Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture
Front of House Manager (PT)
Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60601
Front of House Manager
Location: Chicago, IL Terms: Part-Time This job primarily works evening and weekend hours. About the Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture
The Athenaeum Center was built in 1911 on the St. Alphonsus campus in Lakeview, and is home to Chicago's oldest continuously-operating off-Loop theater. Our mission is to invite people into encounters with beauty and to revitalize the Catholic tradition of the arts from our location in one of Chicago's most unique religious, artistic, and civic buildings. At the Athenaeum Center, we believe that art and beauty have the capacity to build up culture, transform society, and change lives. Why Work for Us
Join a team dedicated to creating transformative experiences through the arts in a historic, unique, and beautiful setting. Our staff is passionate about providing exceptional guest experiences and fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. As Front of House Manager, you'll play a key role in welcoming guests and ensuring every event runs smoothly in a dynamic, fast-paced, and artistic space. Job Summary:
The Front of House Manager plays a key role in creating a safe, smooth, and joyful experience for all guests attending events at the Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture. This part-time position works closely with our events team to oversee day-of Front of House operations, including audience flow, lobby activity, and general patron services. This is a public-facing, hands-on role that requires strong communication skills, a calm presence under pressure, and a genuine care for the guest experience. The ideal candidate enjoys working live events, can lead with clarity, hospitality, and joy, and is aligned with our mission of inviting people into encounters with Beauty through the arts. Responsibilities
Front of House Operations
Collaborate with management to implement Front of House policies and standard operating procedures Serve as day-of lead for public and private events, ensuring the lobby, theatre(s), restrooms, and other public spaces are clean, welcoming, and guest-focused. Open and close multiple venue spaces as scheduled. Lead pre-show FOH staff meetings to review event details, safety protocols, and logistical assignments. Support client tours and event walkthroughs as needed. Coordinate with full-time FOH Manager to execute ADA accommodations and guest services with care and detail. Ensure signage, furniture, playlists, and wayfinding materials are correctly placed and maintained. Monitor event flow and support guest-facing areas including lobbies, entrances, and restrooms. Ensure FOH event notes are captured in a post-show report at the end of each shift. Day of Show/Event Responsibilities
Conduct a pre-show briefing with ushers and volunteers (safety, procedures, special needs, etc.). Supervise ushers, floor captains, bartenders, and volunteers during events. Verify attendance and readiness of FOH staff and volunteers. Provide backup for understaffed roles, such as ushering or concessions, when necessary. Support training of new volunteers and staff in event flow and customer service expectations. Greet patrons and ensure a positive customer experience. Address late seating, accessibility needs, or special accommodations. Handle customer complaints or issues in a professional and timely manner. Monitor crowd flow and help minimize wait times at entry points and concessions. Coordinate with the box office and confirm ticketing setup and audience numbers, and scanning devices. Monitor audience behavior (use of phones, disturbances, etc.). Remain available to assist staff or patrons discreetly during the show. Oversee audience exit and ensure areas are left in good condition. Collect lost-and-found items and secure them properly. Debrief with staff/ushers; log any incidents or maintenance needs. Lock up and secure front-of-house areas as required. Assist with special events, receptions, or post-show discussions. Other related duties as needed. Safety & Emergency Procedures
Be the primary point of contact for front-of-house emergencies (medical, fire alarm, evacuation). Maintain clear communication with backstage, technical crew, and security. Ensure exits are clear and accessible throughout the performance. Know and execute the theatre's emergency and first aid protocols. Qualifications
A warm, outgoing, and friendly personality is essentialmust genuinely enjoy making every guest feel welcomed and valued. Must embody a spirit of hospitality while having the confidence and discernment to enforce policies with firmness and grace when needed. Strong leadership instincts and the ability to stay calm, clear-headed, and supportive during high-pressure or fast-moving events. Prior experience in house management, stage management, live events, hospitality, or guest services strongly preferred. Excellent communication skills with both patrons and team members. Familiarity with ADA compliance, emergency response, and safety best practices is a plus. Availability to work evenings, weekends, and occasional late nights is required. Reports To: This position reports to the House Manager and/or Audience Services Manager. This position's direct reports (day of) are: Front of House Associate Bartender Ushers The position often interacts and collaborates with the Box Office Staff, Event Manager, Venue Technical Supervisor, and General Manager. Compensation: Pay Rate/Range: $19.00$21.00 Per Hour, depending on experience. 20-30 Hours Per Week
