RENTAL MANAGER

The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts•Houston, TX

6d•$65,000 - $75,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Rental Manager is responsible for the strategic acquisition, coordination, and execution of all ticketed rental events at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. This role drives rental activity across all campus venues by identifying and securing ticketed rental opportunities while cultivating strong, long-term relationships with current and prospective partners and clients. Serving as the primary point of contact for ticketed rentals, the Rental Manager oversees the full lifecycle of each event—from initial inquiry and contracting through execution and financial settlement—ensuring a high level of service, accuracy, and operational excellence. In close collaboration with areas such as Operations, Production, Ticketing, Finance, and Marketing, this role ensures clear communication and seamless event execution across departments. As a key member of the Programming and Education Department, the Rental Manager also supports artist hosting, administrative coordination, and consistent use of venue management and ticketing systems. This position requires a highly organized, detail-oriented, and entrepreneurial professional with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, and a strong commitment to delivering exceptional client and artist experiences.

Requirements

3-5 years of experience in a similar field of arts and entertainment, venue management, or venue sales.
Strong financial acumen, including experience with event settlements, budgeting, revenue management, and the ability to clearly communicate financial details and expenses.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and entrepreneurial professional.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong commitment to delivering exceptional client and artist experiences.
Ability to balance competing priorities by managing day-of responsibilities, finalizing past events, and planning for upcoming activity simultaneously.
Customer service-focused approach.

Nice To Haves

Experience in nonprofit performing arts or venue operations is strongly preferred.
Experience with ticketing platforms such as Tessitura and Ticketmaster preferred.
Experience with venue scheduling or calendar management systems, such as Momentus Elite, preferred.
Knowledgeable or deeply invested in the Houston arts and cultural landscape, with the ability to engage meaningfully with local organizations and community partners.
Entrepreneurial spirit to their work, providing leadership across a broad scope of work.

Responsibilities

Lead the end-to-end management of all ticketed rental events, including inquiry tracking, contracting, scheduling, and execution.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the venue management system.
Serve as the primary client contact, providing a high level of service and ensuring a seamless and professional experience throughout the rental lifecycle.
Develop, implement, and continuously refine standard operating procedures in partnership with internal departments to improve efficiency and consistency.
Drive venue activation by proactively identifying, pursuing, and securing new rental opportunities.
Build and sustain relationships with arts organizations, promoters, producers, and community partners to expand the Hobby Center’s rental portfolio.
Maintain annual renewal process for Hobby Center’s Arts Partners and engagement of new potential partners.
Collaborate with the Programming & Education team to strategically balance presented programming, education initiatives, rentals, and special events to maximize facility utilization and community impact.
Participate in Houston community events and seek new rental partnerships that can support the Hobby Center mission and cater to a diverse clientele.
Maintain a comprehensive understanding of performing arts center operations and technical requirements to successfully advance events.
Act as the central coordinator for ticketed rental events by collecting, organizing, and distributing event-specific information to Operations, Production, Ticketing, Finance, and Marketing teams.
Lead regular event communications and ensure all departments are aligned to deliver successful and efficient performances.
Host potential rental clients on venue tours and maintain responses to rental inquiries.
Oversee the financial lifecycle of rental events in partnership with Ticketing and Finance.
Ensure accurate and timely settlement of all events, including revenue reconciliation, expense tracking, invoicing, and payments.
Execute settlements on the night of performances or on a scheduled basis, as required, and uphold strong financial accountability and reporting practices.
Provide Artist Liaison support for select presented programming shows, as needed.
Ensure a high standard of hospitality and professionalism by serving as the point of contact for non-technical needs backstage.
Contribute to an environment that prioritizes a positive and welcoming experience for artists and partners.