New

Live Show Operations Manager, Wait Wait Don't Tell Me

NPR
paid time off
United States, Illinois, Chicago
Feb 13, 2026
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 at NPR.This means that integrity, adherence to our ethical standards, and compliance with legal obligations are fundamental responsibilities for every employee at NPR. Intro to Position 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 is a role that 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. Application Deadline: Friday, February 20th at 5pm CT Responsibilities 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 talent/vendor payments Merchandise management 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 Panel bookings 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. Minimum Qualifications 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 Preferred Qualifications 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). Education Requirements Bachelor's degree or equivalent in work experience Work Location & Requirements On-site: This is an on-site role based in Chicago, IL. Job Type This is a full-time, exempt position. Compensation Salary Range: The U.S.-based anticipated salary range for this opportunity is $70,000-$80,000 plus benefits. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum salaries NPR expects to provide for new hires for the position across all US locations. NPR Benefits: NPR offers access to comprehensive benefits for employees and dependents. Regular, full-time employees scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week are eligible to enroll in NPR's benefits options. Benefits include access to health and wellness, paid time off, and financial well-being. Plan options include medical, dental, vision, life/ accidental death and dismemberment, long-term disability, short-term disability, and voluntary retirement savings to all eligible NPR employees. Does this sound like you? If so, we want to hear from you. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum salaries NPR expects to provide for new hires for the position across all US locations. NPR Pay Range $70,000 — $80,000 USD NPR is 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, religious belief, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, lactation, and reproductive health decisions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, transgender status, gender non-conforming status, intersex status, sexual stereotypes, nationality, citizenship status, personal appearance, marital status, family status, family responsibilities, military status, veteran status, mental and physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, genetic characteristics of yourself or a family member, political views and affiliation, unemployment status, protective order status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or any other basis prohibited under applicable law. If you are a person with a disability needing assistancewith the application process, please reach out to employeerelations@npr.org. You may read NPR'sprivacy policyto learn about how NPR may handle information you submit with any application. Want more NPR? Explore the stories behind the stories on our NPR Extra blog.Get social with NPR Extraon Facebook and Instagram. Find more career opportunities at NPR.org/careers.