Director of Operations, Grand Opera House and Capitol Theatre

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Job Title: Director of Operations, Grand Opera House and Capitol Theatre Department: Capitol Theatre College/Division: General University Primary Job Posting Location: Macon, GA 31207 Additional Job Posting Locations: (Other locations that this position could be based) Job Details: 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. Responsibilities: The Director of Operations is responsible for the overall front-of-house experience and operational readiness of The Grand Opera House and The Capitol Theatre, with additional duties at Mercer Music at Capricorn. This role oversees guest services, bar operations, event rentals, and part-time front-of-house staff, ensuring a consistent, high-quality experience across all venues. The Director of Operations also serves as the primary point of contact for rental clients of The Grand and The Capitol and collaborates with internal teams to support programming at Mercer Music at Capricorn and venue utilization of The Capitol Theatre. Front of House Leadership: • 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. Venue Rentals & Client Services: • 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. Bar & Concessions Operations: • 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. Administrative & Operational Management: • 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. Programming Support (Mercer Music at Capricorn): • Work with Capricorn staff to schedule and support ticketed performances and special events. • Coordinate front-of-house staffing and bar operations for Capricorn programming. Qualifications : A high school diploma or GED and three years of relevant experience in venue operations, event management, hospitality, or related other closely related experience. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: • 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. Preferred Degree: Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Arts Administration, Event Management, Performing Arts, or a related field Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of bar operations, concessions management, and/or event rentals Preferred Years of Experience: Five years of progressively responsible related experience, to include experience with performance contracts Background Check Contingencies: - Criminal History Required Document Attachments: - Resume - Cover letter - List of three professional references with contact information About Mercer University Founded in 1833, Mercer University is a distinguished private institution recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and community engagement. With campuses across Georgia, Mercer’s twelve schools and colleges offer a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The university cultivates a close-knit, student-centered environment where innovation, service, and personal growth are deeply valued. Mercer’s employees are at the heart of its mission, dedicated to advancing innovation, supporting student success, and strengthening both our local and global communities through service. At Mercer, we believe in the power of relationships and the importance of in-person collaboration. Accordingly, our employees are expected to serve in-person as it fosters real-time problem solving, mentoring, and the meaningful connections that strengthen both our work and service to our students and the broader university community. Why Work at Mercer University Mercer University offers a variety of benefits for eligible employees including comprehensive health insurance (for self and dependents), generous retirement contributions , tuition waivers , paid vacation and sick leave , technology discounts, schedules that allow for work-life balance, and so much more! At Mercer University, a Bear is more than a mascot: it's a frame of mind that begins with a strong desire to make the most out of your career. Mercer Bears do not settle for mediocrity or the status quo. If you're seeking an environment where your passion and determination are embraced, then you want to work at Mercer University. For more information, please visit: https://hr.mercer.edu/prospective-employees/ Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Job Family: Staff Administrative Operations Exempt EEO Statement: EEO/Veteran/Disability