Event House Manager (On-Call)

Gonzaga; Spokane, Northern (WA, KY); On-site; USD 23,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Gonzaga University’s Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center seeks an on-call Event House Manager to host the audience and oversee front-of-house operations before, during, and after performances.

You will supervise student staff and volunteers, coordinate with box office, ensure safety and accessibility, and act as on-site authority in emergencies, with evenings and weekends required.

This role is flexible with no guaranteed hours and reports to the Patron Services & Ticketing Supervisor.

Qualifications

• Experience leading front-of-house staff is preferred.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.
• First Aid/CPR certification preferred.
• Study or experience in performing arts, event planning, or customer service is a plus.
• Fluent English communication required.

Responsibilities

• Greet patrons, verify tickets, assist guests to seats and provide programs.
• Lead pre-show walk-throughs and ensure lobby/seating areas are clean and ready.
• Coordinate with box office, ushers, and staff on event duties and safety reminders.
• Monitor intermission and ensure capacity and safety compliance during events.
• Close theatre and FOH areas after events and restore equipment to ready state.

Skills

Customer service

Time management

Punctuality

English (written and verbal)

Attention to detail

Leadership experience

Confidentiality

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Purpose:

The Event House Manager (On-Call) serves as the "host of the audience" at the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center (MWPAC), overseeing all front-of-house operations before, during, and after a performance. The House Manager (HM) ensures an excellent patron experience and serves as the on-site authority in the event of an emergency.
This position oversees front-of-house staff and volunteers and works in tandem with the box office during performances. HMs act as positive ambassadors for Gonzaga University and the ARTS at GONZAGA across MWPAC's two venues, as well as the Magnuson Theatre in College Hall. This position reports to the Patron Services and Ticketing Supervisor.

Hours Note

This is a fully flexible, on-call event position with no guaranteed minimum hours. Shifts are posted in advance to the on-call pool to be claimed. Depending on the performance schedule and availability to pick up shifts, hours can vary widely (typical average is 10-30 hours per month). Evenings and weekends required.
Lead vs. Assistant HM Note: On shifts where this person serves as Lead House Manager, they hold full on-site supervisory authority as described below. On shifts where they serve as an Assistant House Manager (AHM), this position supports the Lead HM in these functions and defers to their final judgment.

Essential Functions:

• 40% - Show Preparation & Event Operations
  • Generally interacts with patrons, donors, sponsors, staff and volunteers during events with a customer service mindset to build strong community engagement.
  • Conducts a pre-show walk-through of the lobby and seating area to verify that the house is clean and presentable and all signs or notices relevant to a particular show are in place.
  • Ensures front sidewalks, restrooms, gallery and Myrtle Woldson Collection are clean, safe, and ready for audiences prior to performance, and that parking signs are appropriately placed.
  • Meets with Assistant House Manager (AHM) and Ushers (comprised of students and volunteers) before doors open to assign positions and ticket scanning devices, and review event duties, expectations and pre-show safety reminders.
  • Maintains basic communication with concessions/bar vendor staff regarding event timing.
  • Greets patrons, provides directions, verifies tickets, hands out programs, and shows patrons to seats, including offering assistance to guests with disabilities.
  • Confirms house opening and show start timelines with Stage Management/Technical Staff.
  • Works in tandem with the Patron Services and box office team on ticketing issues, seating disputes, and patron concerns during the event.
  • Monitors intermission length and directs patrons from lobby to seating areas; checks restrooms and public areas at intermission and monitors capacity/fire code compliance in any standing-room or overflow situations.
  • Ensures patrons exit safely and coordinates with Stage Management/Technical Staff to close the house once all patrons have left.
  • Restores theater and FOH equipment to performance-ready conditions after the event.
  • Responsible for final walk-through of theater and lobby spaces, ensuring the theatre, administrative and box offices, Myrtle Woldson Collection gate and any relevant FOH doors are securely locked.
• 25% - On-Site Supervision & Policy Enforcement
  • Reports to the Patron Services & Ticketing Supervisor for scheduling, timesheet approval, and administrative matters; exercises independent judgment on FOH event operations while on-site.
  • Serves as the on-site supervisor for FOH event staff, providing day-of direction and training reminders to AHMs and ushers; ensures assigned positions are covered and house policies are followed.
  • Communicates clearly and diplomatically with all departments and rental artists/agents during event.
  • Enforces published theater policies, including late seating, on a show‑by‑show basis.
• 20% - Emergency Preparedness & Safety
  • As a Gonzaga University employee, this position is a Mandatory Reporter of alleged abuse, sexual harassment, discrimination, or retaliation, and is required to report known or suspected incidents to the appropriate University office.
  • Completes required trainings, including CPR/first aid, and ensures FOH staff understand emergency procedures and escape routes.
  • Maintains working knowledge of venue safety protocols as outlined in the Safety Handbook as well as what applies directly to FOH operations in the Emergency Response Flipbook; is responsible for the safety of the audience and FOH staff in applicable situations.
  • Serves as the on-site authority in the event of an emergency, with responsibility to make real‑time safety decisions (in coordination with Stage Management/Technical Staff), including initiating or overseeing evacuation / shelter‑in‑place procedures.
  • Executes emergency procedures effectively and compassionately, prioritizing guest and volunteer safety and well‑being.
  • Follows established emergency procedures and completes necessary forms.
• 10% - Reporting & Documentation
  • Completes checklists, forms, and a FOH event report to ensure procedures are followed and event data is recorded.
  • Completes FOH staff attendance and notes absence or tardiness of scheduled students and volunteers.
  • Makes recommendations to management to improve processes as identified during daily routine.

• Additional Duties as Assigned by the Department

Educational Requirement:

High School Diploma or GED

Years of Related Experience Requirement:

1 year

Skills & Abilities:

Ability to work flexible schedule including evenings and weekends for event shifts
Demonstrated time management, punctuality, and priority setting skills
Proficient in English written and verbal communication
Strong customer service skills
Strong attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Access to email for scheduling and communication
Comfort directing and giving guidance to student staff and volunteers under time pressure
Ability to demonstrate an understanding of, sensitivity to, and appreciation for the diverse ethnic, socio‑economic, disability and gender diversity of guests and staff at the Performing Arts Center

Preferred Qualifications:

3+ years’ experience leading or directing others in a fast-paced setting (e.g., shift lead, team lead, event staff, customer service)
Direct experience or interest in the performing arts
Study or experience in a related field involved with live performance, event planning/logistics, or customer service
Experience with house management, stage management, project management or event planning and logistics, particularly within a performing arts capacity
First Aid / CPR certification (will complete with new hire training, if not already obtained)

Physical & On-Campus Requirements:

In-Office Presence - Ability to work on-site in typical office setting and participate in in-person meetings with colleagues: 2 days/week

Standing/Sitting - Ability to remain in a stationary position for a prolonged period: Often (50%-75% of time)

Walking - Ability to move about on foot to accomplish tasks: Daily (>75% of time)

Lifting/Carrying - Ability to move or transport objects up to a specified weight (e.g., 50 pounds): Often (50%-75% of time)

Attention to Detail - Ability to focus on detailed tasks for extended periods: Often (50%-75% of time)

Problem-Solving - Ability to identify and resolve issues effectively: Daily (>75% of time)

The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to offer for this position: $18.75 / hour

Pay Range:

Minimum Salary (Non-Exempt): 17.13

Midpoint Salary (Non-Exempt): 21.30

Maximum Salary (Non-Exempt): 25.47

Is this position eligible for relocation reimbursement?: No

Is this position eligible for a signing bonus?: No

At this time, the University has suspended all new H1B visa sponsorships.