Front of House Manager (PT)

Job Title: Front of House Manager

Location: Chicago IL

Terms: Part-Time

Requirements: This job primarily works evening and weekend hours

About the Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture

The Athenaeum Center was built in 1911 on the St. Alphonsus campus in Lakeview and is home to Chicagos oldest continuously-operating off-Loop theater. Our mission is to invite people into encounters with beauty and to revitalize the Catholic tradition of the arts from our location in one of Chicagos most unique religious artistic and civic buildings. At the Athenaeum Center we believe that art and beauty have the capacity to build up culture transform society and change lives.

Why Work for Us

Join a team dedicated to creating transformative experiences through the arts in a historic unique and beautiful setting. Our staff is passionate about providing exceptional guest experiences and fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. As Front of House Manager youll play a key role in welcoming guests and ensuring every event runs smoothly in a dynamic fast-paced and artistic space.

Job Summary:

The Front of House Manager plays a key role in creating a safe smooth and joyful experience for all guests attending events at the Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture. This part-time position works closely with our events team to oversee day-of Front of House operations including audience flow lobby activity and general patron services.

This is a public-facing hands-on role that requires strong communication skills a calm presence under pressure and a genuine care for the guest experience. The ideal candidate enjoys working live events can lead with clarity hospitality and joy and is aligned with our mission of inviting people into encounters with Beauty through the arts.

Responsibilities

Front of House Operations

• Collaborate with management to implement Front of House policies and standard operating procedures

• Serve as day-of lead for public and private events ensuring the lobby theatre(s) restrooms and other public spaces are clean welcoming and guest-focussed.
• Open and close multiple venue spaces as scheduled.
• Lead pre-show FOH staff meetings to review event details safety protocols and logistical assignments.
• Support client tours and event walkthroughs as needed.
• Coordinate with full-time FOH Manager to execute ADA accommodations and guest services with care and detail.
• Ensure signage furniture playlists and wayfinding materials are correctly placed and maintained.
• Monitor event flow and support guest-facing areas including lobbies entrances and restrooms.
• Ensure FOH event notes are captured in a post-show report at the end of each shift.

Day of Show/Event Responsibilities

• Conduct a pre-show briefing with ushers and volunteers (safety procedures special needs etc.).
• Supervise ushers floor captains bartenders and volunteers during events.
• Verify attendance and readiness of FOH staff and volunteers.
• Provide backup for understaffed roles such as ushering or concessions when necessary.
• Support training of new volunteers and staff in event flow and customer service expectations.
• Greet patrons and ensure a positive customer experience.
• Address late seating accessibility needs or special accommodations.
• Handle customer complaints or issues in a professional and timely manner.
• Monitor crowd flow and help minimize wait times at entry points and concessions.
• Coordinate with the box office and confirm ticketing setup and audience numbers and scanning devices
• Monitor audience behavior (use of phones disturbances etc.).
• Remain available to assist staff or patrons discreetly during the show.
• Oversee audience exit and ensure areas are left in good condition.
• Collect lost-and-found items and secure them properly.
• Debrief with staff/ushers; log any incidents or maintenance needs.
• Lock up and secure front-of-house areas as required.
• Assist with special events receptions or post-show discussions.
• Other related duties as needed.

Safety & Emergency Procedures

• Be the primary point of contact for front-of-house emergencies (medical fire alarm evacuation).
• Maintain clear communication with backstage technical crew and security.
• Ensure exits are clear and accessible throughout the performance.
• Know and execute the theatres emergency and first aid protocols.

Qualifications

• A warm outgoing and friendly personality is essentialmust genuinely enjoy making every guest feel welcomed and valued.
• Must embody a spirit of hospitality while having the confidence and discernment to enforce policies with firmness and grace when needed.
• Strong leadership instincts and the ability to stay calm clear-headed and supportive during high-pressure or fast-moving events.
• Prior experience in house management stage management live events hospitality or guest services strongly preferred.
• Excellent communication skills with both patrons and team members.
• Familiarity with ADA compliance emergency response and safety best practices is a plus.
• Availability to work evenings weekends and occasional late nights is required.

Reports To:

• This position reports to the House Manager and/or Audience Services Manager
• This positions direct reports (day of) are:
  • Front of House Associate
  • Bartender
  • Ushers
• The position often interacts and collaborates with the Box Office Staff Event Manager Venue Technical Supervisor and General Manager.

Compensation:

• Pay Rate/Range: $19.00$21.00 Per Hour depending on experience.
• 20-30 Hours Per Week