Artistic Operations Associate

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization located in the heart of Arlington Heights, Illinois. It houses a 329-seat professional theater, and a school of performing arts offering drama, dance, and music lessons to artists of all ages. Metropolis’ mission is to create an artistic home for performers, students, and audience members by making the arts accessible in our community.

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Artistic Operations Associate is a central administrative role that supports both the artistic company and daily operations at Metropolis. This position manages and administers contracts and onboarding, while also overseeing office organization, supplies, and scheduling. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive, with the ability to balance multiple projects in a fast-paced theater environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Manage and file contracts following initial negotiations by the Artistic Director and/or General Manager.
• Utilize Docusign to track, organize, and file contracts for production staff (including designers, actors, and technicians) following initial negotiations by senior staff.
• Coordinate welcome packets and onboarding documents. 
• Track actor hours and pay rates for produced shows.
• Assist with submitting payroll.
• Take meeting notes as needed to support communication and record-keeping.
• Provide administrative support for Metropolis Presents programming, including contract coordination and advancing, in collaboration with the Artistic and Production teams.
• Assist with day-of-show production management needs when appropriate.
• Manage and execute online order purchase returns.
• Maintain supplies for the office, kitchen, and backstage/dressing room areas.
• Coordinate organization projects, such as shredding, sorting, and archival clean-up.
• Manage calendar updates, rehearsal schedules, and room reservations.
• Support general workplace organization and create systems to improve efficiency.
• Demonstrate PERFORM values of Metropolis and create an inclusive/accessible environment for all.
• Complete other duties as assigned by the Artistic Director, General Manager, or Executive Director. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Minimum high school diploma, some college courses preferred.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Excel, and calendar management tools.
• Familiarity with theater operations, production processes, and artist support.
• Self-starter who identifies needs and takes initiative without waiting for assignment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrated ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented, and resourceful.
• Collaborative team player who can work with artistic, administrative, and production staff.
• Flexible, adaptable, and comfortable shifting between production and office tasks.
• Passionate about live theater and creating a welcoming environment for artists and staff.
• Evening and weekend availability is essential to meet production and event schedules.

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and
provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and
prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoffs, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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