Manager, Creative Operations Job at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York

The mission of Jazz at Lincoln Center, Inc. (“JALC”) is to entertain, enrich and expand a global community for jazz through performance, education, and advocacy. From college students to young stars, from working professionals to celebrated masters, we present quality jazz for an ever-increasing audience in an unprecedented range of activities and a variety of venues. We are dedicated to lifting audiences and bringing people together with substance and with integrity. JALC has created a dynamic platform where our key constituents – jazz artists (beginner to grizzled veteran), fans (casual listeners to advanced scholars), educators (local band leaders to leading artist-educators) and advocates (local community advocates to important national promoters) – can meet, engage, learn, and work towards common objectives.

The Creative Operations Manager is responsible for coordinating and supporting the Creative department’s workflow and executing on deliverables to ensure that critical deadlines are met. She or he will work closely with the Creative Director and Art Director to establish and maintain an effective project management and routing system for the organization’s varied digital, print, web, video-related, and motion production needs.

She or he will also manage operations with designers, associates, freelancers, interns, and production designers, ensuring efficient collaboration and high-quality deliverables. As the primary liaison between departments, the Creative Operations Manager will have full visibility into all active and upcoming design projects, proactively flagging issues, troubleshooting, and making corrections as needed. The candidate should be able to source print estimates and have basic understanding of the printing process as well as best practices for digital implementation

Responsibilities

• Work closely with Creative Director to guide and manage throughput of creative projects at all stages from project origination to final production and delivery.
• Proactively gather the necessary information to plan and implement each project, ensuring all essential details are accounted for
• Develop and maintain project workflows with the Art Director and designers, overseeing timelines and prioritizing tasks to ensure efficient routing and accurate deliverables.

• Track and report project progress, identifying and addressing potential issues, bottlenecks, missing resources, etc.
• Act as the primary liaison between the creative team and other departments, ensuring clear communication, reporting status as necessary.
• Proofread and review designers’ files to ensure accuracy, web and mobile responsiveness, consistency, brand compliance, and technical requirements.
• Make minor corrections and copy edits in final design files using tools such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, or Photoshop, and add and edit copy on website
• Maintain and manage programming of owned media channels, ensuring content is accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with Marketing and BSM priorities.
• Source and evaluate print and production estimates to ensure quality and cost-efficiency.
• Maintain a basic understanding of the printing and production process to ensure deliverables meet technical requirements.
• Manage part-time staff scheduling, vendor and freelancer relationships, Salesforce contracts, submitting and coding invoices, tracking payments, and tracking department expenses.
• Work with staff photographer to ensure coverage of all events is scheduled and freelancers are properly contracted in advance.
• Maintain organized records of department files, assets, and contracts.
• Serve as a resource for the organization regarding brand assets answer questions regarding usage and implementation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, graphic design, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in project management, creative operations, or similar role on an in-house design team or design agency
• Strong proficiency in project management tools and software (e.g., Monday.com, Asana, or other).
• Exceptional proofreading skills and a superior attention to detail, with the ability to ensure brand consistency and technical accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and manage stakeholder expectations.
• Proven organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with freelancers, vendors, and external agencies, including managing contracts and processing invoices.
• Familiarity with creative software, including Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, with the ability to make minor edits.
• Strong knowledge of the printing and production process, including sourcing estimates and troubleshooting pre-press and production issues.
• Familiarity with WordPress and maintaining media channels is a plus.
• Strong work ethic and ability to multitask, prioritize, and change direction quickly.
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset with a focus on improving workflows and delivering high-quality results.
• Demonstrate a passion for music, visual and performing arts, and the NYC cultural landscape. Knowledge of jazz a plus.

Work Hours

JALC does not offer a hybrid work schedule. All staff work together as a team, Monday through Friday at our offices (either Jazz at Lincoln Center’s administrative offices at 3 Columbus Circle or at Frederick P. Rose Hall, The House of Swing).

Jazz at Lincoln Center is an equal opportunity employer that affords equal opportunities to all applicants, employees, contractors, and other covered persons, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Jazz at Lincoln Center is committed to creating an inclusive, open, and respectful culture that reflects and embraces diversity.