Theater Operations Manager

JOB SUMMARY: The Center for Arts in Natick attracts 30,000 patrons each year to attend concerts by national touring artists, first-run and art house movie screenings, comedy events, community theater, and theater education programs for children. Programs are presented in our historic firehouse facility in Natick Center, with a 270-seat mainstage space, and a 120-seat fully equipped Cinema Room.

The Theater Operations Manager is responsible to manage the successful operation of our nonprofit venue, including work onsite as Event Manager for several events monthly, as required. Event programs and rental events are scheduled primarily during evening and weekend time periods.

Responsibilities will also include managing the box office and front-of-house event staff, planning and managing program events, coordinating venue schedules, managing inventory of concessions and office supplies, and insuring compliance with state and local requirements including permits, health and safety standards, and TIPS certification. The Theater Operations Manager oversees the maintenance of the facility and building systems and assists in qualifying rental opportunities with prospective clients.

Participates in the creation and communication of related policies and procedures.

This is a full-time position – salary is commensurate with experience.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Staff Management and Supervision

• Recruiting and training event staff, Event Managers, and box office volunteers
• Scheduling of volunteers to support all events and box office hours
• Maintain all staff certifications required to offer food and alcohol service
• Support, motivate, and supervise volunteers to meet and exceed patron expectations

Box Office Management

• Create and maintain events on the ticketing system – PatronManager (Salesforce.com)
• Perform settlement reconciliation of transactions, make bank deposits
• Maintain database quality and serve as primary expert on the ticketing platform
• Provide excellent customer service and resolve transaction issues and disputes
• Support reporting requests from program directors, booking agencies, ASCAP, SESAC
• Serve as sales agent for all group sales and private rental requests

Event and Program Support

• Manage the fulfillment of venue contract obligations for all programs and rental events
• With Facility Manager, manage the preparation of the facility for all events including stage, seating, artist rider, concessions, lobby, common areas, hospitality, security, load-in/load-out
• Manage concession inventory and restocking process, including food prep equipment
• Manage prompt and accurate payment of performing artists, tech staff, and Event Managers
• As required, works as Event Manager for selected events and movie screenings
• Prepare digital cinema playlists, ingest DCPs and KDMs as needed for movie screenings

Facility and Office Management

• Manage coordination and transitions of all scheduled events and programs
• Manage purchasing and inventory management of all office supplies
• With the Facility Manager, monitor, identify and resolve all issues with facility and systems
• With Facility Manager, secure all licenses and permits required for operation

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Bachelor’s or Advanced degree required
• 3-5 years of professional experience in operations, restaurant or theater management
• Willingness to work evening and weekend programs required
• Massachusetts residents ONLY – no relocation

DESIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Preferred candidates will meet the following criteria:

• A passion for the arts – music, theater, film, and arts education
• Experience and ability to recruit, train, supervise and lead event staff and volunteers of all ages
• Exceptional computer skills, including a high level of proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications, particularly MS Excel and PowerPoint
• Expertise with Salesforce.com or PatronManager integrated ticketing/donation system is highly preferred
• High capacity to learn new technology
• Superlative customer service skills
• Experience in financial or business analysis preferred
• Excellent business communication skills, including business writing and presentation
• Highly organized, self-motivated and self-directed with strong time management skills
• Ability to be flexible and work collaboratively in a small office environment
• Ability to work effectively under pressure with tight schedules and deadlines

Salary range $42,000 – $61,000 commensurate with experience

The Center for Arts in Natick