APAP Career Center

The Front of House Operations Manager plays a vital role in ensuring a seamless and exceptional experience for all patrons of the SLSO. This position oversees the daily operations of front of house services, including concessions, bars, and premium experiences. The Front of House Operations Manager supervises a team of ushers and other part-time front-of-house staff, ensuring the highest standards of guest service and hospitality. This position reports to the Director of Hospitality and Audience Experience and collaborates closely with other departments to deliver successful concerts and events.

This is an exciting time to be part of a vibrant organization and make a significant impact. Plans are underway for the orchestra’s return to the renovated and expanded Powell Hall, scheduled to reopen in September 2025. The successful candidate is strategic, proactive, and passionate about the SLSO’s mission, with outstanding hospitality skills and the ability to interact effectively with patrons, donors, staff, and stakeholders at all levels.

Responsibilities:

Guest Service

• Maintain exceptional service standards for all patron-facing staff and volunteers, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
• Assist in the development and implementation of guest service training programs, providing guidance and support to staff and volunteers.
• Address patron concerns and complaints promptly and effectively, ensuring appropriate follow-up and documentation.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications to ensure timely and accurate messaging to patrons regarding concert and event logistics.

Front of House Operations

• Manage the daily operations of front of house services, including staff scheduling, concessions, bars, and premium experiences.
• Assist in the planning and execution of front of house logistics for SLSO concerts and events, coordinating with back of house management to ensure seamless operations.
• Produce essential planning tools such as space booking confirmations, concert and event sheets, calendars, and staffing schedules using event management software.
• Plan, schedule, and conduct pre-concert and pre-event briefings for front of house staff and volunteers.
• Ensure best practices in food presentation, food safety, and service delivery.
• Monitor inventory levels, order supplies, and manage vendor relationships to ensure adequate resources for front of house operations.
• Serve as house manager during events as needed.

Administrative

• Assist in the recruitment, hiring, and training of front of house staff.
• Process invoices, track expenses, and maintain accurate financial records for front of house operations.
• Assist in the development and management of departmental budgets, identifying opportunities for cost savings and revenue generation.
• Use data analytics to track audience feedback, attendance trends, and other key performance metrics.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, including health and safety standards, liquor laws, and ADA requirements.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in hospitality or event management.
• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience.
• Strong commitment to customer service and hospitality.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate teams.
• Proficiency in event management software and point-of-sale systems.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Passion for the arts and commitment to the mission of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
• Certifications required (SLSO can facilitate): CPR/AED, Servsafe, Hepatitis A vaccine
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and some holidays.

The SLSO embraces a world in which every life is enriched through the power of music. We are committed to cultivating a culture of inclusion and connectedness where a diverse team of employees can grow and thrive. The collective sum of our employees’ individual differences, experiences, knowledge, self-expression, and talent are represented in our culture, innovative spirit and the SLSO’s achievements. In recruiting for our team, we welcome candidates’ uniqueness in culture, social identities, expression, and viewpoints. The SLSO is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

About St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

Celebrated as one of today’s most exciting and enduring orchestras, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second-oldest orchestra in the country, marking its 144th year with the 2023/2024 season and its fifth with Stéphane Denève, The Joseph and Emily Rauh Pulitzer Music Director. Widely considered one of the leading American orchestras, the Grammy® Award-winning SLSO maintains its commitment to artistic excellence, educational impact, and community collaborations—all in service to its mission of enriching lives through the power of music. The core of the SLSO’s artistic foundation is its dynamic partnership with Denève, whose energetic musicianship, visionary storytelling, and collaborative spirit have created stronger connections with local and visiting artists, as well as advanced the SLSO’s role as a leader in music education. The SLSO musical family also includes two resident choruses: the St. Louis Symphony Chorus, founded in 1976, performs choral-orchestral music from the Baroque era to today; and the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus, founded in 1994, focuses on the performance and preservation of music from the African diaspora. The St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra,... founded by Conductor Laureate Leonard Slatkin in 1970, is the region’s premiere training orchestra for high school and college students. In March 2023, the SLSO broke ground on a 65,000-square foot expansion and renovation of the orchestra’s home, Powell Hall—the first major renovation project at the historic Grand Center building since it became the SLSO's permanent home in 1968. Led by the internationally acclaimed architecture firm Snøhetta, the project will transform the audience and artistic experience while protecting Powell Hall's historic character and celebrated acoustics, creating a state-of-the art center for community, innovation, and powerful music experiences. While construction is underway, the SLSO will perform throughout the community. The revitalized Powell Hall will open in 2025 to coincide with the building's centennial. An integral part of the vibrant St. Louis community, the SLSO enjoys a long history of robust and enduring artistic collaborations with individuals and organizations locally and around the world. Orchestra musicians share dozens of education and community performances throughout the region each year at medical facilities, places of worship, community centers, and schools. For 20 years, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra: Live at the Pulitzer series has highlighted today’s leading musical voices through innovative performances in collaboration with, and reaction to the exhibitions at, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation. The SLSO has served as the resident orchestra for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis for more than 45 years. The orchestra also continues to foster new artistic collaborations, including a chamber music collaboration with The Sheldon in 2023/2024, as well as regular partnerships with The Muny, The Big Muddy Dance Company, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and others. Beyond the St. Louis region, the SLSO's impact is realized through Saturday night concert broadcasts on St. Louis Public Radio and Classic 107.3, acclaimed recordings, regular touring activity, and a digital portfolio that includes a robust online education platform with curriculum materials, interactive programs, activities, and learning opportunities for all ages. Since the arrival of Marie-Hélène Bernard as President and CEO in 2015, the SLSO has aligned its mission to make music more accessible, while fostering a culture welcoming to all. Building on its momentum, the SLSO serves as a convener of individuals, creators, and ideas, and is committed to building community through compelling and inclusive musical experiences. As it continues its longstanding focus on equity, diversity, inclusion, and access, the SLSO embraces its strengths as a responsive, nimble organization, while investing in partnerships locally and elevating its presence globally. For more information, visit slso.org.

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Connections working at St. Louis Symphony Orchestra