Box Office Manager

  • Full Time
  • Chicago

Website Writers Theatre

Writers Theatre
Position: Box Office Manager
Location: Glencoe/Chicago, IL (in-person)
Department: Marketing & Communications
Salary: $43,000 – $45,000

ABOUT WRITERS THEATRE

Writers Theatre boldly looks to the future as it begins its 33rd season. Having captivated audiences for years with its dedication to creating the most intimate theatrical experience possible, the theatre is now a major Chicagoland cultural destination with a national reputation for excellence, being called “America’s finest regional theater company” by The Wall Street Journal. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Braden Abraham and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma, the company is charting a path forward for the next 30 years.

Since its founding in 1992, Writers Theatre has stayed true to its core values: valuing the power of the written word and uplifting the artists who bring that word to life. The company has produced over 140 productions—everything from inventive interpretations of classics to groundbreaking new work. In 2016, Writers Theatre opened a new, state-of-the-art facility designed by the internationally renowned Studio Gang Architects. The new facility has allowed the Theatre to accommodate its growing audience, while maintaining its trademark intimacy.

Writers Theatre now welcomes more than 60,000 patrons each season and has helped establish the North Shore of Chicago as a premier cultural destination. Through its Literary Development Initiative, which has been responsible for the nurturing and premiering of over 30 world premieres, the theatre has established itself as a major originator of new theatrical works. Serving as an extension of the Writers Theatre mission, WT Education programs engage an average 10,000 students each year with active learning opportunities centered around the written word.

Position Summary
Reporting to the Associate Director of Ticket Services, the Box Office Manager will be a member of the patron services management team and specialize in the theatre’s ticketing operations. Working closely with the Director of Marketing, IT Manager and Data Analyst, the Box Office Manager helps set and manage earned ticket revenue strategies including but not limited to single tickets, subscription sales and benefits and leads subscription call campaigns.

Objectives of Box Office Manager

  • The Box Office Manager leads the box office team in maintaining a high level of professionalism and industry-leading customer service.  They will advocate for the needs of the WT audience by building deep relationships with subscribers and patrons, acting as the face of customer service for WT and support the team of associates.
  • Lead and supervise Tessitura and customer service training of associates.
  • Resolve patron issues/complaints in a timely manner that is in keeping with organizational policy.
  • Be a presence to greet patrons, customers, donors, artists and vendors.
  • Maintain Box Office spaces, ensuring appropriate materials are stocked and organized at all times.
  • With Assoc. Director and Data Analyst, develop, maintain and track departmental income and expense budgets.

Objectives of Box Office Manager

  • Partners with marketing on: dynamic pricing, monitoring house counts, meetings and weekly reports
  • Assists with subscription training; ensure accurate and timely box office records (daily, weekly, quarterly); generate specialized reports, records, and statistical data.
  • Collaborate with Marketing and Data Analyst to structure demand-based pricing models, sales projections and corresponding pricing to maximize revenue.
  • Track and monitor ticket sale trends (single/subscription) to help the Marketing department in planning effective strategies for future subscription and sales campaigns.
  • Partner with IT Manager and Data Analyst on Tessitura operations including season setup, maintaining a clean database, and streamlined purchase paths.
  • Assist Associate Director, Ticketing Services with part-time associate hiring and training

Qualifications & Key Competencies

  • Team management experience.
  • Customer service experience.
  • Working knowledge of Tessitura ticketing software preferre
  • The ability to empathize with patrons and staff.
  • Enthusiasm and appreciation for live theatre.
  • Flexibility, creativity and poise under pressure.
  • Superior organizational and time management skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to correctly assess priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

COVID Safety
WT requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a term of employment.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
WT is deeply committed to creating and sustaining an organizational culture that values equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as promoting a safe, supportive, and collaborative work environment conducive to professional and personal growth. A successful candidate will share these values.
WT is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, ability, or veteran status.

Benefits include: medical, dental and disability insurance, vacation and other paid leave, a 403(b)-retirement plan (with employer match) and medical and dependent care cafeteria plans.

Instructions to Apply:

To Apply
Qualified and interested candidates should email a cover letter, resume and any salary requirements to jobs@writerstheatre.org. No phone calls please.
 

To apply for this job please visit www.writerstheatre.org.

Pay Rate/Range*: $43,000-45,000