Full Time House Manager

Carolina Theatre of Durham; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid parking

PTO

Health Insurance

Employee perks

Job summary

Carolina Theatre of Durham seeks a dedicated full-time House Manager to lead front-of-house operations for cinema screenings, live events, and rentals. Reporting to the Director of Front of House & Rental Operations, you will ensure a safe, welcoming guest experience and coordinate with Box Office, Security, and Custodial teams.

The role requires availability evenings, weekends, and holidays, with strong leadership and customer service skills to manage diverse, rotating staff and respond to

Qualifications

• Must have availability nights, weekends and holidays.
• Experience in event management, preferably in theatre/venue.
• Proven ability to perform in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership to motivate and manage diverse, rotating teams.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for front-of-house operations and ensure excellent customer service.
• Manage inventory and purchasing for concessions and building supplies; forecast needs based on events.
• Resolve guest concerns professionally and promptly; coordinate with Box Office on duty.
• Support Security and Custodial teams to maintain safety and cleanliness.
• Lead audience safety during emergencies and direct ushers per protocol.
• Open/close building and ensure security of facility.
• Maintain lobby/public areas and coordinate with housekeeping.
• Troubleshoot POS issues and coordinate with department heads as needed.
• Assist concessions with stocking and preparing items, including alcohol.
• Complete post-event reports (Live Event Post-Show Reports, Movie Gross Reports).
• Perform other duties as required by the House Manager Handbook or Director.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Event management

Communication

Team management

Flexibility

Job description

The historic Carolina Theatre of Durham is seeking a full-time House Manager to join its Operations Team. We strongly value a diversity of people and experiences and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Join a vibrant team dedicated to the performing arts and the theater's role in the community. As a small nonprofit organization, we offer many opportunities to get involved and learn about all aspects of this historic venue and its operations.

You will play an important role in the evolution of our 100-year-old home, supporting front-of-house operations for cinema screenings, live events, and rentals, as needed. Reporting to the Director of Front of House and Rental Operations, the House Manager will serve as the on-site front-of-house leader and help ensure a safe, welcoming, and well-organized guest experience at all Carolina Theatre events. If you want to be a part of an organization committed to driving the cultural, educational, and economic vitality of the Triangle, this might be the job for you.

About the Carolina Theatre of Durham

Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that manages the City-owned Carolina Theatre complex, including the 1,100-seat historic Fletcher Hall and two cinemas which screen independent films, as well as festivals and retrospectives, 365 days per year and up to 3,500 screenings per year. The organization presents more than 75 performances by national touring stars per year in Fletcher Hall and provides more than 35 educational performances for more than 15,000 school children from 12 counties in our Arts Discovery Educational series.

Fletcher Hall is also home to several performing arts resident companies and hosts a variety of non-profit and commercial community events throughout the year. The theater supports a number of events designed to ensure the whole community can experience arts programming, including free offerings such as sensory-friendly and family programs. The theater will be celebrating a century in downtown Durham in 2026.

Our Values

As a City-owned, nonprofit-run facility, we believe that our entire community should be welcomed and celebrated here. We are committed to designing all our work, programs, and policies to ensure that all voices are heard and valued, and that each is respected and included. Our staff, volunteers, vendors, partners, and guests come from every imaginable walk of life. Diversity, equity, and access for all are the focus we also expect from all with whom we work, contract, or partner.

Job Summary

• Provide leadership for front-of-house operations and ensure excellent customer service from all front-of-house staff.
• Manage inventory and purchasing for concessions and other building supplies, forecasting needs based on upcoming events and analyzing sales trends to guide ordering decisions.
• Address and resolve guest concerns in a professional and timely manner, including working closely with the Box Office Manager on duty to resolve ticketing issues.
• Support Security and Custodial team members in maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for guests.
• Serve as the lead front-of-house staff member responsible for audience safety during emergencies, including fire, severe weather, or other incidents. Execute emergency response procedures and direct ushers in accordance with Carolina Theatre protocols.
• Open and/or close the building and ensure the facility is properly secured.
• Maintain the appearance of the lobby and all public areas, communicating with housekeeping as needed to uphold cleanliness standards.
• Assist with troubleshooting point-of-sale (POS) issues and troubleshoot concerns to department heads as appropriate.
• Assist concessions staff with stocking and preparing concession items for sale, including alcoholic beverages.
• Complete required post-event documentation, including Live Event Post-Show Reports and Movie Gross Reports.
• Perform other duties as outlined in the House Manager Handbook or assigned by the Director of Front of House & Rental Operations.

Qualifications

• Available nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Experience in event management, preferably in a theatre, performing arts, or venue setting.
• Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage diverse, rotating teams.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, with a professional and approachable demeanor.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and take initiative with minimal supervision.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during shifts and events.
• Ability to navigate stairs and move throughout a multi-level historic facility.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and perform light physical tasks related to event and concessions support.
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations.

Compensation and Benefits

• $45,000-$50,000 per year
• Non-exempt, full-time position
• Paid parking
• PTO, Health Insurance, and other benefits
• Access to Carolina Theatre employee perks, including complimentary film passes and discounts on concessions and merchandise

The Carolina Theatre of Durham is an Equal Opportunity Employer, values a diversity of people and experiences, and strongly encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.