Director of Business Operations and Programs, Themed Entertainment Association (Chicagoland area based)
THE ORGANIZATION
The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) is an international non-profit trade & professional hybrid association representing the world’s leading creators, developers, designers and producers of compelling places and experiences – worldwide. Our mission is to bring together the creators of immersive destinations and experiences to share knowledge, collaborate, spark new ideas, celebrate innovation, and cultivate a diverse global membership.
TEA represents 1,500 members globally and has an annual operating budget of $2.5 million and a staff of 5-7 FTE.
POSITION SUMMARYÂ
The Director of Business, Operations & Programs plays a vital role in the management of departmental staff and day-to-day operations, component relations, and management and new product development related to TEA’s portfolio of programs and services. This position will work closely with the Executive Director and team in overseeing the day-to-day operations and ensuring the team maintains focus on reaching its strategic goals and objectives. This position is a member of the executive leadership team and reports directly to the Executive Director.
Position Responsibilities:
- Develops strategy for new products and services in partnership with department managers.
- Oversee and manages all education programs (webinars, trainings, toolkits, and resources)
- Provides oversight for a portfolio of revenue-generating and infrastructure support products, programs and services to meet the strategic goals of the organization.
- Oversees the member services staff maintains responsibility for maintaining a strong member value proposition and experience.Â
- A key stakeholder in the development of TEA’s operational and project plans in support of the overall company strategic plan.Â
- Responsible for delivering quarterly reporting on KPIs related to business lines in support of the strategic plan.
- Directs and manages departmental staff
- Manages employee relations activities including coaching, promotions, salary increases, performance improvement plans and terminations.
- Plans and execute appropriate staffing structures based on strategic goals, budget and skill set of current staffÂ
- Manages staff appropriate staff to ensure effective policies and procedures for tasks and department functions.
- Leads strategy development and planning for all of TEA’s signature events, including the prestigious Thea Awards, with the internal, outsourced and volunteer staff.
- Oversees the development and review of education materials for association-sponsored conferences, webinars, and other meetings.
- Responsible for the development and roll out of TEA’s CMS Strategy.
- Responsible for inventory management and business line growth strategy for the TEA’s Theas trophy store and other future merchandise sales offerings.
- Manages relationships with product and service vendors including the association’s AMS, awards management, trophy store provider, to name a few.
- Provides support to the Executive Director in preparation for and during International Board and Executive Committee meetings, helping to shape meeting agendas and developing supporting documentation and reporting engaging the broader leadership team, staff, and component leaders.
- Carries out other special projects as assigned.
Position Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree required
- 7+ years of experience in association management with experience in overseeing departmental strategy and overseeing program execution. CAE preferred.
- Minimum 5 years staff management and development experience.
- Strong project management skills required, ability to multi-task, execute and manage several projects simultaneously
- Strong track record of building high-performing teams.
- Highly collaborative & relational style.  Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, board members, association members, volunteers, and vendors.
- Self-starter, able to work independently, and efficiently.Â
- Strong project management skills required, ability to multi-task, execute and manage several projects simultaneously
- Must be flexible, solutions-oriented, organized and responsive to requests and deadlines.
- Excellent analytical. Organizational and communication skills
- Collaborative, solution-oriented team leader and colleague.
- Experience developing and managing budgets, including both revenue and expense.
- Advanced proficiency in MS Office software, Adobe, Canva and or other presentation too
- Periodic travel domestic and international to key association meetings or industry events
- Due to the needs of TEA’s global membership, participation in occasional early morning or evening calls will be required
- Position is Hybrid-Chicago – 60% remote with 40% in person from TEA’s office near O’Hare airportÂ
SEARCH PROCESS
This search is being conducted by Tuft & Associates. Those interested in applying should email a confidential resume and a cover letter outlining specific qualifications to: Mary McMahon, Tuft & Associates, [email protected], 312-642-8889
Tuft & Associates, Inc.
Related jobs:
Pylon Utility (Utility II) for ESPN
Job Description:
ESPN is seeking a Pylon Utility II for the college football game between Ohio and Kentucky at Kroger Field in Lexington, KY. The selected individual will be responsible for setting up and operating pylon cameras, ensuring that key game moments are captured efficiently and effectively. This role is crucial for providing high-quality footage from unique angles during the live broadcast.
Job Responsibilities:
- Set up and operate pylon cameras around the football field to capture specific game moments.
- Ensure that all camera equipment is functioning properly throughout the game.
- Work closely with the production team to ensure proper camera positioning and coverage.
- Troubleshoot any technical issues that arise with the cameras during the game.
- Safely handle and transport camera equipment to and from the field.
Requirements:
- Experience in a similar utility or camera operation role, particularly in live sports production, is preferred.
- Must be physically fit to work on the field and handle camera equipment.
- Ability to troubleshoot technical issues and perform under pressure during live events.
- Familiarity with football and field layouts is beneficial.
- Strong team player with the ability to follow directions from the production crew.
Compensation:
- Competitive daily rate based on industry standards.
