Performing Arts Center General Manager

American Dream; East Rutherford (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

American Dream is seeking a dynamic General Manager for the Performing Arts Center in New Jersey. You will lead day‑to‑day operations, guide event planning and execution, and oversee staff, licensing, and safety compliance to ensure financial sustainability and excellent guest experiences.

You will work with the programming and partnerships teams to drive revenue, manage marketing with a senior team, and uphold high standards of customer service across events and venues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality, or Event Management (preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in venue or event management.
• Excellent leadership and coordination skills.
• Proficiency in financial management and ticketing software.
• Financial acumen and contract negotiation experience.
• Knowledge of technical theater operations (lighting, sound, staging).
• Knowledge of local laws and regulations.
• Ability to handle stress and stay organized under pressure.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations including scheduling, budgeting, and staff supervision.
• Ensure facility is safe, clean, and compliant with health and safety regulations.
• Oversee Head of Production to ensure maintenance and performance of all technical equipment.
• Oversee setup and teardown of events, ensuring equipment and facilities are in good working order.
• Ensure venue meets local regulations including licensing, health and safety, and noise restrictions.
• Monitor event progress and address issues during events.
• Manage operational aspects of ticketing, merchandise, and concessions.
• Hire, train, and supervise administrative, technical, and front‑of‑house staff.
• Develop staff schedules and ensure adequate coverage for all events.
• Coordinate with catering, sound, lighting, and other vendors.
• Prepare and manage budgets, monitor financial performance, and ensure cost‑effective operations.
• Support programming and partnerships departments in revenue opportunities.
• Monitor revenue streams and control expenditures.
• Handle contracts, insurance, and invoicing.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and fire regulations.
• Maintain cleanliness and functionality of the venue.
• Coordinate hiring of senior marketing staff and promote events to increase attendance.
• Represent center in public/media engagements if required.
• Meet sales targets by developing client relationships and following up on leads.
• Conduct site tours for potential clients to showcase venue capabilities.

Skills

Leadership

Coordination

Problem solving

Multitasking

Financial management

Contract negotiation

Technical theater operations

Stress management

Flexible hours

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality, or Event Management

Tools

Ticketing software

Job description

The Performing Arts Center General Manager is responsible for the overall administration, operations, and strategic direction of the center. This includes managing staff, overseeing event planning and execution, maintaining the facility, and ensuring financial sustainability. The role demands a dynamic leader with a passion for the arts, strong organizational skills, and the ability to foster community engagement.

Primary Responsibilities:

Operations & Event Management

• Oversee daily operations including scheduling, budgeting, and staff supervision.
• Ensure the facility is safe, clean, and compliant with health and safety regulations.
• Oversee Head of Production to ensure maintenance and performance of all technical equipment (lighting, sound, staging).

• Oversee the setup and teardown of events, ensuring all equipment and facilities are in good working order.
• Ensure the venue meets all local authority regulations, including licensing, health and safety, and noise restrictions
• Monitor event progress and address any issues that arise during the event.

• Ensure smooth day-to-day venue operations.
• Manage operational aspects of the ticketing, merchandise, and venue concessions.

Staff & Vendor Coordination

• Hire, train, and supervise administrative, technical, and front-of-house staff.
• Develop staff schedules and ensure adequate coverage for all events.
• Coordinate with catering, sound, lighting, and other vendors.

Financial & Administrative Oversight

• Prepare and manage budgets, monitor financial performance, and ensure cost-effective operations.
• Work with programming and partnerships departments to assist in any additional revenue generating opportunities.
• Monitor revenue streams and control expenditures.
• Handle contracts, insurance, and invoicing.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and fire regulations.

• Ensure all safety and security regulations are adhered to, implementing emergency plans as needed

• Maintain cleanliness and functionality of the venue.

Customer Experience & Marketing

• Coordinate the hiring and management of a senior marketing member of staff. Work closely with marketing department to ensure implementation of marketing strategies to promote events and increase attendance.
• If required, represent the center in public and media engagements.
• Maintain high standards of customer service.
• Address guest complaints and feedback.

• Meet sales targets by developing relationships with clients and following up on leads.
• Conduct site tours for potential clients, showcasing the venue's features and capabilities.

• Promote events via social media and marketing channels.

Strategic Planning

• Contribute to long-term strategic goals aligned with the center’s mission.
• Evaluate programs and operations regularly and adjust strategies as needed.

• Prepare reports on venue performance, client feedback, and financial outcomes

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality, or Event Management (preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in venue or event management.
• Excellent leadership and coordination skills
• Proficiency in financial management and ticketing software.
• Excellent problem-solving and multitasking abilities.
• Financial acumen and contract negotiation experience.
• Knowledge of technical theater operations (lighting, sound, staging).
• Knowledge of local laws and regulations
• Ability to handle stress and stay organized under pressure
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

American Dream is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment or discrimination. All employment decisions are to be made without regard to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, pregnancy, national origin/ancestry, citizenship, physical/mental disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.