Director of Venue Operations-Marquee Arts

Director Of Venue Operations

Marquee Arts is a Michigan based non-profit organization committed to keeping community inspiration alive through the preservation and programming of historic theaters. Curators of film, theater and live entertainment, we proudly oversee the operations, upkeep, and artistic direction of the Michigan and State theaters in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Marquee Arts is the founding entity for Michigan's Cinetopia Film Festival and curator of the Not Just For Kids performance series.

Rooted in Michigan's artistic history, the organization is committed to producing state of the art creative programming, unparalleled in diversity, quality and scope.

Marquee Arts is seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Director of Venue Operations to lead and run a high-performing, financially disciplined operation while delivering an exceptional experience for patrons and artists.

The Director of Venue Operations is responsible for the day-to-day leadership and execution of all operational functions across Marquee Arts' venues. This individual is an experienced venue operator and live entertainment professional with a proven ability to run a high-performing, financially disciplined operation while delivering an exceptional experience for patrons and artists.

A critical component of this role is developing and growing Marquee Arts' live performance programming. The Director will bring deep knowledge of the live entertainment industry, talent buying, artist routing, deal structures, and season development, and will be responsible for identifying, procuring, negotiating, and booking a compelling and financially sustainable season of live performances for the Michigan Theater Main Auditorium and the Smokler Stage.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Live Performance Programming & Presenter Strategy

• Lead the development and execution of Marquee Arts' live performance season, creating a diverse, compelling, mission-aligned, and financially sustainable calendar of performances.
• Procure and book live performance for the Michigan Theater Main Auditorium (approximately 1,600 seats) and the Smokler Stage (approximately 175 seats).
• Identify artists, performers, speakers, comedians, musicians, touring productions, and other live entertainment appropriate for each venue and audience.
• Maintain and grow relationships with talent agencies, agents, artist managers, promoters, producers, and other industry partners.
• Evaluate artist availability, touring patterns, routing opportunities, market demand, competitive activity, and historical sales performance when making booking decisions.
• Develop a balanced season that strategically utilizes both the Michigan Theater Main Auditorium and Smokler Stage, matching artists and programming to the appropriate room and audience.
• Negotiate artist offers, guarantees, percentages, deal structures, expenses, and other contractual terms in collaboration with the CEO.
• Develop preliminary show budgets and financial projections before offers are made, including anticipated ticket revenue, artist costs, production expenses, labor, marketing, hospitality, ticketing, and other event-related expenses.
• Establish ticket pricing strategies and revenue assumptions in collaboration with the CEO and Marketing team.
• Evaluate the financial performance and audience development potential of prospective bookings.
• Track performance of booked events against projections and use results to inform future programming decisions.
• Identify opportunities to develop repeatable programming, series, residencies, partnerships, and other live entertainment concepts that strengthen Marquee Arts' presenting identity.
• Collaborate closely with Marketing, Technical Production, Events, Box Office, and other departments to successfully move each booking from contract through on-sale and day-of-show execution.
• Help establish Marquee Arts and the Michigan Theater as a competitive and respected destination for touring artists and live entertainment.

Venue Operations & Execution

• Lead all front-of-house, event operations, and day-of-show…