Pylon Utility (Utility II) for ESPN
Job Description:
ESPN is seeking a Pylon Utility II to assist in the production of a college football game between Bowling Green and Texas A&M at Kyle Field in College Station, TX. The chosen individual will be responsible for setting up and operating pylon cameras, ensuring smooth operation throughout the game to capture key moments on the field.
Job Responsibilities:
- Set up, operate, and manage pylon cameras positioned around the field.
- Ensure camera angles and equipment are correctly placed to capture essential game footage.
- Work closely with the production crew to troubleshoot and resolve any technical issues that may arise during the game.
- Assist in safely handling and transporting the pylon camera equipment.
- Follow all directions from the production team to ensure seamless operations.
Requirements:
- Prior experience in a utility or camera operation role, particularly in live sports production, is preferred.
- Physically capable of working on the field, setting up equipment, and managing camera operation for the duration of the event.
- Ability to troubleshoot technical problems quickly and efficiently.
- Familiarity with football field layouts and game dynamics is beneficial.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and collaborate with a team.
Compensation:
- Competitive daily rate based on industry standards.
Pylon Utility (Utility II) for ESPN
Job Description:
ESPN is seeking a Pylon Utility II to work at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, for the college football game between Akron and South Carolina. The selected individual will assist in setting up, managing, and operating pylon cameras on the field, ensuring proper coverage and performance throughout the game.
Job Responsibilities:
- Set up and operate pylon cameras around the field to capture key game moments.
- Ensure all pylon camera equipment is functioning properly throughout the event.
- Troubleshoot any technical issues that arise with the camera equipment.
- Work closely with the production crew to ensure all footage is captured accurately.
- Safely manage and transport equipment to and from the field.
Requirements:
- Experience working in a similar utility or camera operation role is preferred.
- Must be physically fit and capable of working on the field, setting up equipment, and ensuring smooth operation during the game.
- Strong technical troubleshooting skills to address any equipment issues under pressure.
- Knowledge of football and field layouts is beneficial.
- Ability to work well within a team and take direction from the production crew.
Compensation:
- Competitive daily rate based on industry standards.
Pylon Utility (Utility II) for ESPN
Job Description:
ESPN is seeking a Pylon Utility II for an upcoming college football game between Vanderbilt and Missouri at Faurot Field in Columbia, MO. The selected candidate will assist with setting up and operating pylon cameras on the field, ensuring that all equipment is working correctly and capturing footage from specific angles.
Job Responsibilities:
- Set up, manage, and operate pylon cameras during the game.
- Ensure camera angles are properly positioned to capture key moments of the game.
- Collaborate with the production team to ensure all equipment is functioning smoothly.
- Troubleshoot any technical issues with the pylon cameras as they arise.
- Follow directions from the production crew and ensure timely setup and operation.
Requirements:
- Previous experience in a similar utility or camera operation role is preferred.
- Must be physically fit and able to work on the field, setting up equipment and ensuring smooth camera operation.
- Ability to troubleshoot technical issues under pressure during live events.
- Knowledge of football and field layouts is beneficial.
- Must be a team player and able to take direction well.
Compensation:
- Competitive daily rate based on industry standards.
Casting Call: Music Video Roles
Job Description:
We are casting for a variety of roles in an upcoming music video shoot. The shoot will take place over a period of up to 12 hours, and full availability is required. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a dynamic music video production.
Roles Needed:
- White, Slim Male (Dressed as Alien, Must Act)
- Compensation: $400
- Requirements: Must be comfortable acting in an alien costume.
- Boy (Aged 7-8)
- Compensation: $200
- Requirements: A boy aged 7-8 to perform in various scenes.
- Girl (Aged 7-8)
- Compensation: $200
- Requirements: A girl aged 7-8 to perform in various scenes.
- 6 Tall, Muscular Men (Aged 25-35, Security Guard Look)
- Compensation: $300
- Requirements: Tall, muscular men to portray security guards.
- 4 Extras (Male/Female, Aged 21-60)
- Compensation: $240
- Requirements: Extras to perform in various background roles.
Job Responsibilities:
- Follow direction from the production team.
- Portray your assigned role professionally during filming.
- Be available for up to 12 hours of shooting (overtime paid if longer).
Requirements:
- Full availability for the shoot day.
- Must be punctual and professional.
- Ability to follow directions on set.
- No last-minute cancellations, please.
Compensation:
- Compensation ranges from $200 to $400 depending on the role.
- Overtime pay will be provided if the shoot exceeds 12 hours.
Casting Call: Real Soccer Players (Non-Union)
Job Description:
We are casting real soccer players, aged 18 and older, for an upcoming production in the DC/VA area. This is an exciting opportunity for experienced soccer players to showcase their skills on camera. The production requires athletic individuals who can accurately portray soccer players in action-packed scenes.
Job Responsibilities:
- Perform as a soccer player in various on-field action scenes.
- Follow the direction of the production team to ensure dynamic and engaging footage.
- Collaborate with other cast members and maintain a high level of professionalism.
- Display your soccer abilities, including dribbling, passing, shooting, and general play.
Requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Must have real soccer playing experience.
