Front of House Manager job at Rice University in Houston, TX

Title Front of House Manager Location TX, United States Position Summary The Front of House Manager plays a pivotal role in creating and delivering an exceptional onsite experience for patrons of the Shepherd School of Music. This position manages front‑of‑house operations for a robust calendar of orchestral, chamber, and opera performances, while recruiting and training a dedicated team of volunteers and student workers to serve as ushers and ticket scanners. The ideal candidate possesses outstanding customer service skills and the organizational agility to gracefully manage dynamic performance environments within a premier school of music that is part of a thriving academic community. Workplace Requirements This position is exclusively on‑site, requiring all duties to be performed in person at the Shepherd School of Music. It requires a flexible schedule, including evening and weekend hours to support music events. Typically requires a minimum of 3 hours per week during the academic semester; hours will increase during peak production and performance weeks, occasionally exceeding 10+ hours per week depending on the concert calendar. Hiring Range This is a 9‑month (August‑May) part‑time position, with a hiring rate of $19.08–$20.44 per hour, depending on skills and experience. Non‑Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime. Minimum Requirements High School Diploma. In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience can be substituted on an equivalent year‑for‑year basis. Two or more (2+) years’ experience in front‑of‑house management, box office management, or patron services for a performing arts organization or higher education institution. Skills Strong customer service experience and ability to meet performance standards. Ability to communicate effectively in English with diverse backgrounds. Strong critical thinking and ability to manage priorities in a fast‑paced performance environment. Ability to work independently and as part of a team with a diverse group of students, patrons, and staff. Ability to train, supervise, and mentor others. Prioritizes safety by adhering to university policies and procedures. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite. Preferences Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in a Performing Arts‑related field. Knowledge of Tessitura or other ticketing CRM databases. Experience using handheld ticket scanners. Essential Functions Performance Operations Collaborates closely with Production and Stage Management to synchronize front‑of‑house readiness with backstage technical requirements. Works as an extension of the Marketing and Communications' Patron Services team to ensure all touchpoints reflect the Shepherd School's brand and strategic messaging. Liaises with Production/Stage Manager to make real‑time decisions regarding concert starts, late seating, intermissions, and emergency response, balancing artistic needs with the patron experience. Conducts pre‑concert briefings with staff and ushers; ensures venue readiness, including ticket scanning logistics and the physical environment. Communicates patron feedback to Facilities staff related to temperature, plumbing, building access, and safety concerns. Manages FOH incident reporting and provides detailed feedback to Production and Marketing regarding audience flow and operational friction points. Volunteer & Student Worker Management Recruits and trains a pool of volunteers and student workers, instilling a service culture that aligns with Rice University's high standards for professional conduct. Trains and oversees ushers and ticket scanners, outlining duties, house rules, and service expectations. Identifies student workers who excel as ushers for development in elevated positions. Ensures all volunteers and staff adhere to Rice Policy 831 regarding the stewardship of university property and professional ethics. Maintains an accurate record of student worker shift attendance and hours worked to ensure prompt payment. Additional Functions Assists Box Office staff with ticketing as needed and Marketing and Communications staff with administrative work during events. Additional duties as assigned to support the school's fiscal and administrative stewardship. Equal Employment Opportunity Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr Remote