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Full Time Job

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

NPR

Chicago, IL 02-13-2026
 
  • Paid
  • Full Time
Job Description
OVERVIEW

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 US-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

If you are a person with a disability needing assistance with the application process, please reach out to employeerelations@npr.org.

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Jobcode: Reference SBJ-5bz8zz-18-97-9-170-42 in your application.

Salary Details
Salary Range: $70,000 to $80,000 Per Year ($ USD)
Company Profile
NPR

NPR is an independent, nonprofit media organization that was founded on a mission to create a more informed public. Every day, NPR connects with millions of Americans on the air, online, and in person to explore the news, ideas, and what it means to be human.