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Front of House Manager

How to Apply

You must apply through the U-M Jobs website (umjobs.org (https://careers.umich.edu/) ). In order to be considered, your application package must include a resume and cover letter, not to exceed one page, describing how this position fits with and advances your career goals.

What You'll Do

The Front of House Manager will manage an usher corps of 200+ volunteers and paid head ushers for over 70 events per season in up to eight different venues each season in Ann Arbor and throughout Southeast Michigan. This position acts as a key UMS representative by setting a high standard for providing excellence in customer service, problem-solving for ticketing issues, crowd management, adherence to ADA regulations, creating a welcoming atmosphere, and maintaining standards of professionalism for volunteer ushers, head ushers, part-time assistants, and student staff. This position requires evening and weekend work, which will vary week-to-week and could account for up to 65% of weekly hours during the academic year.

Who We Are

Now in its 146th season, **UMS** continues to showcase traditional performing arts alongside contemporary artists and is admired across the country for its boundary-pushing roster of artists and its curious and supportive audiences.

Housed on the campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, UMS is one of the oldest performing arts presenters in the country, committed to connecting audiences with performing artists from around the world in uncommon and engaging experiences. With a program steeped in music, dance, and theater, UMS contributes to a vibrant cultural community by presenting approximately 60-75 performances and over 100 free educational activities each season. UMS also commissions new work, sponsors artist residencies, and organizes collaborative projects with local, national, and international partners.

UMS was selected as one of the 2014 recipients of the National Medal of Arts, the nation's highest public artistic honor, awarded annually by the president of the United States at the White House to those who have "demonstrated a lifetime of creative excellence," according to the National Endowment for the Arts, which oversees the selection process. For more information on UMS visit: www.ums.org .

Why Work at Michigan?

We offer a benefits package that includes comprehensive training and career development opportunities, generous retirement savings plans, ample paid time off, and a wealth of family care support: https://careers.umich.edu/benefits/

Responsibilities*

(55%) Performance/Production Operations

+ Represents UMS at all UMS presentations, welcoming audiences and providing strong leadership for both venue management and volunteers.

+ Manages Front-of-House logistics for UMS performances and special events which include (but are not limited to):

+ Scheduling and managing volunteers and paid staff using volunteer management CRM

+ Responsible for program book and insert material deliveries and distribution to venue and storage spaces.

+ Overseeing patron access to venues and seating, including coordination of wayfinding with UMS Marketing team

+ Coordinating merchandise sales, beverage sales, post-performance artist signings, and related financial settlements with artist management teams and outside vendors

+ Managing and distributing promotional materials, ticket scanners, signage, program books, and program inserts for each performance, including making sure all relevant materials are at each venue in a timely manner.

+ Work with University Productions (UPROD) staff for all questions related to UPROD-managed venues on the U-M campus, including incident reports and related UMS in-venue events (such as receptions, lectures, and artist Q&As).

+ Actively participate in weekly cross-departmental production meetings as an advocate for the patron experience.

(20%) Leadership/Supervision

+ Develop and implement methods to train both new and returning volunteer ushers in areas including customer service best practices, volunteer scheduling software, ticket scanner access control, and seating policies (including accessibility).

+ Manage paid head ushers to assist with resolving seating conflicts, welcoming new ushers, and maintaining specific event spaces as needed.

+ Manage part-time student staff in merchandise sales, seating conflicts, and event setup/take-down.

+ Manage part-time assistants who serve in front-of-house duties.

+ Contribute and implement FOH policies, in coordination with industry standards, UMS, and venue management.

(15%) Patron Services Ticketing and Other Projects

+ Assists with processing ticket orders, via phone, mail orders, and subscriptions

+ Other duties as assigned.

(10%) Other Projects as Assigned

Required Qualifications*

+ Associates Degree in a related field is desired, or commensurate supervisory preferred

+ 3-5 years' experience in a supervisory role

+ Experience in creating a welcoming space for audiences, and working under pressure

+ Outstanding communication/interpersonal skills

+ Ability to take initiative and work independently

+ Strong attention to detail with the ability to be organized

+ A valid driver's license and the ability to operate University vehicles

+ Advanced computer skills including the Microsoft and Google suite of products

+ Knowledge of ADA standards and regulations

+ Routinely moves and positions materials weighing up to 50 pounds across campus and for various event needs.

Desired Qualifications*

+ Experience working in the performing arts

+ Experience working in a Front of House or ticket administration environment

+ Experience with Tessitura software or other ticketing platform

+ Experience with Better Impact and Humanity

+ Experience with scheduling software programs

Work Schedule

This full-time position, requires evening and weekend work, which will vary week-to-week and could account for up to 65% of weekly hours during the academic year.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

266487

Working Title

Front of House Manager

Job Title

Front-of-House Coordinator

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Nonexempt

Organizational Group

Univ Music Society

Department

UMS Patron Services

Posting Begin/End Date

7/25/2025 - 8/08/2025

Salary

$48,717.00 - $55,000.00

Career Interest

The Arts