Director of Operations, Grand Opera House and Capitol Theatre

Mercer University•Macon, GA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Help shape the audience experience across Mercer's distinctive, historic downtown arts venues as Director of Operations, leading front-of-house teams, venue rentals, and hospitality operations at The Grand Opera House and The Capitol Theatre, with additional duties at Mercer Music at Capricorn. This hands-on leadership role is ideal for an organized, people-focused professional who thrives on live events, builds strong teams, and takes pride in making every performance and guest experience run seamlessly.

Requirements

A high school diploma or GED
Three years of relevant experience in venue operations, event management, hospitality, or related other closely related experience.
Strong leadership and staff management skills.
Excellent communication and customer service abilities.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as required by event schedules.
Ability to work in a busy stage environment, including the need to lift, push, or pull boxes or other incoming stage items in excess of 50 lbs., with or without reasonable accommodation.
Knowledge of alcohol service regulations, inventory control, cash-handling procedures, and vendor management.
Comprehensive understanding of front-of-house operations, event logistics, patron experience standards, and facility readiness across performing arts or entertainment venues.
Skill in managing daily operations across multiple venues, coordinating staff, and ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery.
Skill in managing multiple events, tasks, and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
Ability to adjust quickly to evolving event needs, guest concerns, and operational challenges.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Arts Administration, Event Management, Performing Arts, or a related field
Knowledge of bar operations, concessions management, and/or event rentals
Five years of progressively responsible related experience, to include experience with performance contracts

Responsibilities

Oversee front-of-house operations for downtown performing arts venues
Hire, train, schedule, and supervise House Managers, security staff, and bartenders.
Ensure excellent customer service standards and resolve escalated patron issues.
Maintain front-of-house supplies, coordinate repairs, improvements, and maintenance needs.
Serve as the liaison with contractors to ensure all venues meet cleanliness and safety standards.
Serve as the central point of contact for all venue rental inquiries for The Grand and The Capitol.
Create, review, and manage estimates, contracts, and rental agreements.
Coordinate with internal departments to meet rental client facility needs.
For presented shows, fulfill hospitality riders and ensure client/stage party needs are met during events.
Oversee bar operations across all three venues, including inventory, purchasing, stocking, and compliance.
Develop and maintain bar procedures, cash-handling protocols, and sales reporting.
Ensure consistent, efficient, and profitable operations during all events.
Create front-of-house schedules, payroll submissions, and staffing plans based on event needs.
Work with Executive Director to schedule and support ticketed performances and special events.
Develop and maintain operational policies and standard operating procedures.
Monitor and manage relevant budgets, including bar inventory, FOH supplies, and contracted services.
Other duties as assigned.
Work with Capricorn staff to schedule and support ticketed performances and special events.
Coordinate front-of-house staffing and bar operations for Capricorn programming.