Director of Operations, Grand Opera House and Capitol Theatre

Mercer University•Macon, GA

17h•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Operations leads front-of-house experience and operational readiness at The Grand Opera House and The Capitol Theatre, with additional duties at Mercer Music at Capricorn. The role oversees guest services, bar operations, venue rentals, and part-time front-of-house staff, ensuring a consistent, high-quality experience across the venues. The Director is the primary contact for rental clients of The Grand and The Capitol and collaborates with internal teams to support programming and venue utilization. This is a hands-on leadership role supporting live performances, special events, and rental activity. It requires coordinating staff and event logistics, maintaining facilities and service standards, managing relevant operating budgets, and responding to client and patron needs. The position is in-person, with a scheduled 40-hour workweek and evening and weekend work as required by event schedules.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least three years of relevant experience in venue operations, event management, hospitality, or a closely related field.
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 and lift, push, or pull boxes or other incoming stage items weighing more than 50 pounds, 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.
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, including 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.
Maintain customer service standards and resolve escalated patron issues.
Maintain front-of-house supplies and coordinate repairs, improvements, and maintenance needs.
Liaise with contractors to ensure venues meet cleanliness and safety standards.
Serve as the central contact for 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 clients’ facility needs.
Fulfill hospitality riders for presented shows and ensure client and 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 bar operations during events.
Create front-of-house schedules, payroll submissions, and staffing plans based on event needs.
Work with the 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, front-of-house supplies, and contracted services.
Work with Capricorn staff to schedule and support ticketed performances and special events.
Coordinate front-of-house staffing and bar operations for Mercer Music at Capricorn programming.
Perform other duties as assigned.