Operations Manager

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Responsible for the administration and management of the Operations and Audience Services/Front of House departments. Oversees public security, safety and maintenance within Fine Arts Center (FAC) facilities. Participates in student training and long range planning for the Fine Arts Center. Assists with the production of virtual events.

Essential Functions

• Ensures the highest standards of public safety for all patrons and personnel at the Fine Arts Center operated facilities and events. Reviews and revises emergency procedures on an annual basis. Ensures that certified health and safety personnel are on site for all events and rentals. Ensures that front of the house staff, production crews, University Museum of Contemporary Art staff, Hampden Gallery staff and Augusta Savage Gallery staff are trained and prepared in emergency procedures.
• Responds to emergencies in FAC facilities in liaison with senior personnel and addresses the audience as needed. Keeps records to ensure that appropriate responses occur in emergency situations. Investigates causes of all evacuations or other emergency actions and distributes relevant findings to staff. Schedules and practices emergency drills.
• Works with the Production Manager and production team to estimate and calculate advance of costs for all shows and events. Communicates and collaborates with other departments by gathering and disseminating information, and reading and redlining riders.
• Organizes and implements training programs for student crews in all departments. Collaborates with the Production Manager to train and manage a team of students responsible for the execution of virtual events.
• Manages the purchasing process for the Operations department including budget allocation, maintenance vendor quote requests for rentals and purchases, purchase order requisitions, and timely tracking of payables and receivables. Organizes and maintains financial reporting related to payroll and/or internal and external recharge billings for Operations.
• Manages the Fine Arts Center Booking Calendar. In collaboration with the Schedule Coordinator and Production Manager, coordinates, verifies and maintains a calendar of all events for the FAC, rentals and other relevant off-site events and shows. Maintains the schedules and facilitates booking the Concert Hall, Concert Hall Lobby, and Bowker Auditorium for all user groups. Maintains calendar of off-site FAC performances. Negotiates, arranges, prepares and manages all booking contracts and facility rentals. Develops and implements processes for communicating usage policies with facility users and providing customer education. Facilitates communication and coordinates hall schedules with technical staff, box office and all relevant FAC departments.
• Coordinates maintenance of all Fine Arts Center facilities. Implements building maintenance and security operations as required. Supervises work crews in the execution of normal maintenance, repair, and improvement to Fine Arts Center facilities.
• Provides backup support for the maintenance of personnel and timekeeping records. Reviews employees’ weekly timesheets for accuracy, enters Time & Attendance information and submits for payroll processing as needed.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor’s Degree in theater, technical theater or equivalent with three (3) years of related experience in stage/production management, theater management and/or Front of House management.
• Substantial experience working with student crews and student development.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Master’s Degree in theater, technical theater or equivalent.
• OSHA 10 General Industry training.
• Crowd Management training.
• First Aid/ CPR certification.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Ability to work at substantial heights.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. over a distance.

Additional Details

• Performs independently under the general supervision of the Director of Operations. Consults with the Director of Operations on exceptions to policy.
• Supervises one (1) staff member.

Work Schedule

• Schedule varies based on performances. Must be able to have a flexible schedule.
• Required to work nights, weekends and holidays.
• Requires availability to serve as emergency contact.

Salary Information

Level 27

PSU Salary Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Aug 2 2021 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Aug 16 2021 Eastern Daylight Time