Assistant House Manager

viterbo; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Viterbo University Fine Arts Center in La Crosse, WI seeks a part-time Assistant House Manager to support front-of-house operations for performances and events across Main Theatre, Black Box, Recital Hall, and Weber Center venues.

The role emphasizes safety, welcoming experiences, staff leadership, patron service, and coordination with Box Office to ensure accessible, smooth events while upholding university policies.

Qualifications

• Two or more years in face-to-face customer service setting or comparable position.

Responsibilities

• Assist with house management services for performances, university events, and external rentals.
• Serve as House Manager for events in multiple venues as assigned.
• Open, prepare, and close lobby/front-of-house areas before/after events with necessary event materials.
• Provide leadership to ushers, student staff, greeters, and other front-of-house personnel.
• Conduct pre-event usher meetings and ensure staff understand safety rules and patron service protocols.
• Oversee front-of-house operations during performances, including lobby coverage and intermission support.
• Coordinate announcements and coordinate accessibility accommodations with Box Office staff.
• Support safety, comfort, and enjoyment of patrons and respond to concerns as needed.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Public speaking

Leadership

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Viterbo University Fine Arts Center is seeking a part-time Assistant House Manager to support front-of-house operations for Fine Arts Center performances and special events. This position helps ensure a safe, welcoming, and professional experience for patrons, artists, volunteers, staff, and guests across Fine Arts Center venues, including the Main Theatre, Black Box, Recital Hall, and, as assigned, the Weber Center for the Performing Arts.

Responsibilities

• Assist with house management services for presenting series performances, Conservatory productions, university lectures, academic events, recitals, and external rental events.
• Serve as House Manager for events in the Main Theatre, Black Box, Recital Hall, and Weber Center for the Performing Arts as assigned.
• Open, prepare, and close lobby and front-of-house areas before and after events, including preparing scanners, radios, and other necessary event materials.
• Provide leadership and work direction to ushers, student staff, greeters, merchandise sellers, and other front-of-house personnel.
• Conduct pre-event usher meetings and ensure staff and volunteers understand event expectations, safety rules, emergency procedures, and patron service protocols.
• Oversee front-of-house operations during performances, including lobby coverage, event start timing in coordination with production staff, intermission support, merchandise sales or settlement, and building closeout.
• Respond promptly and courteously to patron concerns, accessibility needs, and customer service issues while upholding university policies and Fine Arts Center expectations.
• Work with Box Office staff to help ensure patrons with accessibility needs are accommodated.
• Support the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of patrons by remaining visible, attentive, flexible, and professional throughout events.
• Coordinate and execute emergency and evacuation procedures when necessary.
• Make pre-show or intermission announcements when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Rental and Operations Manager, or Director of the Fine Arts Center.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two or more years of experience in a face-to-face customer service setting or comparable position required.
• Experience working or volunteering in a performing arts theatre is preferred but not required.
• Ability to work Part-time, on call/as needed; schedule may include evenings, weekends, and holidays

Skills

• Strong customer service, communication, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to lead, direct, and support individuals of all ages with professionalism and confidence.

Alignment

Viterbo University seeks employees who will embrace the University mission and incorporate our values into their day-to-day work.

Mission

The Viterbo University community prepares students for faithful service and ethical leadership.

Values

• Contemplation, reflecting upon the presence of God in our lives and work
• Hospitality, welcoming everyone we encounter as an honored guest
• Integrity, striving for honesty in everything we say and do
• Service, working for the common good in the spirit of humility and joy
• Stewardship, practicing responsible use of all resources in our trust

About the University

Viterbo University is a private, not-for-profit, Catholic, Franciscan institutions founded by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in 1871. Viterbo offers a student-centered liberal arts education with a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the university is nestled along the scenic Mississippi River and surrounded by the stunning bluffs. The local area combines natural beauty with a vibrant, welcoming community, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation, arts and culture. Together, Viterbo and La Crosse provide an exceptional place to live, work, and make a difference.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship at this time.

The university does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex or engage in sex discrimination in any education program or activity that the university operates. Title IX's mandate not to discriminate on the basis of sex extends to students, employees, applicants for employment, and other persons in all aspects of the university's programs, activities, and operations. Inquiries regarding how Title IX applies to the university may be referred to the university Title IX coordinator, to the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights, or to both.

Contact information for the Title IX coordinator is available at www.viterbo.edu/titleix.