DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Full-Time, Exempt
Location: Cornelius, NC (On-site)
Salary Range: $90,000–$105,000, commensurate with experience
ABOUT CAIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Cain Center for the Arts is a multidisciplinary arts organization serving the Lake Norman region with a mission to provide exceptional visual arts, performing arts, and community experiences. Cain Center operates a growing multi-venue campus including Cain Center for the Arts, Goodrum House, and Puckett Pottery House. The organization presents professional performances, offers a wide range of arts education programs, produces visual arts exhibitions, and partners with the community to expand access to the arts. As Cain Center continues to expand, the organization is focused on building strong operational systems, clear leadership alignment, and sustainable infrastructure to support long-term growth.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Cain Center is seeking a Director of Operations to serve as a senior leader responsible for the overall performance, alignment, and continuous improvement of operations across the organization’s multi-venue environment. This role is accountable for the success of operations across the organization—not for directly executing the work of individual departments. The Director of Operations leads through a team of experienced managers and directors who are responsible for execution within their areas, ensuring that their work is strategically aligned, well-coordinated, and consistently delivered at a high level.
The Director of Operations serves as the organization’s central operational integrator, aligning people, systems, and resources to support:
- Performing arts programming
- Education and community programs
- Rentals and external partnerships
- Patron and guest experiences
The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of best practices in operating multi-disciplinary arts organizations and facilities and can apply that knowledge to strengthen systems, improve alignment, and support continued growth.
REPORTING STRUCTURE
Reports to: Executive Director
Direct Reports:
- Facilities Manager (and building services team)
- Technical Director (and production staff)
- Patron Services Manager (and front-of-house team)
- Food & Beverage Manager
- Volunteer Services Manager
LEADERSHIP APPROACH
The Director of Operations leads a team of functional managers responsible for execution across facilities, production, patron services, food & beverage, and volunteer engagement.
Success in this role requires the ability to:
- Lead through clarity of direction rather than direct execution
- Set goals and expectations that align team performance with organizational priorities
- Develop and support team leaders while holding them accountable for outcomes
- Ensure strong coordination across functions to deliver seamless programs and events
- Reinforce Cain Center’s culture of being hungry, humble, and smart
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Operational Leadership
- Lead the overall operational performance of the organization across all venues
- Set clear priorities, goals, and standards for operational departments
- Ensure alignment of execution with organizational strategy, culture, and expectations
- Provide direction and support to department leaders while maintaining accountability for results
- Identify gaps, reduce friction, and improve coordination across teams
- Ensure initiatives and projects are clearly defined, properly resourced, and executed with follow-through
Multi-Venue Facility Operations
- Oversee all facility operations across Cain Center for the Arts, Goodrum House, and Puckett Pottery House
- Ensure strong performance in custodial, maintenance, and groundskeeping functions
- Maintain safe, clean, and fully operational environments
- Manage vendor relationships and service contracts
- Support preventative maintenance, capital improvements, and long-term facility planning
- Ensure compliance with safety standards, codes, and regulations
Technology & Operational Infrastructure
- Ensure staff have access to effective tools, systems, and infrastructure
- Oversee operational technology and equipment lifecycle
- Partner with outsourced providers to manage IT and building systems
- Maintain disciplined and consistent system usage across teams
Safety, Security & Risk Management
- Oversee safety, security, and risk management across all facilities
- Maintain compliance with all applicable regulations and standards
- Lead emergency preparedness and response planning
- Coordinate insurance and risk mitigation practices
Rental Program Leadership
- Own the strategy, execution, and financial performance of the rental program
- Oversee the full lifecycle of rental activity, including booking, contracting, execution, and reconciliation
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key and long-term clients
- Serve as a senior point of contact for high-value rental relationships
- Analyze performance and identify opportunities to improve revenue, utilization, and client mix
- Evaluate and optimize space usage, scheduling patterns, and pricing approaches
- Partner with the Executive Director and Leadership Team to evolve the rental program as a long-term revenue strategy
- Position Cain Center as a premier regional venue for events and rentals
Event & Production Systems
- Ensure operational readiness for all performances, programs, and events
- Partner with the Technical Director to align production execution with organizational standards
