The House/Box Office Coordinator (HBOC) reports to the Public Programs Curator and is responsible for the smooth and welcoming operation of the audience-focused aspects of ticketed and non-ticketed events, to include theatrical and musical performances, exhibition openings, public programs and special events in and on the grounds of Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. The HBOC supports the organizational, programmatic and patron needs of a diverse, year-round arts center, with primary responsibility for the Te Ata Theater, the Founders Hall Dance Studio and North Lawn programming. The HBOC is a key member of the production team and works closely with the Technical and Production Manager, the Public Programs Curator and the Director of Education and Public Programs to collaboratively assist in coordinating all facets of the arts center’s performance and public programs activities to advance the mission. The position requires a positive, strategic, collaborative and proactive communicator who is a strong and innovative thinker, especially with regard to staff across all departments, outside groups and event space lessors.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: House Management
- Maintain a welcoming and safe environment for visitors, audience members and guests in the performance, lobby and event spaces.
- Coordinate with the Technical and Production Manager on the opening times of performance spaces to audiences.
- Ensure that ushers, ticket takers and Visitor Experience staff are sufficiently trained on performance and security details and practices.
- Ensure that all public spaces, including restrooms and lobby and bar areas, are clean and well stocked before, during and after performances and events.
- With Technical and Production Manager, ensure that all performance and event areas are clean, vacated and secure following events.
- Ensure safety of the audience in cases of emergency, safely evacuating spaces, if necessary.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Box Office
- Work with internal and external users to set up events, seating manifests and financial procedures in Tessitura. Manage the preparation, presentation and settlement of all box office statements.
- Work with Database Manager or Tessitura support team to advise and assist with the implementation, reporting and generating of event reports using the Tessitura system.
- Build programs and performances in Tessitura.
- Reconcile any issues and financial discrepancies between ticket sales settlements and the Finance Department.
- Work closely with the Finance Department on executing proper cash handling and payment control procedures.
- Resolve patron-related ticket issues.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Programs & Events
- Coordinate with Development, Exhibitions and Events teams to ensure smooth planning and execution of internal and external events, with specific attention toward the positive experience of visitors, guests and patrons.
- Attend event planning meetings.
- With Technical and Production Manager and Public Programs Curator, ensure timely and accurate set-up of event and house spaces. Ensure timely restore to standard set-ups.
- With Public Programs Curator and Production and Technical Manager, troubleshoot for potential conflicts for space use and set-up needs.
- Provide administrative support for public programs as needed, including calendar management and project coordination.
- Provide day-of event support for programs and performances as needed
Education and Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Three to five years’ minimum experience in front of house, box office, event and/or entertainment management or related field.
- A desire to provide exceptional patron service and experience in a wide variety of events and performances.
- Ability to work well independently and to manage, train and motivate others.
- Ability to think critically, creatively and to resolve problems.
- Tactful communication under stress.
- A passion for contemporary performance.
- Familiarity with CRM systems. Specific knowledge of Tessitura or other patron systems is a plus.
- Ability to work with multiple organizations and vendors proactively and professionally.
- Fluency in Spanish or Vietnamese is a plus.
Limitations and Disclaimer
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis. Nothing in this job description is to be construed as a contract of employment. All job duties are subject to change as business needs necessitate.
Other Requirements and Working Conditions
- Use of a car required; legally registered and insured for daily use
- Use of a computer/monitor, telephone and copier daily
- Flexible schedule with ability to participate in evening and weekend events
- Team environment with frequent group meeting participation
- Physical requirements: Lifting/Carrying - heavy work may include routine lifting of a maximum weight of 50 lbs. - combination of sitting, standing, walking and driving on a frequent basis
Oklahoma Contemporary is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status.
To Apply
Submit a cover letter and resume or CV highlighting your education and experience along with three references here.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Unfortunately, because of the volume of applications we receive, we are not able to give status updates.
Salary commensurate with experience ($40,000-42,000). Oklahoma Contemporary offers a highly competitive benefits package including health insurance, vision, dental, employer-matched 403b plan, paid time off, an employee assistance program and more.
About Oklahoma Contemporary
Oklahoma Contemporary is an inclusive center for the arts where people of all ages and backgrounds can experience art, encounter new ideas and ignite their creative potential. Through visual art exhibitions, performances, public programs, community-building initiatives, outdoor installations and special events, Oklahoma Contemporary creates opportunities for everyone to come together in celebration of contemporary culture and artistic expression. With year-round classes and seasonal youth camps across multiple disciplines, the arts center’s education programs encourage youth and adults to express their ideas across a variety of media and learn new skills. Oklahoma Contemporary believes that art is for everyone and places accessibility and education at the center of all programming. Admission to exhibitions is always free. Oklahoma Contemporary is a regional 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1989 by businessman and philanthropist Christian Keesee and Kirkpatrick Foundation Director Marilyn Myers.
Inclusion
Oklahoma Contemporary strives to demonstrate leadership by modeling excellence and best practices for inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility. We believe in the power of human creativity and value the opportunities for connection and learning that exist when cultures and communities come together in collaboration and understanding.
We commit to championing policies and practices that value diversity, foster cultural equity and create an accessible and inclusive environment. Oklahoma Contemporary does not discriminate based on race/ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, citizenship status or religion. We recognize our strengths lie in the broad range of people who contribute their time and talents to our mission and are dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive place for them to explore creativity.
About Oklahoma City
In its third decade of economic and cultural expansion, Oklahoma City is a surprisingly lively and diverse American city. Recent growth has spurred exciting developments in the city’s recreation and nightlife, with the construction of new parks, a streetcar system, bike trails, shops, restaurants, breweries and bars. The construction of Oklahoma Contemporary’s new building in the urban core, originally scheduled to open in March 2020 prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, represents a significant commitment on the part of the city and its inhabitants to a new era in contemporary culture.
