Show Operations Manager, Wait Wait Tell Me

OVERVIEW

A thriving, mission-driven multimedia organization, NPR produces award-winning news, information, and music programming in partnership with hundreds of independent public radio stations across the nation. The NPR audience values information, creativity, curiosity, and social responsibility – and our employees do too. We are innovators and leaders in diverse fields, from journalism and digital media to IT and development. Every day, our employees and member stations touch the lives of millions worldwide.

Across our organization, we’re building a workplace where collaboration is essential, diverse voices are heard, and inclusion is the key to our success. We are committed to doing the right thing in our journalism and in every role s means that integrity, adherence to our ethical standards, and compliance with legal obligations are fundamental responsibilities for every employee at NPR.

Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! is looking for a Live Show Operations Manager who can help lead logistical and operational processes for all live events–weekly tapings in Chicago (30+ per year), road shows (10‑12 per year) and other performances. Our ideal candidate will be highly organized, customer-service-oriented, knowledgeable about the NPR Member station network, and, most importantly, a fan of the show.

This role primarily manages all talent and contract management, vendor management, merchandise inventory/management, sponsorship coordination, strategic partnerships, and will still provide room for growth as they help create new ventures outside of the radio show.

Final date to receive applications: Friday, February 20th at 5pm CT

• Manage logistics for live events (approx. 50 per year)
• Plan and execute talent management, including onsite management (talent needs, etc.) and travel coordination
• Coordinate local station promotional partnership: working with local station(s) for each show on guest receptions, ticket needs, marketing assets, etc.
• Help coordinate needs for in‑person guests (“Not My Job” guests), including travel, tickets, hospitality, etc.
• Coordinate onsite sponsor activations with NPM staff (when applicable)
• Work with other staff on road show routing, market research, station research, etc.
• Manage inventory of merchandise for sale at live events
• Work with staff/vendor to develop new products
• Coordinate with the NPR Shop on products, sales, and related matters.
• Manage giveaways for premium seats
• Contract management – help manage negotiating and processing of contracts, including but not limited to: venue contracts, talent contracts, member station partnership contracts
• Work with show producers to schedule panelists for live shows and scout potential new panelists.
• Explore future business development opportunities and other revenue streams

The above duties and responsibilities are not an exhaustive list of required responsibilities, duties and skills. Other duties may be assigned, and this job description can be modified at any time.

• 3–5 years of professional experience in theater/tour operations or live event planning & production.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to travel up to 15% of the time (approximately 30‑40 days per year) to support road shows across the country.

• Excellent customer service skills – gain insights into internal and external customer needs to build and deliver solutions.
• Operates effectively under ambiguous circumstances; adapts approach to respond to different situations.
• Computer literacy (Mac OS preferred, although not required).

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in work experience.

• On‑site
  :
  This is an on‑site role based in Chicago, IL.

• This is a full‑time, exempt position.

Salary Range:
The U.S.

-based anticipated salary range for this opportunity is $70,000–$80,000 plus benefits.

NPR offers comprehensive benefits for employees and dependents, including health, dental, vision, life/accidental death and dismemberment, long‑term and short‑term disability, and retirement savings options. Employees scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week are eligible to enroll in these benefits.

We want to hear from you.

If you are a person with a disability needing assistance with the application process, please reach out to employee relations.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. NPR is committed to being an inclusive workplace that welcomes diverse and unique perspectives, all working toward the same goal – to create a more informed public. Qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, family status, and other protected categories as required by law.