Theater Facilities and Operations/Audience Services Manager

The University of Hartford is a private university located in West Hartford, Connecticut, known for its commitment to providing a comprehensive education that combines academic excellence with real-world experiences. The University proudly supports a range of academic disciplines, including a strong emphasis on the performing arts through The Hartt School, a renowned conservatory offering programs in music, dance, and theater. The university fosters an inclusive environment that promotes creativity, diversity, and community engagement to prepare students for successful careers and meaningful lives. The Hartt School's facilities and operations are integral to the University’s mission of educating and inspiring the next generation of artists and arts administrators.

The Theatre Facilities and Operations/Audience Services Manager position at the University of Hartford is a critical role responsible for overseeing the operations related to performing arts events across university venues. This full-time, 52 weeks per year position reports to the Director of Hartt Finance, Operations, and Administration and is classified under the non-exempt FLSA category. The salary range for this position is budgeted between $20 and $26.25 per hour, commensurate with experience. The role demands a minimum 40-hour workweek and offers the opportunity to work within a dynamic academic and artistic environment.

This managerial role entails comprehensive oversight of box office operations, audience services, theater space scheduling, and patron communications. The manager leads a sizable team comprising over 30 part-time and student employees, ensuring that all front-of-house, ticketing, and scheduling processes are executed efficiently, professionally, and in alignment with university policies and federal guidelines concerning student employment. Essential to this position is serving as a liaison among multiple stakeholders, including academic departments, production teams, administrative offices, and event patrons, cultivating a welcoming and accessible atmosphere at various performance venues.

Key responsibilities involve managing multiple simultaneous events, spearheading recruitment, training, and supervision of staff, and enforcing high standards of customer service. The manager also assumes the role of House Manager for select high-profile events, orchestrating patron support, audience flow, and venue readiness. Operational duties encompass maintaining the computerized ticketing system, handling box office procedures such as monthly financial reconciliations, and preparing necessary sales and audit reports to uphold fiscal integrity.

Additionally, managing theater space scheduling requires coordinating with the Director of Theater Operations & Production to balance educational, rehearsal, and performance needs. The position demands meticulous record-keeping of performance listings, patron databases, and event communication for internal and external audiences. The manager oversees program creation and printing, ensures ADA compliance for accessible seating and accommodations, and leads staff training in emergency and safety procedures. Equipment maintenance for front-of-house technology and collaboration across departments are also vital components, alongside developing policies and training materials focused on audience service.

Overall, this role provides a vital support mechanism for the University’s performing arts operations, directly influencing student education through exemplary event and facility management while fostering a positive patron experience. The ideal candidate will embody professionalism, exceptional organizational skills, and a passion for the arts within an academic context, contributing meaningfully to the University of Hartford's reputation and community engagement.