General Manager

City of Cleveland Heights•Ohio 44118, OH

19h•Onsite

About The Position

Cain Park is a historic, 22-acre summer arts park owned and operated by the City of Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Conceived during the Great Depression by a local drama teacher and the city's mayor, it holds the distinction of being one of the oldest municipally owned outdoor arts parks in the United States. Cain Park features two distinct, covered outdoor performance spaces. Evans Amphitheater has a capacity of 2500 and Alma Theater has a capacity of 250. Seasonal attractions include large scale touring concerts, theatrical and dance productions, community events and more. The General Manager – Cain Park provides leadership and oversight for the operations, programming, facilities, and staff supporting Cain Park’s performance venues and events, under the direction of the Director of Parks & Recreation. The General Manager brings structure, organization, and accountability to Cain Park’s performing arts and event operations. This position works closely with the Assistant General Manager, Production Manager, seasonal managers, department heads, City departments, artists, agents, and vendors to ensure performances and events are delivered safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within budget. The successful candidate will be a highly organized, responsive, and collaborative leader who can manage multiple priorities simultaneously, make sound decisions under pressure, and maintain a high level of customer and employee service.

Requirements

Knowledge of theatrical equipment and performing arts operations
Knowledge of arts administration
Knowledge of ticketing systems and event operations
Knowledge of theatre auditions and production
Knowledge of public administration and public relations principles
Knowledge of municipal budgeting, accounting, finance, and cost analysis
Knowledge of program and event development, administration, scheduling, and monitoring
Skill in grant writing
Skill in time management and organization
Skill in building and maintaining professional partnerships
Skill in scheduling and operating multiple programs, events, and facilities simultaneously
Skill in contract management and negotiation
Skill in booking performances and working with artists and representatives
Skill in budget preparation, financial tracking, and cost analysis
Skill in staff supervision, coaching, scheduling, and evaluation
Skill in developing promotional and public relations materials
Skill in planning, developing, supervising, and managing programs and events
Skill in evaluating program effectiveness
Skill in preparing and maintaining records and reports
Skill in interpreting and applying applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
Skill in providing high-quality customer service
Skill in using computers and related software applications
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Ability to remain calm and exercise sound judgment under pressure.
Ability to manage multiple projects, events, and competing priorities simultaneously.
Ability to develop and implement effective policies, procedures, and operational processes.
Ability to direct and manage professional, multidisciplinary staff.
Ability to build positive working relationships with City departments, governmental agencies, consultants, artists, industry organizations, businesses, and the public.
Ability to recognize problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement appropriate solutions.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to develop and deliver presentations.
Ability to conduct research and prepare recommendations.
Ability to work independently while exercising discretion and good judgment.
Ability to interpret and apply Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.
Ability to apply critical thinking to mathematical, technical, financial, and analytical problems.
Ability to maintain current knowledge of industry practices, methodologies, and trends.
Ability to perform other duties of a similar nature or level as assigned by the Director of Parks & Recreation.
Bachelor’s degree in Theater, Performing Arts, Arts Administration, Business Administration, or a related field, plus a minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in the performing arts, live entertainment, venue management, or a related industry; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.
Must possess at the time of hire and maintain a valid Ohio Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and supervision to a multidisciplinary team of full-time, part-time, seasonal, and contract employees.
Hire, train, coach, schedule, and evaluate staff in collaboration with appropriate City personnel.
Establish clear priorities, procedures, and expectations for staff and operations.
Foster a professional, safe, collaborative, and customer-focused work environment.
Coordinate staffing and resources across multiple productions and events.
Ensure compliance with City policies, applicable laws, regulations, contracts, and industry standards.
Oversee the day-to-day operations, maintenance, and readiness of Cain Park’s performance venues and facilities.
Serve as the primary operational leader during the performance season and as Operations Manager during the off-season.
Oversee the Seasonal Operations Manager and Concessions Manager.
Establish and continuously improve operational procedures with an emphasis on efficiency, safety, customer service, and employee satisfaction.
Coordinate with City departments, including Finance, Law, Communications, and other relevant departments.
Ensure events and performances are properly staffed, scheduled, and executed.
Respond calmly and effectively to operational issues, schedule changes, and time-sensitive situations.
Work with the Director of Parks & Recreation, Assistant General Manager and Production Manager to develop and execute Cain Park’s annual season, including concerts, theatrical productions, community events, and other programming.
Book performers and negotiate artist agreements within established budgetary and City guidelines.
Manage relationships and communications with artists, agents, managers, promoters, and vendors.
Review, process, and redline artist contracts and related agreements.
Monitor event budgets, expenses, revenues, and profitability.
Maintain accurate schedules, spreadsheets, reports, contracts, and supporting documentation.
Respond promptly and professionally to a high volume of daily communications from artists, agents, managers, vendors, staff, and City departments.
Coordinate production, marketing, ticketing, staffing, and operational requirements for each event.
Provide leadership and support to the Assistant General Manager.
Oversee the Production Manager.
Map out a fair and thoughtful division of labor between themselves, the AGM and the Production Manager to co-manage tasks such as onboarding Cain Park hires, working with multiple City departments, processing invoices and purchase orders and management of part time and seasonal staff to ensure effective year-round management of Cain Park.
Oversee the seasonal Box Office Manager and ticketing operations.
Ensure events are accurately built and managed within the ticketing system, including inventory, counts, reporting, and final settlement information.
Monitor adherence to artist and tour announcement protocols, including VIP programs, holds, presales, and other special ticketing requirements.
Review ticketing reports and data to support operational and financial decision-making.
Work with the Marketing Manager and team to develop and execute effective marketing and promotional strategies for Cain Park programs and events.
Oversee marketing materials and communications, including websites, social media, press releases, brochures, flyers, mailings, and other promotional materials.
Support marketing plans and requirements established by artists and their representatives.
Maintain relationships with local media, radio, community partners, and other promotional outlets.
Identify opportunities to strengthen Cain Park’s visibility, audience engagement, and revenue.
Work with the Assistant General Manager and appropriate staff to coordinate the annual arts festival, including exhibiting artists, booth organization, and event logistics.
Support gallery programming and collaborate with curators on installations and related activities.
Prepare and administer annual program budgets by forecasting revenues and expenditures, monitoring financial performance, and recommending adjustments.
Monitor event and seasonal budgets, expenses, revenues, and P/L performance.
Process and review purchase orders, invoices, contracts, and other financial documentation in accordance with City procedures.
Prepare and maintain financial, operational, attendance, and program reports.
Research, develop, and monitor grant opportunities, applications, compliance, and reporting requirements.
Develop and implement policies, procedures, schedules, and operational systems that support efficient program delivery.
Maintain positive, professional relationships with City departments, community organizations, artists, agents, vendors, technicians, and industry organizations, including Actors’ Equity Association.
Serve as a liaison to the public, community partners, City employees, and other stakeholders.
Attend meetings and serve on committees as assigned.
Investigate and resolve operational, customer, and personnel issues.
Develop partnerships that strengthen Cain Park’s programs, community presence, and financial sustainability.