OPERATIONS MANAGER

Reports to: Empire Arts Center Executive Director 

THE ORGANIZATION 

Since its rebirth as an arts center in 1998, the Empire Arts Center has become a cultural anchor of historic downtown Grand Forks, welcoming over 30,000 visitors each year. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Empire strives to maintain an exemplary space to support the creative efforts of our community while maintaining its own artistic programming. 

THE POSITION 

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the facility. This includes contracting and managing rental events, developing and managing in-house programming, managing venue schedules, managing event staff and volunteers, ensuring the smooth running of events, and maintaining the theater’s physical infrastructure. The Operations Manager works closely with the artistic and production teams to ensure that all technical and logistical aspects of events are executed flawlessly. Additionally, they are responsible for monitoring expenses, contractual requirements for events, and compliance with safety regulations.

Responsibilities:

  • Rental events/service – Act as a point of contact for rental events. Facilitate rental events by providing tours and information to potential renters, developing the strategy for implementation of rental events, ensuring the needed rental space(s) are ready for rental events, facilitate ticketing, front of house activities, load in and load out. Facilitate preparation of rental agreements, box office, and other rental services. Manage box office, renter access, and front of house as needed.

  • Programming – Work with the ED to develop in-house programming concepts in keeping with the Empire’s mission. Determine budget, space, technical, and scheduling requirements for in-house programming. Work with ED to identify performers, partners, and sponsors for in-house programming. Ensure appropriate space, ticketing, front of house, and other event requirements are in place as needed for each event.

  • Facilities – Schedule events, staffing, volunteers, event changeovers, building access, and related activities such as marquee messages, posters (outdoor, indoor, and distribution in the community), gallery hours, box office hours, and maintenance activities. Coordinate with the facilities/custodial team to ensure all spaces are event-ready and in good repair. Operate basic technical and production-related items for events, including but not limited to internet/data needs, audio-visual equipment, lighting equipment, projectors, etc. Oversee all production, audio visual, and lighting needs; secure any rentals/contracted services needed to successfully produce events. Assist with planning and execution of building maintenance, repair, and capital projects.

QUALIFICATIONS  

Qualified candidates will exhibit a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, willingness to learn new skills, flexibility, excellent communication skills, and an interest in and familiarity with fine arts/performing arts. A bachelor’s degree in facilities management, nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field with a background in event center operations and management is a plus for this position. The ideal candidate should have excellent organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as the Operations Manager will be working closely with a diverse range of stakeholders, including artists, technicians, and administrative staff. Knowledge of technical theater equipment and systems, as well as experience in budgeting and financial management, is highly desirable.

Preferred qualifications include: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in facilities management, nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field.

  • Three to five (3-5) years of experience in an operations position in event center management (theater, arena, convention center, etc.) with knowledge of production and audio/visual, set-up/housekeeping and event logistics.

  • Experience with basic contractual agreements for renters, performers, contracted services, and the ability to negotiate terms and ensure contracts are properly executed.

 Required qualifications:

  • Excellent customer service skills.

  • Strong interpersonal skills required, including excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • Self-motivated with excellent organizational skills.

  • Excellent problem-solving skills.

  • Ability to be physically active and work under tight deadlines.

  • Ability to collaborate in a team environment yet work independently with limited supervision. Ability to train and supervise staff, contracted services, and volunteers as needed.

  • Work flexible hours as needed (often requiring early mornings, nights, weekends, and possibly holidays).

  • A deep commitment to the mission and values of our organization. 

Compensation will be dependent on experience. Compensation includes employer contribution towards health insurance and paid time off.  

For priority consideration, please submit your application by March 31, 2025. 

Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and up to three references to Debra Pflughoeft-Hassett at debraph@empireartscenter.com.