- Establish clear planning frameworks, staffing models, and execution expectations
- Coordinate across departments to ensure seamless delivery
Patron Experience & Front-of-House Operations
- Oversee Patron Services and Volunteer Services
- Ensure consistently high-quality guest experiences across all events
- Establish clear service standards and expectations
- Integrate staff and volunteers into effective front-of-house systems
- Foster a culture of hospitality, responsiveness, and professionalism
Food & Beverage Operations
- Oversee Food & Beverage strategy and execution
- Align Food & Beverage with both guest experience and revenue goals
- Manage service models and vendor relationships
Volunteer Program Oversight
- Oversee the Volunteer Services Manager and overall volunteer program
- Ensure effective recruitment, training, scheduling, and engagement
- Integrate volunteers as a core operational resource
- Maintain a high-quality volunteer experience aligned with Cain Center’s mission
Financial Management & Operational Planning
- Develop and manage operational budgets in partnership with Director of Finance and Executive Director
- Ensure accurate financial tracking and reporting across operational areas
- Maintain disciplined use of systems for budgeting, forecasting, and performance tracking
- Monitor operational revenue streams and recommend adjustments
- Support financial modeling related to rentals, staffing, and space utilization
- Exercise strong attention to detail and accountability in financial oversight
Operational Systems & Process Improvement
- Assess and continuously improve operational systems and workflows
- Lead implementation of new processes to support organizational growth
- Guide teams through operational changes with clarity and discipline
- Apply analytical thinking to improve scheduling, capacity, and resource allocation
- Support data-informed decision-making across operational areas
External Partnerships & Client Relationships
- Build and maintain strong relationships with rental clients, partners, and stakeholders
- Ensure consistent, high-quality client experience
- Balance client needs with operational realities
- Support long-term growth through strong, relationship-driven engagement
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, Public Administration, Finance, Arts Administration, or a related field required. Equivalent professional experience may be considered.
- 7+ years of relevant professional experience in operations, venue management, or a related field
- Demonstrated success in organizational leadership, including leading through managers or department heads
- Strong budget management and financial oversight experience
- High level of attention to detail and discipline in systems usage and tracking
- Experience managing external relationships or clients, ideally in a venue, hospitality, or event-driven environment
- Proven project management skills and ability to execute complex, multi-functional initiatives
- Demonstrated analytical and strategic thinking, including the ability to evaluate programs and recommend improvements
- Knowledge of best practices in multi-disciplinary arts organizations or similar public-facing institutions
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Preferred
- Experience in a multi-venue performing arts or cultural organization
- Experience overseeing facilities, maintenance, or building operations
- Experience managing rental programs or earned revenue streams
- Familiarity with production environments and technical operations
LEADERSHIP QUALITIES
- Cain Center values leaders who bring clarity, accountability, and a collaborative spirit. This role requires strong organizational leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to build trust across teams and stakeholders.
- Our leadership culture is grounded in three qualities:
- Humble – grounded, team-oriented, and mission-focused
- Hungry – proactive, driven, and committed to excellence
- Smart – perceptive, thoughtful, and effective in working with people
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Salary range: $90,000–$105,000
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
- Health insurance with employer contribution
- Competitive PTO package
- Professional development opportunities
- A collaborative, mission-driven work environment
FLSA Status/Classification:
The Director of Operations is a Full-Time, Exempt Employee.
Statement of Non-Discrimination:
Cain Center for the Arts actively seeks a diverse pool of candidates. The Cain Center for the Arts is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age.
Cain Center Values:
- Inspirational: To be a center that inspires and encourages creativity.
- Community-centered: To be a center that serves everyone. To expose, invite, and engage as a destination for all members of the community.
- Creative: To serve as a hub of creativity, providing a platform for unique and individual expression.
- Entertaining: To provide a holistic experience that produces valuable, enjoyable experiences while also focusing on comfort.
- Educational: To be a center where the arts and education connect.
Application process:
To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume electronically to this post. No phone calls will be accepted. The cover letter should highlight your qualifications and experience and how they align with the requirements of Cain Center for the Arts.
This position is open until filled.
Pay: $90,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
