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 SUMMARY
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.
- A key stakeholder in the development of TEA’s operational and project plans in support of the overall company strategic plan.
- 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 staff
- 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.
- 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 airport
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, cbabjak@tuftassoc.com, 312-642-8889
Tuft & Associates, Inc.
Related jobs:
Job Description
A corporate interview-style production shooting in Chambersburg is now seeking experienced local crew members for a one-day shoot. Producers are looking to hire reliable professionals who can help execute a polished corporate production with clean visuals, lighting, sound, and media management.
The production is currently sourcing crew in preparation for final approval and is seeking candidates who can work efficiently in a fast-paced on-set environment.
Job Responsibilities
Open crew positions include:
- B-Cam Operator
- Capture clean corporate interview coverage
- Work alongside the A-camera team
- Gaffer
- Assist with simple, polished interview lighting setups
- Coordinate lighting equipment and setup needs
- Grip
- Support lighting and production setup
- Assist crew movement and equipment handling
- Sound Mixer
- Capture clean interview audio
- Provide lavaliers, boom, and mixer/recorder setup
- DIT / Media Manager
- Handle media offload, verification, and organization throughout production
- Production Assistant (PA)
- Provide general set support
- Help maintain efficient production flow
Requirements
- Must be local to the Chambersburg area
- Production cannot provide lodging or transportation
- Prior corporate production experience preferred
- Must be able to work efficiently in a professional set environment
- Applicants should submit:
- Desired role
- Rate information
- Relevant gear details (if applicable)
- Portfolio or relevant work samples
Compensation Details
- B-Cam Operator: $550
- Gaffer: $600
- Grip: $600
- Sound Mixer: $650 labor + $350 kit fee
- DIT / Media Manager: $500
- Production Assistant: $250
Boom Operator for Film Production
Job Description
A Savannah film production is now hiring a Boom Operator to support the sound department during filming. This role is ideal for audio professionals with experience operating boom microphones and assisting with on-set sound capture.
Job Responsibilities
- Operate boom microphones during filming
- Assist the sound mixer with audio recording tasks
- Position microphones for optimal sound quality
- Follow production direction during active scenes
- Maintain audio equipment throughout production
Requirements
- Previous boom operating experience preferred
- Familiarity with film sound equipment and set etiquette
- Ability to work long production hours if needed
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Must be local to Savannah, Georgia
Compensation
- Paid or unpaid opportunity depending on production needs
- Opportunity to gain experience on a professional production set
- Build industry relationships and production credits
Sound Mixer for Film Production
Job Description
A film production in Savannah, Georgia is now seeking a skilled Sound Mixer to join the crew. The production team is looking for audio professionals who can capture high-quality sound and maintain professional audio standards during filming.
Job Responsibilities
- Record and monitor audio during production
- Operate sound mixing and recording equipment
- Collaborate with the production team to maintain audio quality
- Troubleshoot sound issues during filming
- Ensure clean and consistent sound capture on set
Requirements
- Experience with production sound mixing preferred
- Knowledge of professional audio equipment and workflows
- Strong communication and technical skills
- Ability to work efficiently during production schedules
- Must be local to Savannah, Georgia
Compensation
- Paid or unpaid opportunity depending on production arrangements
- Opportunity to work on an active film production
- Build professional credits and portfolio experience
Script Supervisor for Film Production
Job Description
A film production shooting in Savannah, Georgia is now hiring a Script Supervisor to oversee continuity and script tracking throughout filming. The production team is seeking an organized and detail-oriented professional to support smooth production operations on set.
Job Responsibilities
- Monitor script continuity during filming
- Track scene details, dialogue changes, and production notes
- Collaborate with the director and production departments
- Ensure consistency across shots and scenes
- Maintain organized production records throughout filming
Requirements
- Previous script supervision experience preferred
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Attention to detail and continuity management abilities
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced production environment
- Must be local to Savannah, Georgia
Compensation
- Paid or unpaid opportunity based on production needs
- Opportunity to work on an independent film production
- Build industry credits and professional experience
2nd Assistant Camera (2nd AC) for Music Video Production
Job Description
A Savannah-based music video production is seeking a 2nd Assistant Camera (2nd AC) to assist the camera department during filming. This role is ideal for crew professionals looking to gain hands-on production experience on an active set.
Job Responsibilities
- Support the camera department with equipment and setup
- Assist with slating, media handling, and gear organization
- Help maintain production workflow during filming
- Coordinate with the camera team throughout shoot days
- Ensure equipment is safely managed on set
Requirements
- Experience in film production or camera department work preferred
- Organized and detail-oriented work style
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Must be local to Savannah, Georgia
Compensation
- Paid or unpaid opportunity based on production needs
- Gain hands-on experience in music video production
- Networking opportunity with industry professionals
1st Assistant Camera (1st AC) for Music Video Production
Job Description
A music video production filming in Savannah, Georgia is now hiring a 1st Assistant Camera (1st AC) to join the crew. The production team is seeking experienced professionals who can support the camera department and maintain smooth filming operations on set.
Job Responsibilities
- Assist the camera operator and director of photography during filming
- Manage camera setup, focus pulling, and equipment maintenance
- Ensure camera gear is prepared and functioning properly
- Support efficient workflow on set during production
- Coordinate with crew members to maintain production schedules
Requirements
- Previous experience working in the camera department preferred
- Familiarity with professional film and video equipment
- Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Must be able to work locally in Savannah, Georgia
Compensation
- Paid or unpaid depending on production arrangements
- Opportunity to work on a music video production
- Build experience and industry connections
Colorist for “Sherlock Holmes Vampire Slayer”
Job Description
The production team behind Sherlock Holmes Vampire Slayer is now seeking a skilled Colorist to join the post-production crew. This opportunity is ideal for creative professionals with experience in cinematic color grading and visual storytelling who are looking to collaborate on an independent film project.
