Front of House Manager (PT)

Job Title: Front of House Manager

Location: Chicago, IL 

Terms: Part-Time

Requirements: This job primarily works evening and weekend hours 

About the Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture

The Athenaeum Center was built in 1911 on the St. Alphonsus campus in Lakeview, and is home to Chicago’s oldest continuously-operating off-Loop theater. Our mission is to invite people into encounters with beauty and to revitalize the Catholic tradition of the arts from our location in one of Chicago’s most unique religious, artistic, and civic buildings. At the Athenaeum Center, we believe that art and beauty have the capacity to build up culture, transform society, and change lives. 

Why Work for Us

Join a team dedicated to creating transformative experiences through the arts in a historic, unique, and beautiful setting. Our staff is passionate about providing exceptional guest experiences and fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. As Front of House Manager, you’ll play a key role in welcoming guests and ensuring every event runs smoothly in a dynamic, fast-paced, and artistic space.

Job Summary:

The Front of House Manager plays a key role in creating a safe, smooth, and joyful experience for all guests attending events at the Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture. This part-time position works closely with our events team to oversee day-of Front of House operations, including audience flow, lobby activity, and general patron services.

This is a public-facing, hands-on role that requires strong communication skills, a calm presence under pressure, and a genuine care for the guest experience. The ideal candidate enjoys working live events, can lead with clarity, hospitality, and joy, and is aligned with our mission of inviting people into encounters with Beauty through the arts.

Responsibilities

Front of House Operations

• Collaborate with management to implement Front of House policies and standard operating procedures

• Serve as day-of lead for public and private events, ensuring the lobby, theatre(s), restrooms, and other public spaces are clean, welcoming, and guest-focussed.
• Open and close multiple venue spaces as scheduled.
• Lead pre-show FOH staff meetings to review event details, safety protocols, and logistical assignments.
• Support client tours and event walkthroughs as needed.
• Coordinate with full-time FOH Manager to execute ADA accommodations and guest services with care and detail.
• Ensure signage, furniture, playlists, and wayfinding materials are correctly placed and maintained.
• Monitor event flow and support guest-facing areas including lobbies, entrances, and restrooms.
• Ensure FOH event notes are captured in a post-show report