Company Manager

Chicago Artists Coalition helps people connect with opportunities including calls for artists, jobs, grants, and art advising

A.B.L.E. seeks an organized and collaborative Company Manager to support the logistic and administrative operations of A.B.L.E.’s programs - including core ensembles, specialized workshops, and outreach efforts - to elevate performing arts opportunities for the disability community. This full-time position will ideally start work in March 2025.

A.B.L.E. was founded on the belief that everyone is A.B.L.E. to connect, to contribute, and to create. Our work centers on fostering communication, teamwork, and inclusivity, not just among our program participants, but for all who work with us. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and encourage applicants from all races, religions, gender identities or expressions, sexual orientations, ages, and disability statuses. A.B.L.E. is committed to including diverse voices and perspectives across our organization.

What will the Company Manager do?

The Company Manager brings their organization, focus, and problem-solving skills to oversee the varied day-to-day operations of the organization, including producing performances, managing staff and volunteers, negotiating contracts, organizing payroll, allocating resources, ensuring smooth workflow, monitoring program performance, and supporting strategic decision-making. The Company Manager is the link between A.B.L.E.’s Executive Artistic Director and the company; they will work closely with the Executive Artistic Director to facilitate interdepartmental communications and initiatives.

Staff Management:

• Recruit, onboard, and train new employees, volunteers, and contractors
• Schedule, prep, and run bi-weekly weekly production meetings and monthly program advisory council meetings
• Create and maintain a universal calendar system
• Address concerns and disciplinary issues with respect and clear guidance

Program Logistics & Support

• Serve as point-of-contact for actors and facilitators for scheduling, weekly updates, and announcements
• Oversee logistics including venue rentals, scheduling, and ordering supplies
• Create accessible resources such as easy-read scripts, social stories, and welcome packets
• Line produce ensemble performances - averaging 3 performance weekends each year - with a focus on supporting accessibility onstage, backstage, and front of house
• Serve as Zoom Administrator and offer technical support for virtual ensembles
• Coordinate participation in conferences, fairs, and performances in the community
• Advocate for the rights and needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Operational Oversight:

• Prepare bi-weekly payroll via Gusto
• Monitor progress towards goals and identify areas for improvement
• Participate in annual budget process and manage program department budget
• Support contract negotiation with venues, outreach partners, and contracted positions
• Track paperwork and maintain records including waivers, emergency contact information, media release forms, etc.
• Oversee collection, analysis, and implementation of program feedback
• Compile program metrics such as participant retention rates and program hours

In Collaboration with Executive Artistic Director:

• Systems audit and implementation of new initiatives; A.B.L.E. currently uses Google Suite, Jotform, Coursestorm, and Asana
• Implement operational policies and procedures
• Seek out and build relationships for outreach partnerships
• Support teaching artist performance evaluations
• Analyze data and identify trends to make informed decisions about departmental goals and objectives
• Lend perspective to long-term organizational planning and decision making

How do I know if I am a good fit?

You should be able to say “yes” to most or all of the following:

• You are experienced: you have an established track-record of experience and/or education in theatre arts administration, theatre production or stage management, nonprofit management, or a related field. Prior experience with the disability community is a plus.
• You are collaborative: you share and implement ideas that make our work stronger and enjoy building relationships with a diverse range of people from the A.B.L.E. community - including our actors with disabilities, volunteers, staff, organizational partners, and supporters.
• You are an effective communicator: you can connect both verbally and in writing with different members of the A.B.L.E. community via email, phone, text, and in person; you listen with curiosity and empathy, and explain things in different ways to support different audiences.
• You are proactive: you are goal-oriented, motivated to work independently, and excited to actively seek out new prospects and opportunities for the organization; you anticipate future needs and challenges.
• You are organized: you can juggle different projects and priorities at the same time, and pay careful attention to details.
• You are analytical: you see the big picture while also recognizing patterns and breaking processes into smaller pieces.
• You enjoy numbers: you are fiscally responsible and can manage budgets and allocate resources efficiently and effectively.
• You are reliable: you arrive on time and prepared, honor deadlines, and demonstrate thoughtfulness towards your teammates.
• You are flexible: you enjoy working in different environments and with different people every day.
• You are responsive: you are an effective problem solver; you can adapt to new information and changes and communicate these changes with others.
• You are reflective: you want to grow and deepen your skills; you ask questions and ask for help when you need it; you seek out and give supportive feedback.
• You are a leader: you can motivate a team, address conflicts, and nurture a positive, honest, and safe environment for others to connect and create.

Schedule

• This is a full-time position, starting at 30 hours per week.
• Some evening and weekend availability will be required to support programs and performances. Our busiest program times are:
  • Sundays 10am-1pm
  • Mondays 5:30pm-8:30pm
  • Thursdays 10am-3pm
• You can work with the Executive Artistic Director to set mutually agreeable hours

Location

• This is a hybrid in-person/remote position. Day-to-day administrative work (60%) occurs remotely, while program support (40%) happens on-site.
• A.B.L.E. is an itinerant company and works with a variety of rehearsal spaces, theatres, and partner organizations throughout the season. Frequent collaborators include The Menomonee Club Drucker Center, Gateway to Learning, Misericordia, and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre at Navy Pier. Reliable transportation is required.
• A.B.L.E. also hosts some rehearsals online via Zoom.

Health & Safety

• A.B.L.E. requires background checks from any and all of its board members, staff, and volunteers over the age of 18 who come in direct contact with our program participants.
• In solidarity with the disability community and for the safety of our immunocompromised community members, masks are strongly recommended at all rehearsals and required at larger events.
• $25-27/hr, commensurate with experience
• Employer-sponsored health, vision, and dental insurance contribution
• Retirement contribution through Illinois Secure Choice
• $200/year treat yourself stipend
• $650/year tech & travel stipend
• $250/year professional development reimbursement to attend conferences, workshops, or other sessions that can expand your skill sets.
• A.B.L.E. offers a discretionary paid time off policy, including 4 weeks of organization-wide closures

More about A.B.L.E.

A.B.L.E. – Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations is a Chicago based nonprofit that creates theatre and film projects for, with, and by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy. Whether in person or online, all A.B.L.E. programs strive to foster agency, and nurture lifelong skills like communication, collaboration, and creativity. A.B.L.E.'s ensembles have produced more than 30 projects for the stage and screen, ranging from original work devised by the group, to Shakespearean classics, to award-winning feature films, and innovative Zoom projects including Romeo & Juliet Remix. A.B.L.E. also shares their unique approach for creative arts programming through outreach workshops and residences with schools, community centers, and other organizations that serve people with disabilities, as well as disability awareness and inclusion training for businesses. By placing people with disabilities in the spotlight, A.B.L.E.’s work strives to shift societal preconceptions, and build more inclusive, empathetic communities.

You can see some of our past shows, meet our current team, and learn more about all of our programs online at ableensemble.com

Ready to apply?

• Fill out the application and requested materials online at ableensemble.com/jobs by 5pm CST on Wednesday January 22. In addition to narrative questions, you will be asked to upload a resume. Late submissions will not be considered.
• If you need any support or accommodations to complete your application, please contact us at admin@ableensemble.com
• Successful candidates will be invited to virtual interviews beginning the week of February 9th.