Job Responsibilities
- Color grade footage for the film project
- Collaborate with the director and editing team to achieve the desired visual tone
- Maintain visual consistency across scenes
- Enhance cinematic quality through professional color correction techniques
- Deliver finalized graded footage within production deadlines
Requirements
- Experience with professional color grading software preferred
- Strong understanding of cinematic color theory and visual storytelling
- Portfolio or reel showcasing previous color work required
- Ability to work collaboratively with a creative production team
- Strong attention to detail and post-production workflow
Compensation
- Paid or unpaid opportunity depending on experience and project needs
- Opportunity to work on an independent film production
- Build credits and expand professional portfolio
Job Description
A comedy production titled No Commando is seeking actors and production crew members for a non-paid project. The production is casting multiple lead, supporting, and background roles for a comedic story centered around relationships, law enforcement, and over-the-top situations.
The team is also looking for crew members interested in gaining experience on an independent production set. Serious inquiries only.
Job Responsibilities
- Perform scripted scenes for a comedy production
- Collaborate with directors and fellow cast members during filming
- Attend scheduled rehearsals and production days
- Maintain professionalism on set
- Crew members will assist with technical and production support duties
Requirements
Lead Role
Tasha
- Female, ages 25–35
- Strong comedic and dramatic presence
Supporting Roles
Officer
- Female, ages 25–35
- Portrays a by-the-book cop
ShoKesha
- Female, ages 25–35
- Plays a laid-back CEA agent
Young T Wilson
- Male, ages 30–40
- Sheriff with a heart of gold
Father Support
- Male, ages 40–55
- No-nonsense second-in-command character
Yahura
- Female, ages 30–45
- Drama queen girlfriend role
Brian
- Male, ages 25–35
- Tasha’s friend and go-between
Shae
- Female, ages 21–27
- Hot-headed cop role
Erica
- Female, ages 25–35
- Tasha’s best friend
Background Roles
- Audience members
- Sheriffs
- No Commando members
Production Crew Needed
- Sound Engineer
- Cameraman
- Gaffer
- Assistant Director (AD)
Compensation Details
- Non-paid opportunity
- Experience and networking opportunity for actors and crew
Job Description
Moving Picture Rental is now seeking rental and production support staff in Central Florida. The company is looking for reliable drivers and crew support professionals to assist with equipment transportation and production logistics. This opportunity is ideal for film and production crew members looking to supplement their income between on-location projects.
Job Responsibilities
- Transport production and rental equipment to various locations
- Assist with production support and logistics operations
- Safely handle and store equipment when required
- Coordinate with the production and rental team on deliveries and pickups
- Maintain professionalism while representing the company on assignments
Requirements
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation preferred
- Experience in production, film, or equipment handling is a plus
- Ability to safely store production equipment at home or office is beneficial but not required
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Must be located in or near Central Florida
Compensation Details
- Paid production support opportunity
- Compensation details shared with selected applicants
Job Description
An episodic film project is seeking crew members for “H-Town Chronicles: Episode 5,” filming in the Houston area. This creative production follows a high-energy, character-driven story set during spring break, blending humor, chaos, and urban adventure. The team is looking for passionate creatives to help bring this unique vision to life across multiple departments.
Job Responsibilities
- Assist in various production departments based on assigned crew role
- Collaborate with the production team to execute the creative vision
- Support on-set operations including lighting, sound, wardrobe, and logistics
- Maintain professionalism and adaptability in a fast-paced filming environment
Requirements
- Open to crew roles including Assistant Director, Gaffer, Grip, Sound Mixer, Boom Operator, Hair & Makeup, Wardrobe Stylist, BTS Videographer, Production Assistant, and Post-Production Editor
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Passion for film production and storytelling
- Ability to work on location in Houston
Compensation
- Unpaid opportunity
- Gain hands-on experience and build industry credits
Job Description
An independent feature film is now hiring crew members for an upcoming production filming in the Houston area. This drama centers on a complex story of love, betrayal, and emotional conflict, offering a compelling behind-the-scenes opportunity for skilled creatives to contribute to a powerful narrative project.
Job Responsibilities
- Support film production in assigned crew roles
- Collaborate with the production team to execute creative vision
- Assist with on-set operations and logistics
- Maintain professionalism and efficiency during filming
Requirements
- Experience in film production preferred for specialized roles
- Open to crew positions such as cinematographers and production assistants
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment
Compensation
- Paid crew positions
- Opportunity to gain experience on an independent feature film
Crew Members Casting Call for Production
Job Description
A paid production is seeking five crew members to participate in an upcoming shoot. This opportunity is open to individuals interested in working behind the scenes in a production environment. The team is looking for a balanced group to assist with various on-set responsibilities.
Job Responsibilities
- Assist with general on-set production tasks
- Follow direction from the production team
- Support filming operations as needed
- Maintain professionalism and teamwork on set
Requirements
- 3 males and 2 females
- Ages 27–50
- All ethnic backgrounds welcome
- No visible tattoos or piercings
- Must be available for the scheduled shoot date
- Must submit full application details including photos
Compensation
- $100 for 4 hours