House Manager

The House Manager manages the administration and execution of the Front of House (FOH) operations, policies, and procedures that consistently provide a warm and welcoming experience for audience members. This role supervises a dynamic team of Assistant House Managers, ushers, and parking assistants for events at the Fisher Center, creating a professional, collaborative, and fun environment for all on the FOH team.

The House Manager is a member of the Fisher Center’s Audience & Member Services department and reports directly to the Director of Marketing and Audience Services (DMAS), and collaborates closely with the box office, production, and building operations teams.

This is an hourly position, non-exempt (overtime-eligible), compensated at a rate range of $18-23/hour, based on experience level. This position requires approximately 25-30 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters and approximately 40 hours per week during the Bard SummerScape festival

While administrative tasks can be performed remotely, this role will require on-site presence for performances and some meetings, as needed. Must be available to work evenings and weekends, according to the performance schedule.

RESPONSIBILITIES

-Hire, manage, schedule, train, and maintain a reliable team of Assistant House Managers, Ushers, and Parking Attendants; submit timesheets for FOH staff

-In collaboration with the DMAS, develop FOH policies and procedures; develop and coordinate training resources and workshops

-Prepare the house and lobbies before and after events, recycling past programs and signage, returning all FOH materials to original locations, updating the inventory of Front of House materials, and other tasks as assigned

-Represent FOH in planning meetings; coordinate logistical details pertaining each event’s FOH needs– communicate/coordinate with related departments Box Office, Production, Building Operations, Bard catering/concessions and other staff to effectively and efficiently run each event

-Coordinate FOH staffing for special events, both on and off site

-Work with DMAS and General Manager to determine seasonal staffing budget

-Maintain and administer detailed house reports for each event; respond to feedback in a timely manner

COMPANY-WIDE RESPONSIBILITIES

-The Fisher Center is currently undergoing an organization-wide process of change toward becoming an anti-racist, multicultural institution. All on staff are expected to:

-Commit to anti-racism and inclusivity at the Fisher Center. This includes participating in anti-racism training when scheduled, participating in departmental, company-wide, and cross-departmental collaboration in issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and furthering your own independent journey with anti-racism

-Contribute in meaningful ways to the organizational culture

QUALIFICATIONS

-At least 2 years experience managing a team, preferably a front-line service team in the performing arts

-Ability to work evenings and weekends, according to the season schedule

-Ability to create a warm and supportive work environment for the FOH team

-Exceptional organization, hospitality, and problem-solving skills; ability to work well under pressure in a team-driven environment

-Outstanding communication skills, excellent attention to detail

-Appreciation and knowledge of the performing arts and audience experience

-A welcoming demeanor, positive attitude, and collaborative nature are a must

-Ability to be flexible, have an all-hands-on-deck attitude, and possess a willingness to jump in to handle high-priority tasks

-Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle and/or ability to travel reliably locally are preferred

-Proficiency with Google Suite (Sheets, Docs, shared Drives, Calendar) and Microsoft Office (specifically, Word and Excel)

LOCATION

Bard’s beautiful 1,000-acre campus is situated on the east bank of the Hudson River, in Annandale-on Hudson, New York. Community life is defined by numerous cultural and recreational opportunities in the surrounding historic Hudson River Valley and by proximity to New York City. Nearby towns and villages include Rhinebeck, Tivoli, and Red Hook, New York.