in appropriate area of specialization and four years of appropriate experience or a bachelors degree in appropriate areas of specialization and six years of experience
Preferred:	Masters Degree in Theatre Production and/or Design Arts Management or Arts Administration 6 Years progressive leadership experience in Performing Arts Venue or Event Operations Stage Production or similar related field. Demonstrated experience managing complex event operations and multi-venue facilities Experience leading and managing large highly skilled and dedicated teams including staff hourly employees and volunteers Strong knowledge of event safety security and emergency preparedness practices Experience in contract negotiation and fulfillment Excellent communication organizational and problem-solving skills with large teams Ability to collaborate effectively with campus partners artists vendors and community stakeholders Commitment to collegial and collaborative teamwork Demonstrated commitment to career growth and development for personnel as well as commitment to community service Credentials: CPR/First Aid/AED Trained Crowd Manager (TCM) Certified Venue Professional (CVP/CVE) Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or other relevant certification
Special Instructions to Applicants:	Join us at UFPA and help shape the future of performing arts! We welcome nominations and applications for individuals who bring strong experiences to support UFPAs mission to Bring Moments of Meaning to Life. Nominations can be sent to the Mackenzie Burkett Assistant Director of Operations at . Candidates must apply online at Careers at UF. The anticipated start date for this role is May 2026. For full consideration applications must be submitted by Sunday February 15th at 11:55 p.m. with the following required documents: Cover Letter summarizing experience qualifications and interest in this role (1-2 pages) Resume List of references for at least three (3) professional contacts that includes: Full name Current position Email address Telephone number Applications received after Sunday February 15th at 11:55 p.m will be reviewed at the discretion of the search panel. The position posting will remain open and accept applications until a competitive pool of applicants is established. Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.
Health Assessment Required:	No