Front of House Manager

The Grant Park Music Festival (the Festival) in Chicago, Illinois seeks a full-time, seasonal Front of House (FOH) Manager for the 2023 summer season of concerts, films, and events at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. The FOH Manager begins work in April and continues through late September.

Join the high-performing, collaborative team of arts professionals at the Grant Park Music Festival! The FOH Manager is an integral part of the Festival’s staff, leading a diverse team of 50 ushers and serving as the key liaison to the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), Millennium Park management, and presenting organizations.

The FOH Manager will oversee front of house needs for nearly 100 events in Millennium Park including Blues Fest, Jazz Fest, Gospel Fest, the Millennium Park Music Series, the Grant Park Music Festival, and other high-profile events.

Previous seasonal FOH Managers have gone on to work for some of Chicago’s premiere arts and cultural organizations including Lyric Opera, the Harris Theater, and WFMT. We seek a people-oriented, organized problem solver with a demonstrated ability to succeed in a fast-paced environment. Candidates with production, event, or front of house management experience, and/or experience leading a large, diverse team are highly encouraged to apply.

SELECT DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Oversee front of house needs for close to 100 summer events in Millennium Park including Blues Fest, Jazz Fest, Gospel Fest, the Millennium Park Music Series, and the Grant Park Music Festival.
• Manage the hiring, scheduling, training, and supervision of the Deputy Front of House Manager and an usher staff of 50.
• Perform routine administrative processes, including employee onboarding, timecard approvals, team scheduling, and event preparation tasks; complete and distribute performance reports.
• Act as Festival liaison with Millennium Park operations officials; attend all necessary production/operations meetings.
• Review and develop refinements to venue policies and procedures and contribute to Festival efforts to improve the visitor experience.

MINIMUM CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS  

• Previous experience in event/production/stage management and/or front of house operations.
• Detail-oriented with strong experience in project management.
• Demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills; ability to handle all situations with grace and diplomacy.
• Culturally competent; demonstrated experience managing large teams across lines of difference.
• Knowledge of accessibility services and best practices in the performing arts is a plus.
• Ability to transport up to 50 lbs; ability to work outdoors, at times in inclement weather; ability to be mobile for up to six hours at a time.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, continuously changing, and sometimes loud environment.
  Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (especially Word, Excel, and Outlook) and computer tasks.
• Don’t fit all of the qualifications listed above, but feel passionate about the position? Please apply anyway!  We are eager to work with enthusiastic and proactive people. You never know, you may just be the right fit for the role. 

 
COMPENSATION/SCHEDULE  

• $25 – $28/hour, commensurate with experience; 40 hours per week, typically mid-day– late evening.
• This position is non-exempt and some overtime is expected.
• Start date: April 2023, specific date to be determined by mutual agreement.
• Weekend and holiday availability is required, early-June – mid-September.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL 
For nearly 90 years, the Grant Park Music Festival has been Chicago’s summer musical sensation, demonstrating that classical music performed by a world-class orchestra and chorus can have a transformative impact on the city. Showcased in the city’s most spectacular setting, the Festival continues to be the summer gathering place for all of Chicago. The Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park is the official home of the Grant Park Music Festival, with free seats available for every concert.

The Festival is led by Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Carlos Kalmar, along with Grant Park Chorus Director Christopher Bell, Grant Park Orchestral Association President and CEO Paul Winberg, and Board Chair Adam Grais.

The Festival strives to create a workplace that reflects the diversity of our city and the audiences we serve. People of all backgrounds and experiences, and especially those that have been historically underrepresented in the field, are encouraged to apply for open positions at the Festival. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other classification protected by law.

For more information on the Grant Park Music Festival, please visit our website: gpmf.org.