What are the responsibilities and job description for the VP of Operations position at Lan Su Chinese Garden?
VP Operations
JOB TITLE: Vice President of Operations
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
POSITION STATUS: Full-Time, Exempt
POSITION SCOPE
Lan Su seeks a collaborative, strategic and data driven Vice President of Operations to direct and manage the day-to-day operations of a 363 day a year museum, cultural center and retail space based on a 16th century Ming dynasty scholar’s villa and garden.
This will include oversight of all aspects of admissions, retail, garden, safety, and facility activities. The position requires a hands-on approach to day-to-day activities, while also operating at high level strategic visioning to support the mission and vision of the organization. The position will creatively approach a variety of responsibilities to ensure deadlines are met and goals are achieved. The VP of Operations will proactively develop strategies to maximize attendance to the garden while ensuring guests, staff, volunteers enjoy the garden in a safe and profoundly engaging environment. The VP of
Operations will develop innovative solutions for the physical maintenance, safety, procedural and experiential challenges associated with the effective running of the garden and its associated facilities.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
The VP of Operations priorities will be to:
- Direct the day-to-day activity of the garden related to ticket booth, gift shop, garden operations, events, performances, and art installations
- Develop matrices for assessing a variety of garden functions: attendance, retail sales, customer satisfaction, etc.
- Research innovative inventory, security, and management systems; oversee implementation; ensure appropriate staff are fully trained in such systems
- Ensure the safety of guests, staff, volunteers while creating an enchanting and calm environment in which all enjoy the garden
- Ensure all equipment and systems are functional and maintained to ensure smooth effective operations
- Oversee multiple staff to ensure all activities are performed in a professional and customer service-based manner
- Develop scope of work, request for proposals and negotiate contract agreements for facility improvement and maintenance and system upgrades
- Follow up on vendor deliverables to ensure all aspects of contracted requirements are met as requested. Resolve vendor disputes as needed.
- Ensure the cleanliness and safety of all garden, storage, and facility areas
- Oversee the Retail and Art Manager to ensure the retail gift shop is inviting, relevant and run professionally and profitably while ensuring proper controls are in place to prevent loss and damage to garden assets
- Hire and manage all direct reports ensuring Lan Su policy, governmental and employment policy and rules are appropriately enforced
- Ensure exhibits/installations are displayed appropriately and dismantled in a safe and respectful manner
- Working with the event coordinator, oversee all garden space rentals and events; assuring client, guest and organizational expectations are met or exceeded
- Research, contract and develop working relationships with hundreds of vendors, related to the acquisition of inventory, repair and maintenance of facilities, implementation of new, and maintenance of existing systems
- Work in the garden on a regular basis with lead staff to encourage team building, ensure assets are functioning effectively, and working environment is optimal
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor of Science degree or higher (Business or Operational Management preferred)
- Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience; with 2 years at a senior level capacity
- Minimum 3 years supervisory experience of multiple direct reports both at the staff and management level
- Must be a hands-on leader who is willing to work along side staff to complete projects and understand the detailed operations of garden activities
- Working knowledge of budgeting, operational and sales reporting utilizing a variety of digital program sources
- Excellent project development, budgeting, and management skills a must
- Must be technologically adept and able to source, acquire and coordinate implementation of software, hardware, and office systems
- Independently motivated while able to work in a team setting which works collaboratively to determine organizational priorities and goals
- Able to operate in a respectful, collaborative manner with multiple departmental leaders and stakeholders both internally and externally
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Willing to develop professionally and personally through organizational training and management development opportunities
- Knowledge of Chinese culture and language highly valued
Working Conditions
- Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods in a variety of environmental conditions
- Must be able regularly lift up to 40lbs, climb a latter and use basis tools, such as hammers, screwdrivers, etc.
- Time will be spent between both casual office and the outdoor garden facilities; both climate and non-climate controlled
- This position is exempt and will require holiday, evening, and weekend work on a regular basis
Lan Su encourages and seeks out candidates of diverse background and experience.
COMPENSATION
Lan Su is offering compensation commensurate with experience based on the candidate’s significant qualifications and experience. Lan Su offers health, dental, disability, and life insurance; time off; and 401K matching program.
TO APPLY
Please submit a cover letter, resume and three references.
Please do not call.
Lan Su Chinese Garden is committed to maintaining an environment where employees contribute to the organization’s achievement, take pride in the results of their work, are appreciated as individuals, and are encouraged to develop to their fullest extent. Lan Su is an
Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy that employees will not be discriminated against in the terms and conditions of employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or any other classification protected by law.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
Education:
- Bachelor's (Preferred)
Work Location: One location