McFarlin Front of House Manager (HR Title: Event Coordinator)

McFarlin Front of House Manager

Southern Methodist University Dallas, TX

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies. SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence. Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact. SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

This role is an on-campus, in-person position. Responsible for the overall operation of McFarlin Memorial Auditorium: a 2,386 seat, multi-purpose, full-service facility. Serves as primary contact for booking requests and coordinates all scheduling for use of the Auditorium facilities. Develops a plan to actively market and solicit appropriate events to be scheduled. Arranges for and coordinates all necessary event support services. Supervises part-time usher staff and student workers, as well as contracted services, using university personnel procedures and practices. Administers fiscal operations and monitors budget expenditures. Develops and implements long range operational goals, objectives and renovation projects for the Auditorium. Maintains positive customer service relationships with other university departments and personnel, community organizations and the general public.

Serve as director on duty when events take place. Manages issues and is a presence in McFarlin Memorial Auditorium. Serve as primary contact for booking requests and coordinate all scheduling for use of the Auditorium. Creates all contracts for events and ensure all required forms are received. Creates the unified customer invoice combining vendor invoices, back of house invoice and any rentals. Manages the accounts receivable process. Administer and monitor budget expenditures and projections, assist with the administration of the McFarlin Memorial Trust Fund budget. Will provide a written report detailing anticipated expenses or projects funds from the Trust will be used. Provide profitability reports that detail labor costs and revenue, number of shows and attendance, etc. Maintain positive customer service relationships with other university departments and personnel, community organizations and the general public. Handle all related correspondence with promoters, organizers, other campus departments, etc. Develop and implement long range operational goals, objectives and renovation projects for the Auditorium. Assist with events in the Martha Proctor Mack Grand Ballroom, Moody Coliseum, Miller Event Center and Summer Conferences as requested. Availability to work regular evening and/or weekend hours is required. Employee must be present for all performances as the point of contact on duty.

Bachelor's degree is required. A minimum of one year of experience with event and production planning is required.

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills. Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills. Candidate must have experience with event and production planning. Candidate must have experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Experience with Adobe, CRM, and event and conference management software is preferred.

Bend, Reach above shoulders, Carry/lift 25 lbs., Squat, Kneel, Stand, Exposure to excessive noise

The position is open until filled. Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by April 29, 2026

SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution. SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU. The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.