Audience Development Associate and House Manager

The Audience Development Associate and House Manager is responsible for the planning, implementation, and measurement of audience development strategies, with the goal of cultivating new audiences in South Side communities surrounding Court Theatre. They are responsible for Front of House operations at Court Theatre during performances, providing exceptional customer service. They are a part of the Marketing team and report to the Director of Marketing and Communications.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with the Director of Marketing to create audience development strategies that will cultivate new audiences and deepen the connection of existing audiences on Chicago’s South Side.
• Works cross-functionally with the marketing, development, artistic, and education departments to determine how all audience development events or initiatives might intersect and benefit each group; facilitates clear communication and aligned tactics across departments.  
• Researches, recommends, and assists in implementation of new communication and advertising strategies that increase audience reach and engagement on the South Side.
• Provides regular analysis of marketing sales and goals with respect to South Side audience attendance.  

• Makes connections and builds relationships with South Side community organizations, churches, and businesses in support of audience development initiatives.

• Represents Court at festivals and community events to increase awareness of Court Theatre.

• As House Manager, works alongside, coordinates and communicates with Box Office and Stage Management at all performances, ensuring the proper start time of performance.

• At all performances, oversees all patron services including but not limited to seating, will-call, post-show discussions, emergencies, and overall comfort of Court Theatre patrons.

• Communicates clearly with the Director of Audience Services Manager regarding any/all front of house issues.

• Manages, trains, and supervises volunteer ushers, bartenders, and concessions staff; assists when needed.

• Reconciles concessions and merchandise sales on a nightly basis.

• Answers and directs audience inquiries in accordance with customer service best practices, and provides prompt, professional, and friendly responses to customer complaints.

• Monitors parking garage entrance/exit gates, locks up of theatre, and sets security alarms.

• Plays a key role in the execution of sales and marketing programs.

• Has a moderate/high level of authority in selling products and services. Works with marketing and other units to target growth areas and generate leads.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Competencies:

• Foster partnership and collaboration  

• Display courage and conviction

• Ensure decision quality, accountability & drive results

• Display emotional intelligence  

• Cultural Competence; Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion

Education, Experience, and Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree Undergraduate degree at a four-year accredited university

• A minimum of two years of relevant professional work experience in nonprofit management, public relations, sales, or similar professional work experience.

Technical Knowledge or Skills: 

• Excellent customer service, communication skills & phone etiquette

• Attention to details a must

• Accurate in keyboarding skills

• Able to make financial transactions and make changes

• Ability to remain pleasant during challenging situations

• Proficient in Windows based computer programs

• Ability to work efficiently and independently

Working Conditions:

• Willingness and ability to travel to campus and/or non-campus locations for University business.

• Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends.

• Willingness and ability to travel for events and qualification visits based on programmatic and regional needs to strengthen engagement with Court Theatre.

To Apply:
To apply, view the job posting on the University of Chicago Employment site.  Applications not submitted through the University of Chicago’s jobs site cannot be considered.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

Posted 5/14/2021