Director of Operations, Grand Opera and Capitol Theatre

Help shape the audience experience across Mercer’s distinctive, historic downtown arts venues as Director of Operations, leading front-of-house teams, venue rentals, and hospitality operations at The Grand Opera House and The Capitol Theatre, with additional duties at Mercer Music s hands‑on leadership role is ideal for an organized, people‑focused professional who thrives on live events, builds strong teams, and takes pride in making every performance and guest experience run seamlessly.

The Director of Operations is responsible for the overall front-of-house experience and operational readiness of The Grand Opera House and The Capitol Theatre, with additional duties at Mercer Music s role oversees guest services, bar operations, event rentals, and part-time front-of-house staff, ensuring a consistent, high-quality experience across all venues. The Director of Operations also serves as the primary point of contact for rental clients of The Grand and The Capitol and collaborates with internal teams to support programming at Mercer Music at Capricorn and venue utilization of The Capitol Theatre.

• Oversee front-of-house operations for downtown performing arts venues
• Hire, train, schedule, and supervise House Managers, security staff, and bartenders.
• Ensure excellent customer service standards and resolve escalated patron issues.
• Maintain front-of-house supplies, coordinate repairs, improvements, and maintenance needs.
• Serve as the liaison with contractors to ensure all venues meet cleanliness and safety standards.

• Serve as the central point of contact for all venue rental inquiries for The Grand and The Capitol.
• Create, review, and manage estimates, contracts, and rental agreements.
• Coordinate with internal departments to meet rental client facility needs.
• For presented shows, fulfill hospitality riders and ensure client/stage party needs are met during events.

• Oversee bar operations across all three venues, including inventory, purchasing, stocking, and compliance.
• Develop and maintain bar procedures, cash-handling protocols, and sales reporting.
• Ensure consistent, efficient, and profitable operations during all events.

• Create front-of-house schedules, payroll submissions, and staffing plans based on event needs.
• Work with Executive Director to schedule and support ticketed performances and special events.
• Develop and maintain operational policies and standard operating procedures.
• Monitor and manage relevant budgets, including bar inventory, FOH supplies, and contracted services.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Work with Capricorn staff to schedule and support ticketed performances and special events.
• Coordinate front-of-house staffing and bar operations for Capricorn programming.

A high school diploma or GED and three years of relevant experience in venue operations, event management, hospitality, or related other closely related experience.

• Strong leadership and staff management skills.
• Excellent communication and customer service abilities.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required by event schedules.
• Ability to work in a busy stage environment, including the need to lift, push, or pull boxes or other incoming stage items in excess of 50 lbs., with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Knowledge of alcohol service regulations, inventory control, cash-handling procedures, and vendor management.
• Comprehensive understanding of front-of-house operations, event logistics, patron experience standards, and facility readiness across performing arts or entertainment…