Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Updated: 2-22-24

REQUIRED: NIGHTS AND WEEKENDS 

NON-EXEMPT DUKE EMPLOYEES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THIS POSITION

Scope of Responsibilities

The House Manager is the liaison between the production staff, box office, audience, and space user. The House Manager is responsible for the front of house experience regarding crowd management and audience access to spaces. The House Manager deals directly with the audience members and serves during the event as a primary representative of Venue and Production Management during events. The House Manager is first and foremost responsible for the safety of all patrons.

Duties

1. Ensure the comfort and safety of the audience by overseeing the smooth operation of front of house. The House Manager needs to check the cleanliness of the auditorium, lobbies, and restrooms, opening doors to theater on time, and handle patron problems. You must be alert to any potential maintenance or housekeeping problems- e.g., loose doors, non-functioning bathrooms, broken seats, gum on seats, etc., report any of these problems to senior staff immediately. 40%
2. Uphold safety such as the proper unlocking of the doors, keeping all doors and aisles unobstructed, and training the ushers on safety rules of the auditorium. Coordinate with the all staff on site and representative of the sponsoring organization to ensure the smooth running of the entire event. Provide de-escalation during any audience disruption or other behavior that impact the event. Respond to emergency situations such as fire or sudden illness of an audience member. 30%
3. Responsible for event documentation and proper pre-show set up of signs, ticket scanners, usher equipment, access management, lobby lighting and audio settings. Documentation of all events on electronic devices using team templates and standards. Frequent and consistent communication using in-ear push to talk devices with staff. 20%
4. Ongoing oversight throughout events to provide accurate real time safety assessments, respond to client or audience needs with a proactive nature to resolve issues independently and ability to escalate assistance as needed and appropriate. 10%

General Qualifications

• Work requires previous experience in a front of house theatre or event staff position;
• Work requires basic mathematical knowledge and ability to interpret diagrams generally acquired through a high school education;
• Self-motivated, ability to take initiative and complete projects independently
• Capable of working and thriving in a fast-paced environment
• Experience and comfort with tablets and Microsoft Teams preferred
• Must exhibit professional communication etiquette
• Ability to work under pressure and with people of varying experience levels
• Excellent organization skills and the ability to problem solve and manage concurrent projects within established guidelines
• Strong communication skills – verbal, written and interpersonal
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team with excellent collaboration skills

Job-Specific Skills and Competencies

• All House Managers are required to wear business casual attire, black in color;
• Schedules are completed 2-4 weeks in advanced based upon availability;
• Expectation is for availability of at least 15 hours per week on nights and weekends; 
• Must be available for work for at least three weekends (Fri/Sat/Sun) per month;
• Work schedule consists of primarily evening and weekend hours;
• Applicant must have flexibility to adhere to required scheduling

Working Conditions

• Ability to work under the following working conditions: frequent use of stairs, noise, and work in low light conditions. This position will be expected to work extended hours, night and weekend shifts required on a regular basis.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to carry, push or pull items up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to remain actively engaged and moving for extended periods of time

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Work requires knowledge of basic grammar, mathematical and clerical principles normally acquired through a high school education.

Experience

Work requires one years of related clerical/office support experience OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE to become familiar with accepted office organization, accounting and communications practices.

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.