Job Description

Chicago Artists Coalition helps people connect with opportunities including calls for artists, jobs, and available studio space

The Events Director plays a pivotal role in leading the Events Office at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. This position is key in the planning and execution of more than 300 annual performances, campus events, and facility rentals. This position serves as a key operational partner across departmentscoordinating technical, staffing, and logistical supportand ensuring high-quality service and professionalism throughout the lifecycle of each event.

The Director works closely with Programming, Production and Operations teams to assess the operational feasibility of proposed performances, providing input on scheduling, resources, and production logistics. While not responsible for curating or selecting artistic content, this role supports the overall success of the season by aligning programming goals with Krannert Centers operational capabilities.

Strong project management skills and a customer service mindset are essential, as the Director leads multi-layered event logistics and serves as a point of contact for artists, clients, vendors, and internal stakeholders. Office is located in a shared workspace; frequent evening and weekend work is required to support performances and events.

Duties & Responsibilities

Supervision and Administrative Oversight

• Supervise full-time staff members in the Events Office; as well as oversee graduate assistants, student employees, and hourly/extra help workers.
• Lead the planning and delivery of Krannert Center events. The Events team provides support to all visiting artist series programming, conferences, meetings, festivals, etc., ensuring coordination of logistics, staffing, transportation, hospitality, and technical needs, and supports the needs of other center activities as necessary.
• Serve as a primary liaison and venue representative for visiting artists and clients, ensuring professional, timely, and responsive service.
• Develop event budgets in collaboration with team members and cross-departmental partners; monitor charges and oversee timely billing.
• Collaborate with Production Department to allocate technical resources including personnel and equipment, manage venue scheduling and build technical and artist event schedules.
• Collaborate with Building Operations to assign facility staff and shared physical resources to events.
• Maintain organized records of event plans, policies, and procedures.
• Assist in calendaring workflows for the Marquee Series and School of Music events.

Event Planning and Implementation

• Collaborate with Programming to assess the feasibility of proposed events, offering operational input on scheduling, production needs, and resource availability.
• Evaluate technical riders and event requirements to determine feasibility and alignment with center capacity; identify necessary staff and equipment resources, and ensure clear communication of decisions to all internal stakeholders. Work with artists and clients to plan room setups and create event layout documentation.
• Assign event staffing and tasks, including serving as part of the on-site team; act as lead coordinator for select performances, rentals, and high-profile engagements.
• Serve as project lead/production manager for large-scale festivals and events.
• Direct crews as needed and facilitate start-of-show procedures.
• Lead the creation and implementation of workflows that ensure alignment and mutual support among departments throughout all phases of event planning and delivery.
• Drive university vehicles to safely transport artists, management, and/or equipment between venues and locations.

Training and Communication

• Build and maintain vendor relationships (e.g., hotels, caterers, rental providers) to support event implementation.
• Manage staff payroll processes and ensure timely submission of event billing.
• Serves as communications hub for distributing artist needs and requirements to key KCPA and external constituents including Front of House, Marketing, Food Services, and Building Operations. In collaboration with primary stakeholders, develop and communicate policies and procedures to provide transparent decision-making, enhance communication and improve efficiency. Coordinate with School of Music staff to support concerts and other academic events.

Other Responsibilities

• Provide input to leadership on operational needs and labor considerations, including IATSE contract-related matters.
• Contribute expertise in refining and updating Krannert Centers event planning policies and workflows.
• Stay informed on industry trends and best practices in performing arts operations, production logistics, and artist services.
• Participate in long-term planning and departmental initiatives as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• A total of three (3) years (36 months) in education, training, and/or work experience in live events and/or performing arts production environment.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience.
• Possession of valid Driver's License. (Provide at the time of applying)

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in a performing arts, project management, or hospitality-related field.
• 5+ years of experience in event or production management, including artist logistics, scheduling, or touring production support.
• Background in stage management or artist management.
• Familiar with large-scale venue management software systems like Momentus or Propared.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proven project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple timelines and priorities.
• Exceptional customer service orientation and interpersonal communication skills.
• Familiarity with event production and touring logistics in the performing arts.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; VectorWorks or similar CAD software preferred.
• Ability to interpret technical riders, stage plots, and production documentation.
• Collaborative, solutions-focused approach to working with artists, clients, and colleagues.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5003 - Program Director position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. The budgeted salary range for the position is $65,000-$70,000 annually. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements. Work authorization sponsorship is not available for this position.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at .

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on January 6th, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through will not be considered. Application materials should include a cover letter, a current resume, and contact information for at least three professional references. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Micki Hallam, HR Generalist, mhallam@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .

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Job Tags

Hourly pay, Full time, Contract work, Work experience placement, Work at office, Immediate start, Afternoon shift,

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