Front of House & Event Manager

$49,000 - $53,000/Yr

University of Minnesota - Minneapolis, MN

Full-time - Mid Level

Minneapolis, MN

Educational Services

About the position

The Front of House & Events Manager at the University of Minnesota is a pivotal role responsible for overseeing all aspects of audience management in the Carlson Family Stage and the Best Buy Theater. This position is essential in creating a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for a diverse range of patrons attending various events. The individual in this role will lead a team of front-of-house staff and volunteers, ensuring that all operations run smoothly during performances and events. This includes recruiting, hiring, training, and scheduling paid ushers, as well as coordinating with various departments such as Box Office, Stage Management, and Concessions to ensure effective communication and planning. The manager will also be responsible for maintaining the appearance of public spaces and securing accessibility services for patrons. In addition to house management, the Front of House & Events Manager will serve as the Event Coordinator for private events, receptions, and meetings. This involves creating and executing floor plans, coordinating with catering staff, and leading a team to set up and restore event spaces. The role requires flexibility, as the work hours will vary, including weekdays, weekends, and evenings, with some overtime possible. The position is hybrid, requiring both on-site and remote work, and is a full-time, 12-month continuing Civil Service position. The University of Minnesota's Northrop is a cultural hub that shapes the arts environment in Minnesota, hosting a variety of performances and events that engage the community. The Front of House & Events Manager will play a crucial role in ensuring that these events are executed flawlessly, contributing to the mission of Northrop and enhancing the overall experience for all attendees.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Front of House staff and volunteers in the Carlson Family Stage & the Best Buy Theater.
• Recruit, hire, train, and onboard paid ushers.
• Schedule and approve payroll for paid ushers.
• Coordinate with visiting companies, Box Office, Stage Management, Concessions & Merchandise sales to ensure accurate communication and planning.
• Lead a security team during on-stage performances & events.
• Maintain the arrangement and appearance of public spaces, including study lounges.
• Secure and coordinate accessibility services including ASL, Audio Description, Captioning, and Slido.
• Serve as a Digital Front of House for online events.
• Act as a liaison among multiple departments to ensure high-quality customer service in a safe and clean environment.
• Collaborate with other staff members to create and evaluate a comprehensive organizational customer service program.
• Serve as the Event Coordinator for private events, receptions, and meetings, creating and executing floor plans.
• Lead a team to set up and restore event spaces before and after events.
• Provide general support by assisting to coordinate guests, faculty, staff, and students using spaces throughout the Northrop building.
• Provide staffing support at Northrop events and performances as necessary.
• Serve on Northrop Employee Committees representing the Front of House Department.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and two or more years of combined experience working in a public venue and/or theater with a focus on customer service, or a combination of related education and work experience totaling six years.
• Ability to work on your feet in a multi-level building using stairs; use of a 2-way radio; and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Experience in recruiting, hiring, training, and evaluating paid & volunteer ushers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Google Suite.
• Strong organizational skills and extreme attention to detail.
• Proven decision-making skills and ability to self-direct work activities.
• Experience coordinating medical emergencies, facility evacuations, and patron issues involving the Police & Fire Departments.
• Ability to de-escalate conflicts or potential physical situations.
• Experience managing confidential materials and information with sensitivity and discretion.
• Effective communication skills and experience interfacing with a wide range of professionals, students, staff, faculty, artists, agents, promoters, patrons, donors, and others.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a performing arts-related organization.
• Experience in customer service in a hospitality venue.
• Experience working with student employees.
• Trained in AED and CPR.
• Possess a calm demeanor and professional image with excellent customer service, verbal and written communication skills.

Benefits

• Full-time position with a salary range of $49,000-$53,000.
• Hybrid work mode with specific on-site requirements.
• Flexible work hours including weekdays, weekends, and evenings.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.