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Job Title:                      Business Operations Manager

Organization:               Visceral Dance Chicago NFP
Location:                      Chicago, IL
Start Date:                    Immediately
Employment Type:          Part-Time

 

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About Us:

Visceral Dance is a national and internationally recognized driving force in contemporary dance founded and led by Artistic Director, Nick Pupillo.  This company exemplifies his daring vision to explore the infinite possibilities of contemporary movement and present the best of emerging, established, and innovative choreographers. The company is recognized for its exceptional technicality, diversity, versatility, and daring athleticism. Our mission is to create work that is meaningful and powerful, that confronts us and connects us in a transformative way.

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Visceral Dance has been praised for its accessibility in programming by presenting dynamic performances that appeal to a wide range of audiences. In Chicago, Visceral Dance performs over 25 times a year and provides educational programming - expanding their reach while ensuring dance and art is accessible to all communities. We are a lean, mission-driven team that values creativity, equity, and transparency — in our art and in our operations. As we grow, we are seeking a skilled fundraising professional to partner with our leadership and board to strengthen our contributed revenue.

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Position Overview:

The Business Operations Manager is the administrative leader of the organization, working in close partnership with the Founder/Artistic Director as well as the Business Development Manager to advance the company’s mission and ensure its long-term financial health and operational excellence. This is a hands-on leadership role that spans finance, marketing, board engagement, and company operations. The ideal candidate brings a passion for the performing arts, strong business acumen, and experience managing the full administrative scope of a small-to-midsized arts nonprofit. We seek strong collaboration and interpersonal skills as you will be a key part of our team of colleagues, interns and volunteers that work closely together to drive an engaging and fulfilling culture for all.

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Key Responsibilities:

  • Financial Management

    • Develop and manage the annual operating budget in collaboration with the Founder/Artistic Director, Business Development Manager, and Board President and Treasurer

    • Oversee all financial operations including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and monthly reconciliations with accounting personnel

  • Prepare and present financial reports to the board of directors at regular meetings

  • Maintain compliance with all nonprofit financial regulations, IRS reporting requirements, and audit processes

  • Manage relationships with the external bookkeeper and/or auditor
     

  • Development & Fundraising

    • Oversee planning and execution of fundraising events, including the annual gala and cultivation events

    • Maintain Customer Relationship Management and marketing databases in collaboration with Business Development Manager

    • Partner with Business Development Manager to develop new funding opportunities aligned with the company’s mission

    • Marketing & Communications

    • Help develop and implement the annual marketing and communications plan across digital, print, and social channels in close partnership with board representatives and interns

    • Oversee production of all public-facing materials, including season announcements, program books, e-newsletters, and social media

    • Oversee the management of the company website and ensure content is current and on-brand

    • Build and maintain relationships with press, media, and community partners

    • Coordinate box office operations and audience development initiatives
       

  • Operations & Administration

    • Manage day-to-day business operations, including contracts, vendor relationships, and facilities coordination

    • Negotiate and execute contracts for dancers, choreographers, venues, and production personnel

    • Oversee company touring logistics, including travel, housing, and per diem management when applicable

    • Maintain organizational records, legal filings, and insurance policies

    • Supervise administrative staff and/or interns
       

  • Board Relations

    • Serve as the primary staff liaison to the board of directors

    • Support Board President in preparing agendas, financial reports, and supporting materials for board and committee meetings

    • Support board recruitment, onboarding, and engagement efforts

    • Ensure all governance documents, bylaws, and minutes are current and properly maintained

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Qualifications:

  • Required

    • Bachelor’s degree in arts administration, nonprofit management, business, or a related field — or equivalent professional experience

    • Minimum 3–5 years of progressive nonprofit management experience, preferably in the performing arts

    • Demonstrated experience managing budgets of $500K or greater

    • Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to represent the organization publicly

    • Proficiency with business operations software (Google/Microsoft Office) suites

    • Experience with donor management/CRM systems or equivalent databases

    • Collaborative leadership style with the ability to work effectively with an Artistic Director, board, staff, and artists

  • Preferred​

    • Experience in dance or contemporary performing arts administration

    • Experience with marketing platforms

    • Knowledge of ticketing systems (e.g., WIX)

    • Experience managing touring or production logistics

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​Compensation:

This is a part-time, salaried, exempt position. Compensation is commensurate with experience within the range of $38-42K annually (25 Hrs/Week). We are committed to equitable, transparent compensation practices. There is a 401k plan as well as an annual allocation for workshops and continuing education. Some additional perks include membership to Chicago Athletic Clubs, Guild Row Chicago Social Club, and Visceral Dance Center classes.

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Work Environment & Schedule

The Business Operations Manager works from the company’s administrative offices. Evening and weekend availability is required during major fundraising events, and board meetings.

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How to Apply

Interested consultants are invited to submit the following to [hiring email address]:

  • A brief letter of interest describing your approach to arts fundraising and relevant experience

  • A current resume or professional bio

  • Two or three samples of your work (e.g., grant narrative, donor appeal, campaign overview)

  • Three professional references

 

We will review submissions on a rolling basis and conduct initial conversations via phone or video. We welcome proposals from consultants at all career stages and strongly encourage submissions from BIPOC fundraisers and those with deep roots in the Chicago arts community.

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Visceral is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive environment for all employees.

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