Operations Manager - Maggie Daley Park

About the role

• Job Title: Operations Manager - Maggie Daley Park
• Reports To: Facility Manager
• Employment Type: Full-Time/ Salaried - Exempt

Job Summary

The Operations Manager plays a critical leadership role in the smooth, safe, and efficient daily operations of Maggie Daley Park’s key attractions, events, and seasonal activities.

This includes oversight of The Ribbon (used for ice skating in winter and roller activities in warmer months), the climbing wall, light show installations, public programming, private rentals, and new initiatives that enhance visitor engagement and community involvement. The ideal candidate is both operationally strategic and hands-on, with a strong background in event management, outdoor venue operations, and guest services.

This individual will work closely with internal departments, city agencies, third-party vendors, and seasonal staff to ensure a seamless park experience for annual visitors.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations for all park attractions, including but not limited to the ribbon (ice skating/roller skating), climbing wall, Seasonal activations like holiday light shows, pop-up markets, food & beverage programming, and fitness classes, and more.
• Ensure attractions are staffed, safe, clean, and prepared for guests on a daily basis
• Implement and uphold operational standards, cleanliness protocols, and safety guidelines
• Work cross-functionally with Park Maintenance and Facility Manager teams to resolve issues swiftly.
• Lead planning and execution of all events and programming within the park from an operations standpoint.
• Manage logistics including setup, teardown, staffing, security, signage, vendor coordination, and sound/electrical needs
• Serve as on-site lead during key events, ensuring smooth operations, real-time problem-solving, and positive guest experiences
• Develop operational plans for seasonal features like the Christmas Light Show, including permitting, installation schedules, and vendor management
• Monitor and enhance guest experience, ensuring all areas are welcoming, inclusive, and engaging
• Act as primary point of contact for escalated guest concerns or emergency response situations
• Conduct regular walkthroughs to ensure ADA compliance, risk mitigation, and accessibility
• Evaluate the success of new initiatives and propose scaling strategies
• Identify emerging trends in urban public spaces and recommend future park features or improvements.
• Assist with budget development and cost tracking for seasonal programming and daily operations.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, revenue, staffing, maintenance logs, and incident reports
• Support grant application processes and community outreach efforts by providing operational data
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Hospitality, Event Management, Public Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Relevant work experience may substitute for formal education.
• Additional certifications in safety, event operations, or project management are a plus.

Skills & Abilities

• 3–5 years of relevant experience in operations, venue/event management, outdoor recreation, or public programming
• Excellent organizational and project management skills; ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Familiarity with event permitting, vendor coordination, safety inspections, and emergency procedures
• Comfortable working outdoors year-round and during irregular hours, including holidays and weekends
• Knowledge of accessibility standards and ADA compliance
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certified (or willingness to obtain within 60 days of hire)
• Ability to work weekend, evenings, mornings, and holidays.

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
• Health, dental, vision insurance
• 401(k) investment plan
• Employer-paid and supplemental life insurance
• Short-and long-term disability insurance available

Physical Demands

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to work both indoors and outdoors, sometimes inclement weather.
• Employee must be able to lift 50lbs and must have the physical ability to maneuver around the facility, at times, walking and/or standing up to 8-10 hours daily.

Recruiter: Maggie Szot, Sr. Human Resource Manager

Location: Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, IL