Location: Chicago, IL Terms: Part-Time This job primarily works evening and weekend hours. About the Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture
The Athenaeum Center was built in 1911 on the St. Alphonsus campus in Lakeview, and is home to Chicago's oldest continuously-operating off-Loop theater. Our mission is to invite people into encounters with beauty and to revitalize the Catholic tradition of the arts from our location in one of Chicago's most unique religious, artistic, and civic buildings. At the Athenaeum Center, we believe that art and beauty have the capacity to build up culture, transform society, and change lives. Why Work for Us
Join a team dedicated to creating transformative experiences through the arts in a historic, unique, and beautiful setting. Our staff is passionate about providing exceptional guest experiences and fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. As Front of House Manager, you'll play a key role in welcoming guests and ensuring every event runs smoothly in a dynamic, fast-paced, and artistic space. Job Summary:
The Front of House Manager plays a key role in creating a safe, smooth, and joyful experience for all guests attending events at the Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture. This part-time position works closely with our events team to oversee day-of Front of House operations, including audience flow, lobby activity, and general patron services. This is a public-facing, hands-on role that requires strong communication skills, a calm presence under pressure, and a genuine care for the guest experience. The ideal candidate enjoys working live events, can lead with clarity, hospitality, and joy, and is aligned with our mission of inviting people into encounters with Beauty through the arts. Responsibilities
Front of House Operations
Collaborate with management to implement Front of House policies and standard operating procedures Serve as day-of lead for public and private events, ensuring the lobby, theatre(s), restrooms, and other public spaces are clean, welcoming, and guest-focused. Open and close multiple venue spaces as scheduled. Lead pre-show FOH staff meetings to review event details, safety protocols, and logistical assignments. Support client tours and event walkthroughs as needed. Coordinate with full-time FOH Manager to execute ADA accommodations and guest services with care and detail. Ensure signage, furniture, playlists, and wayfinding materials are correctly placed and maintained. Monitor event flow and support guest-facing areas including lobbies, entrances, and restrooms. Ensure FOH event notes are captured in a post-show report at the end of each shift. Day of Show/Event Responsibilities
Conduct a pre-show briefing with ushers and volunteers (safety, procedures, special needs, etc.). Supervise ushers, floor captains, bartenders, and volunteers during events. Verify attendance and readiness of FOH staff and volunteers. Provide backup for understaffed roles, such as ushering or concessions, when necessary. Support training of new volunteers and staff in event flow and customer service expectations. Greet patrons and ensure a positive customer experience. Address late seating, accessibility needs, or special accommodations. Handle customer complaints or issues in a professional and timely manner. Monitor crowd flow and help minimize wait times at entry points and concessions. Coordinate with the box office and confirm ticketing setup and audience numbers, and scanning devices. Monitor audience behavior (use of phones, disturbances, etc.). Remain available to assist staff or patrons discreetly during the show. Oversee audience exit and ensure areas are left in good condition. Collect lost-and-found items and secure them properly. Debrief with staff/ushers; log any incidents or maintenance needs. Lock up and secure front-of-house areas as required. Assist with special events, receptions, or post-show discussions. Other related duties as needed. Safety & Emergency Procedures
Be the primary point of contact for front-of-house emergencies (medical, fire alarm, evacuation). Maintain clear communication with backstage, technical crew, and security. Ensure exits are clear and accessible throughout the performance. Know and execute the theatre's emergency and first aid protocols. Qualifications
A warm, outgoing, and friendly personality is essentialmust genuinely enjoy making every guest feel welcomed and valued. Must embody a spirit of hospitality while having the confidence and discernment to enforce policies with firmness and grace when needed. Strong leadership instincts and the ability to stay calm, clear-headed, and supportive during high-pressure or fast-moving events. Prior experience in house management, stage management, live events, hospitality, or guest services strongly preferred. Excellent communication skills with both patrons and team members. Familiarity with ADA compliance, emergency response, and safety best practices is a plus. Availability to work evenings, weekends, and occasional late nights is required. Reports To: This position reports to the House Manager and/or Audience Services Manager. This position's direct reports (day of) are: Front of House Associate Bartender Ushers The position often interacts and collaborates with the Box Office Staff, Event Manager, Venue Technical Supervisor, and General Manager. Compensation: Pay Rate/Range: $19.00$21.00 Per Hour, depending on experience. 20-30 Hours Per Week