Front of House Manager

About Company:

Front of House Manager

Job Title: Front of House Manager

Department: 05-Front of House

Reports To: Event Services Director

Position Type: Part-Time, non-regular                                                                                     FLSA Status: non-exempt

About the Washington Center for Performing Arts:

The Washington Center for the Performing Arts opened in 1985 from a belief that a regional performing arts center is fundamental to the cultural pursuits of our community and vital to a better quality of life. We have a diverse range of national and international touring artists, together with our artistic and community partners who call the Center “Home,” we serve all residents and visitors of Thurston County and beyond. Located in the heart of downtown Olympia, the Washington Center has become a community gathering place, serving over 100,000 patrons each year and instilling a passion for the performing arts unique to the region. The mission of the Washington Center is to inspire audiences and artists alike, enriching the vibrancy of our community.

The Washington Center for the Performing Arts seeks a Front of House Manager who is passionate about community and committed to delivering exceptional guest experience. This role supports the organization’s mission by overseeing guest relations, volunteers, servers, bartenders, and other support staff while helping ensure a safe and welcoming environment.

Position Summary:

The FOH Manager coordinates and oversees the smooth operation of all front-of-house activities at assigned events.

Position Details:

This is a Part-Time-Hourly, non-regular and non-exempt position, reporting to the Events Services Director. Due to the nature of our business, most shift will be during the weekend and evening hours, however, depending on the performance may also require day shifts.

Compensation and Benefits:

This is an hourly, non-exempt position, starting at $20.00 an hour. Benefits to include Washington Sick pay.

Core Duties (Event Duties):

• FOH Managers are the lead staff member on duty for events. They are the sole authority over event management and – in the event of an evacuation – the FOH Manager is responsible for implementing our evacuation plan in conjunction with Center staff, and department heads.
• FOH Managers are responsible for all life & safety matters occurring in front of the curtain, and work to maintain the physical safety and comfort of our audiences.
• FOH Managers are the primary contact for patrons, volunteers, event vendors, and “day of” event contacts for all events held at The Washington Center or other Center defined venues.
• FOH Managers coordinate all volunteer activity to ensure the smooth and efficient flow of people into and out of the theater and are responsible for maintaining the reasonable enforcement of house rules, egress, and other facility requirements.
• FOH Managers, working with the Director of Event Services, are responsible for gathering and familiarizing themselves with the necessary information for advance show planning and preparation.
• Communicate with guests using a clear, enthusiastic tone and body language always. Patrons interacting with our team should feel appreciated and welcomed through your actions.
• Distribute, collect, and balance tills and POS terminals for concessions and bar sales.

Will Call Duties:

• Perform all duties in accordance with established safety procedures.
• Abide by cash handling policies of the Center.
• Be able to work a flexible schedule that may include weekends, nights and holidays.
• Make recommendations for improving the patron experience.
• Properly document show and incident reports for record keeping purposes.
• Perform light custodial duties such as cleaning restrooms, sweeping, mopping, changing out trash receptacles, and unclogging toilets/sinks.
• Be a confident and assertive communicator while maintaining a polite and professional demeanor.
• Maintain the security of the building, during and after performance.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Event Services.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age or older and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Have basic mathematical skills, cash handling and record keeping knowledge, and how to make change correctly.
• Basic reading skills & computer skills.
• Awareness of basic food handling and concessions sales.
• Strong organizational skills include the ability to prioritize and delegate tasks and keep up with large amounts of detail.
• Top-notch customer service skills and the desire to ensure our patrons have the best experience possible.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and solve problems in a quick and efficient manner.
• Must have, or be willing to obtain, a valid CPR/First Responder Card and/or training.
• Must have, or be willing to obtain, a valid Food Handler’s Card and/or training.

Core Competencies:

Cooperation, Initiative, Ethics, Adaptability, Attendance/Punctuality, Dependability, Job Knowledge, Effective Communication, Teamwork and Collaboration, Customer Service or stakeholder focus.

Physical and Mental Requirements: (Example of standard requirements).

• Ability to use a computer, keyboard, telephone, and other standard office equipment as needed and if necessary.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in writing.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret information, documents, and data.
• Ability to maintain concentration, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a demanding environment.
• Ability to move about to the work area and lift or carry items up to 50 pounds, if applicable.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be physically able to lift and carry up to 50lbs, including:
  • Stackable chairs (7 pounds each) and carry up a flight of stairs;
  • Tables, chairs, couches, benches, etc.;
  • Cases of bottled water.
• Ability to carry and climb ladders
• Stand, bend and stoop 

This job description describes the general nature and level of work for this position. It is not an Exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Responsibilities may change at any time, without notice, to meet organizational needs. This document does not constitute a contract of employment.