Director of Theater Operations

Husson University•Bangor, ME

About The Position

The Director of Theatre Operations is responsible for the overall administration, financial management, operations, marketing coordination, programming execution, and use of the Gracie Theatre at Husson University. The position ensures successful delivery of the theatre’s performance season and provides an exceptional experience for artists, patrons, students, and community members. Reporting to the Vice President for Advancement, the Director works with the Gracie Theatre Advisory Group to develop programming recommendations. The President of Husson University gives final approval of the season and individual artists. After approval, the Director secures selected artists, negotiates contracts and performance requirements, and coordinates each engagement from booking through performance. The Director oversees business and front-of-house operations, including ticketing and box office operations, ushers and volunteers, artist relations and hospitality, marketing coordination, patron services, and coordination with technical and production personnel. As part of the Office of Advancement, the Director also supports donor, alumni, and community engagement associated with the Gracie Theatre, and assists with University events and significant projects as needed. The Director represents Husson University and develops relationships with artists, agents, patrons, sponsors, donors, alumni, vendors, and community partners.

Requirements

Master’s degree required.
Experience in a college setting.

Nice To Haves

Experience in staging theatrical productions.
Experience supervising theatre staff and volunteers.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Gracie Theatre Advisory Group on development of each performance season.
Research artist availability, fees, scheduling, technical requirements, and other information to inform programming decisions.
After presidential approval, secure performances and serve as the primary contact with artists, agents, managers, and production companies.
Negotiate and coordinate artist contracts, performance riders, fees, travel, lodging, hospitality, ground transportation, schedules, and other contractual requirements in accordance with University policies and approved budgets.
Maintain relationships with artists, agents, booking agencies, and other industry partners.
Serve as the primary University contact for visiting artists and performers.
Manage the theatre’s internal event and performance calendar and coordinate facility use with University departments.
Oversee box office and ticketing operations, including ticket sales, complimentary tickets, patron lists, and event reporting.
Coordinate ushers, volunteers, and other front-of-house personnel, including appropriate training and customer-service standards.
Work with the Technical Director and production personnel to understand and execute technical and production requirements.
Manage artist hospitality and show-day logistics from artist arrival through the conclusion of each performance.
Oversee patron communications and customer service to provide a professional, welcoming guest experience.
Coordinate theatre use for University programs and approved external events.
Develop and manage performance budgets within established financial parameters.
Monitor event-related artist fees, production expenses, travel, hospitality, advertising, ticket revenue, sponsorship revenue, concessions, merchandise, and other revenue and expenses.
Track ticket sales and financial performance throughout the sales cycle.
Prepare post-event financial reports detailing revenue, expenses, and profitability.
Maintain accurate financial and operational records and provide regular reports to the Vice President for Advancement.
Coordinate with University Marketing and Communications on marketing plans, advertising, publicity, social media, and promotional materials.
Maintain accurate, timely information on the theatre website, ticketing platforms, and event calendars.
Develop and coordinate patron communications before and after performances.
Support strategies to increase ticket sales, develop audiences, strengthen patron relationships, and expand regional awareness of the theatre.
Collaborate with the Office of Advancement on donor and sponsor engagement associated with performances, including receptions, stewardship activities, and special events.
Support Advancement-led alumni, donor, and community engagement activities as needed.
Assist with planning and execution of large-scale University events and special projects, including logistics, vendor coordination, guest experience, and collaboration with campus partners.
Build relationships with sponsors, donors, alumni, patrons, and community partners and help identify opportunities to deepen their engagement with the theatre and University.
Provide operational and event support for other Advancement initiatives as priorities require.
Represent the Gracie Theatre and Husson University professionally in interactions with artists, agents, patrons, donors, alumni, community partners, and the public.
Maintain high standards of professionalism, responsiveness, hospitality, and customer service.
Be available for evening and weekend performances and events as required by the theatre schedule.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Vice President for Advancement.