Director of Theater Operations

Husson University; Bangor (ME); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Husson University is seeking a Director of Theatre Operations for the Gracie Theatre. You will oversee programming, operations, marketing coordination, and financial management to deliver a premier performance season.

You will collaborate with the Gracie Theatre Advisory Group, manage artist relations, front-of-house operations, and donor/community engagement, serving as a key representative of Husson University.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required.
• Experience in a college setting.
• Experience in staging theatrical productions and supervising theater staff and volunteers is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Gracie Theatre Advisory Group to develop each season’s programming.
• Negotiate and coordinate artist contracts and riders, travel, lodging, and hospitality within budgets.
• Manage Gracie Theatre budgets and track production expenses, revenues, and profitability.
• Coordinate marketing, publicity, and patron communications with University Marketing & Communications.
• Support donor, alumni, and community engagement activities and university events.
• Represent Husson University professionally to artists, agents, patrons, donors, alumni, and partners.

Education

Master's degree

Job description

The Director of Theatre Operations is responsible for the overall administration, financial management, operations, marketing coordination, programming execution, and use of the Gracie Theatre at Husson University. The position ensures the successful delivery of the Gracie's performance season while providing an exceptional experience for artists, patrons, students, and members of the community.

Reporting to the Vice President for Advancement, the Director will work closely with the Gracie Theatre Advisory Group, which will help identify and recommend artists, speakers, performances, and other programming for each season. Final approval of the season and individual artists will rest with the President of Husson University. Following approval, the Director will be responsible for securing the selected artists, negotiating contracts and performance requirements, and coordinating all aspects of each engagement from booking through performance.

The Director oversees the theatre's business and front-of-house operations, including ticketing and box office operations, ushers and volunteers, artist relations and hospitality, marketing coordination, patron services, and collaboration with technical and production personnel.

As part of the Office of Advancement, the Director will also support donor, alumni, and community engagement activities associated with the Gracie and assist with University events and other significant projects as needed. The Director serves as a highly visible representative of Husson University and is expected to develop strong relationships with artists, agents, patrons, sponsors, donors, alumni, vendors, and community partners.

Programming and Artist Management

• Work collaboratively with the Gracie Theatre Advisory Group to support the development of each performance season.
• Research artist availability, fees, scheduling, technical requirements, and other information necessary to inform programming decisions.
• Following approval by the President, serve as the primary contact with artists, agents, managers, and production companies to secure performances.
• Negotiate and coordinate artist contracts, performance riders, fees, travel, lodging, hospitality, ground transportation, schedules, and other contractual requirements in accordance with University policies and approved budgets.
• Maintain relationships with artists, agents, booking agencies, and other industry partners to support current and future programming opportunities.
• Serve as the primary University contact for visiting artists and performers.

Theatre and Event Operations

• Manage the Gracie Theatre's internal event and performance calendar and coordinate facility use with appropriate University departments.
• Oversee box office and ticketing operations, including ticket sales, complimentary tickets, patron lists, and event reporting.
• Coordinate ushers, volunteers, and other front-of-house personnel and ensure appropriate training and customer-service standards.
• Work closely with the Technical Director and production personnel to ensure that technical and production requirements are understood and successfully executed.
• Manage artist hospitality and all show-day logistics from artist arrival through the conclusion of the performance.
• Oversee patron communications and customer service and ensure a professional and welcoming experience for all Gracie guests.
• Coordinate the use of the theatre for University programs and approved external events as appropriate.

Financial Management and Reporting

• Develop and manage individual performance budgets within established Gracie Theatre financial parameters.
• Monitor artist fees, production expenses, travel, hospitality, advertising, ticket revenue, sponsorship revenue, concessions, merchandise, and other event-related revenue and expenses.
• Track ticket sales and financial performance throughout the sales cycle.
• Prepare post-event financial reports detailing the revenue, expenses, and profitability of individual performances.
• Maintain accurate financial and operational records and provide regular reporting to the Vice President for Advancement.

Marketing and Audience Development

• Coordinate with University Marketing and Communications on marketing plans, advertising, publicity, social media, and promotional materials for Gracie Theatre programming.
• Maintain accurate and timely information on the Gracie Theatre website, ticketing platforms, and event calendars.
• Develop and coordinate patron communications before and after performances.
• Support strategies designed to increase ticket sales, develop new audiences, strengthen patron relationships, and expand awareness of the Gracie Theatre throughout the region.

Advancement and University Events

• Work collaboratively with the Office of Advancement to support donor and sponsor engagement associated with Gracie Theatre performances, including receptions, stewardship activities, and other special events.
• Support Advancement-led alumni, donor, and community engagement activities as needed.
• Assist with the planning and execution of large-scale University events and special projects, including event logistics, vendor coordination, guest experience, and collaboration with campus partners.
• Build positive relationships with sponsors, donors, alumni, patrons, and community partners and help identify opportunities to deepen their engagement with the Gracie and Husson University.
• Provide operational and event support for other Advancement initiatives when priorities require additional assistance.

Additional Responsibilities

• Represent the Gracie Theatre and Husson University professionally in interactions with artists, agents, patrons, donors, alumni, community partners, and the public.
• Maintain a high standard of professionalism, responsiveness, hospitality, and customer service.
• Be available for evening and weekend performances and events as required by the Gracie Theatre schedule.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Vice President for Advancement.

• Master's degree required.
• Experience in a college setting.
• Experience in staging theatrical productions and in supervising theater staff and volunteers is preferred.

HUSSON UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.

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