Director, Music Performance Theater

Rochester Institute of Technology

  • Rochester, NY
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 7 days ago
OrganizationUniversity ArenasJob ResponsibilitiesPlease note: This position requires the ability to work extended days, evenings, and weekends on a regular basis.The Director of the Music Performance Theater is responsible for the non-technical/non-BOH administrative, physical, operational, and fiscal management of RIT's Music Performance Theater (MPT). This high-impact role ensures the efficient and strategic operation of the venue through close collaboration with the RIT School for Performing Arts (SPA), while seamlessly integrating internal operations, rental management, and events execution to position the MPT as a premier destination.The Director develops and implements an effective operating model to maximize the strategic use of the venue, while creating and overseeing expenditures, policies, and procedures to include front-of-house and event-related activity. In partnership with SPA, the Director ensures that all operations and activities are compliant with RIT, NYS, and Federal policies.The Director manages the venue calendar and works closely with SPA and the RIT Box Office to present engaging arts and entertainment events. They are actively responsible for the scheduling and planning of non-SPA events and activities held in the Theater, including negotiating and finalizing event contracts and cost estimates. They will cultivate relationships with regional arts and cultural organizations, while providing leadership and supervision of professional staff and a diverse team of student employees, ensuring exceptional customer service and a welcoming experience for all.Venue Management
  • Assist in developing strategic plans and lead their implementation, ensuring all operational standards are met.
  • Benchmark and set pricing for space and equipment rentals.
  • Assist with the preparation and tracking of annual budgets.
  • Responsible for scheduling main hall and reservable rooms utilizing EMS scheduling system.
  • Identify, source, & manage capital projects and purchases.
  • Cultivate and maintain strong collaborative relationships with internal and external university partners, including the RIT School of Performing Arts.
  • Develop and implement University Arenas process templates related to EMS Campus reservation approvals and service request workflows.
  • Approval and guidance for preventive, planned and project maintenance. Maintain accurate capital inventory and equipment maintenance records.
  • Create, implement, and manage venue usage guidelines & policies.
  • Ensure venue consistently meets highest aesthetic/cleanliness standards.
  • Manage venue access control and serve as the Key Coordinator.
Event Management
  • Lead the booking, planning, and execution of non-SPA events, coordinating with venue clients and defining needs for events.
  • Negotiate, prepare, and distribute cost estimates, contracts, and settlements to clients.
  • Create and communicate event layouts, protocols, and supporting documentation for all events to relevant service providers.
  • Determine, control, and adjust event costs and staffing levels.
  • Determine and procure all RIT and non-RIT services for events.
  • Share in manager-on-duty responsibility for event-day logistics; coordination and execution of all applicable services.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of security plans to manage crowds and venue access. Source, assign, and monitor Contract Security officers in consultation with RIT Public Safety.
  • Maintain emergency procedures for guest safety, proactively enforcing all relevant policies.
  • Assist UA Business Development in actively promoting and securing external bookings to meet or exceed annual operating budgets.
Staff Management
  • Recruit, train, supervise, discipline, recognize, and evaluate professional & student staff.
  • Implement comprehensive customer service training programs for staff and students, dedicated to achieving service excellence for all event attendees and clients.
  • Responsible for monitoring staff morale, ensuring excellent teamwork, and taking appropriate action as needed.
Miscellaneous
  • Remain current and knowledgeable with industry best practices.
  • Carry out special assignments as requested.
FLSA CategoryExemptCollege/DivisionFinance & AdministrationRequired Application DocumentsCover Letter, Curriculum Vitae or ResumeEmployment CategoryFulltimeAdditional DetailsIn compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT does not discriminate. RIT promotes and values diversity, pluralism and inclusion in the work place. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to hr@rit.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.Required Minimum Education LevelBachelors or Equivalent ExperienceHow To ApplyIn order to be considered for this position, you must apply for it at: . Click the link for search openings and in the keyword search field, enter the title of the position or the BR number.120ARequired Qualifications7+ years of relevant leadership experience in Venue/Theater Management, Event Management, or Guest/Patron Services...preferably in the theater, arts, or live entertainment field...including managing and supervising employees.Skills:
  • Portrays the highest level of professionalism in all aspects of daily operations and interactions.
  • Proficiency with managing revenue and expenses.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
  • High attention to detail and follow-up; excellent planning and organization skills.
  • Considerable customer service experience, interacting and engaging with clients and guests in an event or arts venue setting.
  • Broad understanding of the Performing Arts landscape, including Theater Management and Front-of-House Operations
  • Familiarity and understanding of technical theater production, including lighting, sound, and stage management.
  • High level of efficiency with Event Management Systems (EMS) or other scheduling applications.
  • Ability to engage employees, customers and university officials in a way that creates an environment where customer satisfaction is critical to the success of the operation.
  • Ability to take initiative and independently plan, organize, coordinate, and perform work in complex situations with competing priorities.
  • Ability to understand, review, and interpret legal and risk management policies, compliance expectations, and university guidelines and procedures.
  • Ability to manage and maintain confidential and private information and records.
  • Experience with, courses completed in, or ability to complete, select FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) courses. Ability to play a lead role in managing emergency situations within the venue.
  • Demonstrated maintenance and/or renovation project management experience.
  • Computer proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, space scheduling and layout design programs; and time keeping, talent management, and staff scheduling technology platforms.
  • General knowledge of basic office equipment including telephone, personal computer, printer, fax machine, photo copier, and calculator.
  • Proven ability to negotiate and manage relationships with vendors, service providers, renters, and performing arts producers/presenters.
  • Ability to work extended days, evenings, and weekends on a consistent basis.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in Arts Administration, Arts Management, Theater/Sport/Facility Management, Business Administration or similar degree that prepares the candidate for work in arts management and/or administration.
  • Experience working with event producers and event planners strongly preferred.
  • Experience in arts management in a higher education setting.
  • Familiarity with emerging technologies as they relate to arts administration.
  • Membership and participation with the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) or International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM).
Department/College DescriptionThe University Arenas department encompasses the management and operation of the largest and most prominent event venues at RIT, consisting of over 400,000 square-feet with a combined event capacity of over 12,000. These venues host a diverse range of events, with attendance ranging from 25 to 6,500 people and totaling over 300,000 annually. The department's responsibilities also include sales, marketing, event programming, agriculture production, ecological conservation, major concert promotion, and the RIT Box Office. Venues which fall under University Arenas are:
  • Gene Polisseni Center
  • Gordon Field House & Activities Center
  • Lobozzo Alumni House
  • Music Performance Theater
  • Tait Preserve (including the Leenhouts Lodge and the Field Station)
  • University Gallery
Hourly/Salary Minimum60200Hourly/Salary Maximum100800

Rochester Institute of Technology