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, [email protected], 312-642-8889

Tuft & Associates, Inc.