- Available for the full duration of the shoot.
- Must be able to work in the DC/VA area.
Compensation:
- $500 per day (Non-Union).
Casting Call: Actors for Upcoming Project in San Diego, CA
Job Description:
We are casting for a variety of roles in an upcoming project shooting in San Diego, CA. We are looking for actors of all ages and ethnicities. This is a great opportunity for local talent to gain experience in a professional production. Actors are not required to be available for all shoot days but should list their availability during the production window.
Job Responsibilities:
- Perform in various roles as assigned by the production team.
- Follow directions from the production team to ensure the scenes are executed smoothly.
- Be punctual, professional, and collaborative with other cast members and crew.
Available Roles:
- Casting for Kids
- Boys and girls, aged 9-15, all ethnicities.
- Casting for Young Adults
- Males and females, aged 18-25, all ethnicities.
- Casting for Adults
- Males and females, aged 25 and up, all ethnicities.
Requirements:
- Must be local to San Diego, CA.
- All ethnicities are welcome.
- Provide your availability for the production dates in your submission.
Compensation:
- SAG rate: $216/8 hours.
- Non-union rate: $140/8 hours.
Casting Call: Little League Players for New Hulu Series
Job Description:
We are casting male minors aged 8-10 to work as “Little League Players” for an upcoming Hulu series. This role requires young actors who are comfortable playing baseball and have active work permits. The selected actors will participate in various scenes portraying young baseball players.
Job Responsibilities:
- Portray a Little League baseball player in various scenes.
- Participate in baseball-related actions and follow directions from the production team.
- Work professionally on set and collaborate with other young actors and crew members.
Requirements:
- Male minors, ages 8-10.
- Must have an active work permit.
- Must own baseball cleats.
- Open to both union and non-union talent.
- Must be able to work in the Los Angeles, CA area.
Compensation:
- SAG rate of $216 for 8 hours of work.
Casting Call: Lead Male for Music Video in Atlanta
Job Description:
We are seeking a Black male model/actor to portray the artist’s love interest in an upcoming music video shoot in Atlanta. This is a featured role that requires on-camera interaction with the artist, including a scene where the artist will be dancing on you. Confidence, charisma, and comfort in front of the camera are key.
Job Responsibilities:
- Portray the lead male character, the love interest of the artist, in various scenes.
- Participate in a scene where the artist will be dancing on you; must be comfortable with close interaction.
- Follow the direction of the production team and work closely with the artist to ensure a smooth performance.
- Maintain professionalism on set and collaborate effectively with the crew and other cast members.
Requirements:
- Black male, aged 21-35.
- Must be comfortable with the artist dancing on you during a scene.
- Must be local to Atlanta (no travel compensation provided).
- Available for both filming days (exact date to be confirmed).
Compensation:
- $400 for the shoot.
Casting Call: Featured Female Models for Music Video in Atlanta
Job Description:
We are casting a group of female models to portray the artist’s entourage in an upcoming music video shoot in Atlanta. This is a featured role that requires models who can bring style, confidence, and energy to the video while working alongside the artist.
Job Responsibilities:
- Portray members of the artist’s entourage in various scenes throughout the music video.
- Follow the direction of the production team to bring flair and attitude to the scenes.
- Collaborate professionally with the crew and other models for a smooth and dynamic shoot.
Requirements:
- Female, aged 18-30.
- Any ethnicity.
- Must be local to Atlanta (no travel compensation provided).
- Available for both filming days (exact date to be confirmed).
Compensation:
- $400 for the shoot.
Casting Call: Featured Athletic/Fit Male Models for Music Video in Atlanta
Job Description:
We are seeking athletic and fit male models for a music video shoot in Atlanta. These featured roles will appear in vignettes alongside the artist, requiring individuals who are confident, camera-ready, and physically fit.
Job Responsibilities:
- Portray athletic and fit characters in various vignettes for the music video.
- Follow the direction of the production team and artist to bring energy and style to each scene.
- Work professionally with the crew and other cast members to ensure the shoot runs smoothly.
Requirements:
- Male, aged 21-35.
- Any ethnicity.
- Must be athletic or physically fit.
- Must be local to Atlanta (no travel compensation provided).
- Available for both filming days (exact date to be confirmed).
Compensation:
- $300 for the shoot.
Casting Call: Male Models Comfortable with Smoking for Music Video in Atlanta
Job Description:
We are casting two male models for an upcoming music video shoot in Atlanta. The role requires individuals who are comfortable smoking in a car while the artist walks by. This is a non-speaking role with simple action, perfect for male models looking to be part of a high-energy music video production.
Job Responsibilities:
- Portray a male model smoking in a car as the artist walks by in a scene.
- Follow direction from the production team to ensure smooth execution of the scene.
- Maintain professionalism on set and collaborate with the crew for an efficient shoot.
Requirements:
- Male, aged 18-30.
- Any ethnicity.
- Must be comfortable with smoking on camera.
- Must be local to Atlanta (no travel compensation provided).
- Available for both filming days (exact date to be confirmed).
Compensation:
- $200 for the shoot.