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Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture

Front of House Manager

Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290


Job Title: Front of House Manager

Location: Chicago, IL

Terms: Full-Time

Requirements: This job primarily works evening and weekend hours

About Us:

The Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture is a not-for-profit organization whose mission and principal activities are to promote and support fine arts, cultural programming, and spiritual development for Catholics and the general public in Chicago, Illinois. Our mission is to invite people into encounters with beauty and to revitalize the great Catholic tradition of the arts from our location in one of Chicago's most unique religious, artistic, and civic buildings.

Our performing art center was built in 1911 as part of St. Alphonsus in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, as a place for the spiritual, physical, and intellectual growth of parishioners and the community. The Center has multiple performance and event spaces, including our 985-seat proscenium, Historic Main Stage Theatre. At ACTC, we believe that beauty has the capacity to build up culture, transform society, and change lives. We hope to help our patrons contemplate, encounter, and delight in beauty.

Job Summary:

The Front of House Manager oversees all Front of House Operations, including event staffing and food and beverage management at the Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture. This position works closely with event producers and clients to ensure exceptional guest experience and operational efficiency. The Front of House Manager is responsible for advancing, coordinating, and managing Front of House operations for house public and private events. As the Front of House Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring that our guests have an exceptional experience and that our events run smoothly. This position is the day of event team lead. You will have the opportunity to work with a dynamic and dedicated team of individuals who are passionate about creating meaningful and thought-provoking experiences for our guests.

Responsibilities:

Front of House Operations

Participate in client venue tours and provide recommendations for best operations practices per eventAdvance, coordinate and manage front of house operations and staff for house public and private events, including any pre or post VIP related activitiesManage and coordinate scheduling functions in multiple spacesOpen and close multiple spaces for all evening rentals and eventsCoordinate event parking and scheduling with campus-wide eventsMaintain budgets and communicate all changes to client and internal production teamHold FOH Staff Meetings for every event to review safety and logistics information, event details, and any usual circumstancesOrganize and develop as needed customer feedback surveysPrepare and set up spaces for all events including tables, chairs, furniture, and signage, playlistsHandle and manage all ADA requests and accommodationsFront of House Staff Management

Scout and maintain freelance rosters for all front of house positionsSchedule, train, and manage front of house staff, including, but not limited to: floor captains, ushers, security, EMTs, bartenders, and volunteersBuild schedules and provide pertinent event information to staff for events and functions using VenueOps software and other communication linesManage and approve FOH time sheets and collaborate with Accounting Department to facilitate payroll processing for staffProvide coverage for employee absences, as neededCollaborate with management to create and maintain Front of House policies and standard operating proceduresKeep up to date with industry best practicesConduct drills for staff under the emergency response planOversee building maintenance and upkeep in collaboration with all event functionsVolunteer Management

Recruit, train and supervise volunteersCoordinate Ushers for all eventsStaffing Ushers for any under-staffed events and extensions ensuring adequate number of ushers and concession workers for all eventsServe as a resource to answer volunteer questions and address their concernsFood and Beverage Operations

Work closely with Food and Beverage partners to coordinate food and beverage operations for all eventsManage Food and Beverage budget and work with vendors to ensure proper inventory levelsEnsure Food and Beverage services adhere to Athenaeum Center and industry standards and regulationsMaintain a positive relationship with Food and Beverage vendorsResponsible for the POS system, including set-up, updates, maintenance, and staff training.Managing and overseeing administrative aspects of the day to day operations. These aspects include but are not limited to maintaining current liquor license, identifying, negotiating supplier contracts, taking inventory and reordering supplies, managing budgets, and setting benchmark goals for the business.Act as the direct liaison to outside caterers for all VIP and special event functionsRequirements:

The Front of House Manager should have the following skills, educations, and experience:

Minimum of two years of experience working in events industry or at a performing arts centerMinimum of two years of direct customer service experienceMinimum of an Associate degreeAbility to work a flexible schedule, including evening and weekend hoursStrong organizational skillsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsExcellent leadership and team management skillsAbility to handle conflict and resolve customer issues smoothlyIndependent problem solving and multitasking skills in a fast-paced, high energy environmentStrong Proficiency in computer skills, including use of MS OfficeExperience with Venue Ops, CRM, or other event management software a plusAbility to lift 50lbsReports To:

This position reports to the Director of OperationsThis position's direct reports are:

Front of House AssociateBartenderBaristaServersUshers

The position often interacts and collaborates with the Box Office Manager, Event Manager, and Venue Technical SupervisorCompensation:

Pay Rate/Range: $50,000-65,000 per experienceHoliday and paid time offFull benefits package including medical, dental vision, life insurance, disability, accident, flexible spending and transit401(k) plan with excellent company match