House Manager

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

Posted Job Title

House Manager

Job Profile Title

Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt

Job Description Summary

Penn Live Arts (PLA) at the University of Pennsylvania is seeking an enthusiastic customer service oriented part-time House Manager to join PLA’s Guest Services team.
House Managers perform a wide variety of duties to help ensure that our Audiences, Patrons, Artists and Clients enjoy a safe, relaxed and pleasant experience during all events.
In conjunction with the Event Lead on duty, our House Managers are responsible for the overall guest services operations on a per-event basis. This includes, but is not limited to, overseeing the Usher staff, as well as Concessionaires, Merchandisers and Volunteers when present, and providing said staff with event-related information, attending to Patrons and/or Client’s needs, anticipating potential issues and resolving problems as they may arise. High level communication and exceptional customer service skills are pivotal to this position.

Job Description

Essential Duties:
• Oversee Guest Services staff, providing clear direction and guidance; lead pre-event FOH staff meeting to provide relevant information relating to the event(s)
• Help to resolve potential guest seating problems in coordination with Box Office
• Accommodate guests with accessibility needs as they may arise
• Communicate with backstage/stage manager to ensure needs of the production and/or event are balanced with the needs of Patrons (i.e. requesting a performance start a few minutes late to accommodate late-arriving guests)
• Coordinate with Artist’s or Client’s staff regarding merchandise sales and oversee merchandise reconciliation at end of event
• Remain aware of the theater audiences throughout event in order to respond appropriately and in a timely way to any issue or emergency that may arise; in the event of an emergency, together with the Penn Police and Event Lead on duty, determine action to be taken, up to and including evacuation
• Communicate with Production and/or Facilities staff to relay concerns relating to climate control, maintenance needs and safety concerns in venue
• Communicate with Housekeeping and/or Facilities staff to ensure venue is clean and stocked prior to, during, and after performances
• Accurately record start, end and intermission timings of performances and count event attendance; sign out FOH staff
• Generate and distribute performance reports with accurate account of the event and any pertinent details
• Ensure all guests have exited the venue and/or building and that all theatre doors are secured prior to signing out
• Uphold any University mandated COVID protocols for Guest Services and audiences alike.
• Other duties as assigned by Associate Director of Guest Services or Event Lead on duty

Education and Experience:
A minimum of two years related experience in a supervisory role OR equivalent combination of education, professional training or experience.
Must possess top notch customer service skills and the ability to work with Audiences, Patrons, Artists and Clients in a gracious and respectful manner.
The ability to problem solve under pressure and be able to clearly communicate instructions and needs.
Prior FOH experience a busy theatrical environment is preferred.

Work Environment:
The House Manager(s) will routinely be exposed to large crowds in an indoor capacity. Visual environment will include changes from high to low lighting levels frequently and quickly. Noise levels can range from high volume theatrical sound to very quiet, whisper levels. House Manager(s) must anticipate and be sensitive to all lighting & sound scenarios. House Manager(s) will be required to navigate all areas quickly, including stairs, slopes, elevators, hallways, and lobbies.
PLA events will primarily take place at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, but there will be off-site shifts, as well. House Managers may also oversee concurrent events at the same venue.
Availability to work a varied schedule including daytime, evenings, weekends, holidays as performance and event schedule requires. We encourage all applicants with a unique perspective to apply, including Students, Artists, Working Professionals, Career Changers and so forth. We are committed to diversity in all areas both on stage and in Guest Services.
Ability to stand/walk for long periods of time.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Penn Live Arts

Pay Range

$7.25 - $18.75 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin(including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protectedunder applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements 
A background check may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health and Life: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare.
• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

Please note that benefit eligibility is determined/based on ACA guidelines.