Director of Operations

Position: Director of Operations

Department: Operations & Administration

Reports to: Managing Director

Classification: Regular, Full-time, Non-exempt   

Compensation: $91,699.95 Annually

Grade: 29

Posting Date: 1/28/2026

Application Review Begins: 2/15/2026

Preferred Start Date: 03/23/2026

Position Summary:

The Director of Operations ensures that the organization’s people, programs, and audiences are supported by strong systems, functional facilities, and seamless logistics. This role translates artistic and programmatic vision into executable operational plans, aligns organizational capacity with ambition, and serves as a central connector across departments. 

The Director of Operations is responsible for stewarding the organization’s physical spaces, overseeing front-of-house and public-facing operations, and maintaining the internal systems that allow the work to thrive. This is a senior managerial role, one tier below the executive leadership team, focused on execution, coordination, and operational excellence rather than enterprise-wide strategy or creative direction. 

About SCT:

Seattle Children's Theatre (SCT) has served more than 4 million children since its founding in 1975 through professional theatre and arts education in the Puget Sound region and beyond. Our mission is to provide children of all ages access to professional theatre, with a focus on new works and theatre education.

SCT is committed to equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in all areas of our work. We encourage applicants of all races, ethnicities, religions, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, and backgrounds to apply. We value nontraditional career paths and transferable skills.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:  

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Facilities Manager
• Front of House staff and managers
• Operations Manager & Board Liaison
• Additional operations or logistics staff as assigned

Front of House, Rentals & Public-Facing Operations

• Oversee all front-of-house functions, including house management and guest services.
• Supervise operations related to rentals and external events.
• Oversee the volunteer program, gift shop, and concessions.
• Ensure accessible, welcoming, and high-quality audience experiences.
• Develop and maintain FOH staffing systems and training protocols.

Facilities & Physical Plant Oversight

• In partnership with Managing Director and Facilities Manager, oversee the overall facilities strategy and long-range planning.
• In collaboration with Safety Head, Facilities Manager and Human Resource Business Partner, oversee OSHA compliance standards.
• Support Facilities Manager to ensure preventive maintenance systems are followed.
• Manage relationships with vendors, contractors, and service providers.
• Oversee building systems, safety infrastructure, and compliance.
• Coordinate space usage across programs and departments.
• Partner with executive leadership on capital planning and renovations.

Organizational Systems Coordination

• Serve as the central clearinghouse for scheduling, space use, and shared resources.
• Maintain an organizational “bird’s-eye view” of how activities intersect.
• Translate ideas into clear, realistic operational plans that reflect staffing, space, scheduling, and system capacity.
• Identify potential conflicts, pinch points, and risks early; propose and implement solutions.
• Maintain a master operational calendar that integrates activity across departments.
• Ensure internal events and gatherings are well-supported operationally.
• Oversee room setups, internal logistics, and space coordination for programs and events.
• Support departments with AV, equipment, furniture, and facility-related needs.
• Develop systems that make internal work easier and more efficient.

Culture, Communication & Leadership Presence

• Support organization wide communication and collaboration, including All Staff Meetings, event& programming retros, Safety Committee, IDEA Team, and employee engagement.
• Model calm, clarity, and solution-oriented leadership.
• Promote a culture of planning, accountability, and mutual respect.
• Act as a key culture carrier through how work is structured and supported.

Labor Relations & Contracting 

• Support Managing Director in labor contract negotiations.
• Support the implementation of union agreements and contracts.
• Provide organization wide support in contracting.

Other Responsibilities:

• Contribute positively to the organization's culture and success.
• Actively participate in equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion initiatives, including attending all-staff meetings & training.
• Embody the organization's mission, vision, and values in all work aspects.
• Other Duties as assigned

Qualifying Skills:

We recognize that experience can come from many places. This reflects our commitment to skills-based hiring, which focuses on a candidate’s ability to perform essential job functions—regardless of whether those skills were developed through formal education, professional experience, community work, or lived experience. If you meet most of the qualifications and are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply.

Required Skills:

• 7+ years of experience in operations, facilities, or organizational management in a complex, people-centered environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage systems across multiple departments.
• Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong customer service skills
• Experience supervising staff and building functional teams.
• Ability to remain calm and solution-oriented in high-pressure situations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Skills & Nice-to-Haves:

• Experience in a unionized environment.
• Familiarity with front-of-house or public-facing operations.
• Experience overseeing facilities or multi-use spaces.
• Knowledge of accessibility and inclusive design principles.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment: 

SCT will make reasonable accommodations to ensure accessibility for all employees.

Location:

This position is based at 201 Thomas St, Seattle, WA, in a typical office setting. The work requires on-site presence with occasional evenings and weekends. The site is accessible via public transportation. After a successful 90-day introductory period, this position becomes eligible for one regularly scheduled remote workday per week. Remote work approval is subject to the needs of the business and must be coordinated in advance with the employee’s supervisor.

Schedule:

This is a full-time, hourly position mostly scheduled for 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 9am – 5pm. Often some weekend hours may be required to support the Front of House operations. Occasionally some evening hours may be needed for event support including fundraising events and Opening Nights. Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance may be discussed as needed. 

Tasks May Include:

·       Remaining in a stationary position for extended periods.

·       Using computers, phones, and office equipment.

·       Moving printed materials and supplies up to 20 lbs.

·       Navigating office space for meetings and collaboration.

Benefits:

·       Pay Range: $91,699.95 - $91,699.95  (non-exempt, Grade 29)

·       Generous Vacation & Sick Time

·       Health, Dental, and Vision: Employer-paid coverage

·       Retirement: Optional 403(b) plan

·       Additional: FSA options, ORCA Passport, discounted parking

SCT uses a transparent, negotiation-free compensation structure to ensure pay equity across roles. Grade levels and pay are based on the scope and responsibilities outlined in each job description.

How to Apply

To apply, submit your resume and cover letter through our website at https://www.sct.org/about-us/work-with-us/available-positions/. Applications will be reviewed and the position will remain open until filled.

If you need accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact shannont@sct.org.

Additional Information:  

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. 

Seattle Children's Theatre provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We are committed to building a welcoming workplace for people of all backgrounds and experiences. We believe that diversity of thought, background, and identity makes us stronger and enriches our work.