Rental & Events Manager (Full-Time, Hourly)

The historic Carolina Theatre of Durham is looking for a Rental & Events Manager to join its team. We strongly value a diversity of people and experiences and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Join a vibrant team dedicated to the performing arts and the theater’s role in the community. As a small nonprofit organization, there are many opportunities to get involved and learn about all aspects of this historic venue and its operations. You will play an important role in the evolution of our 100-year-old home, supporting the Rentals Department’s advancement and the implementation of events, as well as helping to grow this department. Reporting to the Director of Front of House & Rental Operations (DFOHR), the Rental & Events Manager will be a key member of the Rentals team. If you want to be a part of an organization committed to driving the cultural, educational, and economic vitality of the Triangle, this might be the job for you.

The Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that manages the City-owned Carolina Theatre complex, including the 1,100-seat historic Fletcher Hall and two cinemas which screen independent films, as well as festivals and retrospectives, 365 days per year and up to 3,500 screenings per year. The organization presents more than 75 performances by national touring stars each year in Fletcher Hall and provides more than 35 educational performances for more than 15,000 schoolchildren from 12 counties through our Arts Discovery Educational series. Fletcher Hall is also home to several performing arts resident companies and hosts a variety of non-profit and commercial community events throughout the year. The theater hosts a range of events to ensure the entire community can experience arts programming, including free offerings such as sensory-friendly and family programs. The theater is celebrating its 100th anniversary in downtown Durham in 2026.

As a City-owned, nonprofit-run facility, we believe that our entire community should be welcomed and celebrated here. We are committed to approaching all our work, programs, and policies focused on ensuring that all voices are heard and valued and that each is respected and included. Our staff, volunteers, vendors, partners, and guests come from every imaginable walk of life. Diversity, equity, and access for all are the focus we also expect from all with whom we work, contract, or partner.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Rental & Events Manager will support the duties necessary to ensure the smooth operation of events, client retention, and growth. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in customer service, financial reporting, and staff management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Client & Sales Management

• Respond to rental inquiries and assess event feasibility based on space, staffing, and technical requirements
• Provide accurate information and proposals to prospective clients
• Prepare, issue, and manage rental contracts, deposits, invoices, and final settlements

Event Advancement & Planning

• Advance all rental events, including timelines, staffing plans, technical needs, and space layouts
• Coordinate with the Production team to finalize technical, staffing, and facility requirements
• Serve as liaison with Marketing and Box Office teams for ticketed and public rental events

Day-of Event Operations

• Oversee on-site execution of rental events, including load-in/load-out, staffing, security, volunteers, parking, and client relations
• Ensure smooth event operations and a high-quality guest and client experience
• Handle client concerns and customer service issues and coordinate resolution with internal teams

Financial & Budget Management

• Prepare and reconcile final event settlements

Department Growth & Partnerships

• Develop and grow the rentals program by initiating outreach to local organizations, businesses, and nonprofits
• Conduct site tours, cultivate client relationships, and generate new rental opportunities

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Work closely with Box Office, House Management, Production, Marketing, and Operations staff to ensure successful events
• Review front-of-house schedules and staffing plans for rental events
• Support the Director of Front of House & Rental Operations with ongoing projects, tours, and operational improvements

Systems & Administration

• Use various programs and software to manage scheduling, ticketing, reporting, and customer feedback
• Maintain accurate records, schedules, and event documentation

Additional Duties

Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director of Front of House & Rental Operations

EXPERIENCE:

• Two to four years of related venue operations experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Significant experience in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, and ability to learn all required business systems, including any financial reporting systems.
• Must be detail-oriented, organized, and able to multitask.
• Exceptional customer service, oral and written communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Must have flexibility in hours and days available for scheduled events, including nights, weekends, and some holidays.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

• $52,000 annual salary, plus performance-based bonuses tied to new rental client growth – Hourly Rate (40 hours/week) Non-Exempt, Full-Time
• 28 Days (224 hours) of Paid Time Off
• Health Insurance – ranging from $0 out of pocket to $63.00 deducted from bi-weekly paycheck
• Dental and Vision Insurance Options
• Paid garage parking
• Potential for growth and increased earnings

TO APPLY:

Please send COVER LETTER explaining how your experience specifically fits our job description and requirements, plus RESUME & REFERENCES in PDF Format to HR@carolinatheatre.org.

To ensure correct routing, the email subject should read: RENTAL & EVENTS MANAGER, as we are currently recruiting multiple positions.

The Carolina Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer, values a diversity of people and experiences, and strongly encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.