Vice President of Operations

Vice President of OperationsThe Vice President of Operations is a senior leadership role holding responsibility for elements of strategic, financial, and operational performance of the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Reporting to the President and CEO and serving as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, this position functions as the organization's operations leader, ensuring that the campus, systems, people, and technology support a best-in-class performing arts experience for artists, audiences, staff and volunteers.The Vice President of Operations provides leadership across production, audience services, technology, engineering, security, parking, concessions, facility operations, maintenance, and capital projects. The role directly supervises the Operations and Production Director, Technology Director, and Audience Services Manager and indirectly leads a department that has grown to 25 full-time employees and 50+ part-time employees. The successful candidate will be a strategic, collaborative, and execution-oriented leader who can strengthen operational systems, lead high-performing teams, steward major physical assets, and support the continued growth and development of a major nonprofit performing arts center.Major functions include:Leadership and Organizational StrategyProduction and Event ServicesFacilities, Safety, Compliance, and Capital ProjectsFinancial Management, Contracts, and Vendor RelationsPeople Leadership and CultureTraits and characteristics include:A seasoned operational executive who understands the complexity of a major performing arts venue and can lead both strategy and execution.A calm, decisive, and solutions-oriented leader who can manage competing priorities, urgent issues, and high-volume event activity with sound judgment.A collaborative partner who builds trust across departments, vendors, artists, tenants, public agencies, board members, donors, patrons, and community stakeholders.A strong communicator who can quickly translate needs into action, provide clear direction, and keep teams aligned around shared goals.A people-centered manager who develops leaders, holds teams accountable, and creates conditions for staff to do excellent work in a sustainable way.Skills and qualifications include:Significant senior leadership experience in venue operations, performing arts, live entertainment, hospitality, cultural facilities, convention/event centers, or a similarly complex public-facing operating environment.Demonstrated ability to lead large, multi-disciplinary teams and supervise department leaders across production, facilities, audience services, technology, security, parking, concessions, or related functions.Experience developing and managing operating and capital budgets, negotiating contracts, overseeing vendors, and exercising strong financial judgment.Strong understanding of safety, emergency preparedness, risk management, compliance, accessibility, building systems, event operations, and public assembly venue standards.Proven project management skills, including the ability to lead capital improvements, maintenance initiatives, cross-functional projects, and process improvements from planning through completion.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with staff, board members, donors, volunteers, patrons, resident companies, rental clients, public officials, and community partners.High proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort using technology, data, and operating systems to support decision-making, communication, reporting, and accountability.Compensation includes a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, a 403b savings plan with matching employer contributions, mobile phone stipend, parking, and paid time off. The anticipated hiring range for this position is $150,000-$175,000 base compensation annually. A performance-based incentive program is provided as well.The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts deepens understanding of our shared humanity. By presenting engaging performances and educational programs, we strengthen our sense of belonging and help shape a more cohesive and connected Houston community. Opened in 2002, the Hobby Center campus includes the 2,650-seat Sarofim Hall and the 500-seat Zilkha Hall. Delivering a best-in-class patron experience, the Hobby Center welcomes more than 400,000 audience members annually for high-quality arts programming, including the Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center series, a full season of musical theatre produced by Principal Resident Company Theatre Under the Stars, and a wide range of performances from Houston-based and touring artists and companies. Education, accessibility, and community engagement are central to the Hobby Center's impact through programs such as the ExxonMobil Discovery Series, Sensory Inclusive performances, and exemplary customer service through the Access Team. The organization is implementing a strategic plan that expands its role in the Houston arts community and advances a new era of growth, access, and civic impact.The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts is an equal opportunity employer where equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility are deeply valued.