House Manager

Dance Place is hiring! We are seeking a dynamic motivated and talented individual to join our team as the House Managerfor our nationally recognized cultural arts center in Washington DC. Thison-call non-exempt position will bring support to our passion for building a sustainable community of artists audiences and students through high-quality performances commissions training and educational programs. This position offers growth potential for opportunities to extend into Dance Place rentals within the Operations Department. This is an onsite work opportunity with a pay rate of $20.00/hour.

Heralded as thehub of dance activity in Washington DC Dance Place is an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourages qualified applicants from underrepresented communities to apply. We believe that people of color people in the LGBTQ community people with disabilities and women must be centered in the work we do. Hence we strongly encourage people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities to apply to our openings. Come enjoy an exciting and inclusive team environment of movement artists who share a common goal of strengthening the dance field by investing deeply in artists and centering those who have been systemically excluded from such opportunities. For more information on our amazing organization please visit our site at.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The House Manager ensures a seamless and positive experience for audience & community members during performances and events. This role involves overseeing front-of-house operations managing ushers and volunteers resolving issues and working closely with the Production team to ensure each event runs smoothly. The House Manager plays a key role in creating a welcoming organized and safe environment for audiences and staff alike. Ideally the candidate will commit to the entire season (February - August).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

At a minimum the House Managerrole will be responsible for successfully carrying out the following essential functions and duties:

Front-of-House Operations

• Supervise all front-of-house activities ensuring that audience & community members are greeted warmly and assisted as needed.
• Coordinate seating lobby management and crowd control before during and after performances.
• Oversee box office and concessions coordination ensuring a smooth flow of traffic and timely service.

Staff & Volunteer Management

• Manage ushers ticket takers and volunteers providing direction and support throughout the event.
• Train and brief ushers and volunteers on event details and customer service best practices.
• Ensure volunteers are aware of any specific needs or requests for each performance including accessibility accommodations.
• Serve as the point person for ASL Interpreters on Saturday performances.

Customer Service & Problem Solving

• Act as the main point of contact for audience & community members questions concerns or issues resolving them promptly and professionally.
• Handle late seating ticketing issues and other audience & community member needs in coordination with the box office team.
• Address any disruptive behavior or incidents during performances with tact and discretion.

Safety & Emergency Management

• Ensure that all safety protocols including fire exits are understood and followed by staff and audience & community members.
• Act as the lead in case of emergencies communicating with the appropriate personnel and following evacuation or safety procedures when needed.
• Monitor the venue for potential hazards and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Event Coordination & Communication

• Collaborate with the Presentation team to ensure all departments are aligned and working together efficiently.
• Provide performance updates and post-show reports to the Public Programming Producer.
• Facilitate communication between front-of-house and backstage teams to ensure smooth transitions and timing during events.

*The list of functions is not all-inclusive as other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: EXPERIENCE AND OTHER SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education:

High school diploma is required.

Experience:

Previous experience in customer service event management or front-of-house roles ideally within a performing arts or theater setting. Minimum of two years of experience is preferred.

Other Necessary Skills and Abilities:

• Strong leadership and team management skills with experience supervising staff or volunteers.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities with a calm and professional demeanor.
• Proficiency in Google Suite or similar office software.
• Familiarity with crowd management and safety procedures; CPR/First Aid certification is a plus.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment handle multiple tasks and remain flexible.
• Evening and weekend availability required for performances and events.

Computer/Technology Skills:

• Familiarity with PatronManager or similar CRM systems is a plus.
• Google Suite (Google Docs Google Sheets Gmail) or similar web applications for administrative tasks.

Physical Demands:

This position requires the ability to sit and stand for prolonged times; walk moderate distances; frequently lift/carry up to 25 lbs.; occasionally stoop bend kneel or crouch; frequently communicate verbally with others; view a computer screen for prolonged periods; and repetitive motions with wrists hands and fingers due to typing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Our staff is diverse small lively and highly collaborative. We have frequent interactions with visiting teachers artists and students of all ages. While some of Dance Place staff currently work a hybrid schedule splitting time between our main office in Washington DC and remote work the House Manager is an onsite position. Due to the in-person aspects of the position all employees are required to adhere to Dance Places current COVID-19 policy.

Required Experience:

Manager