APAP Career Center

JOB SUMMARY

The Complex General Manager of the Lawrenceville Arts Center (LAC) provides strategic oversight and ensures the efficient operation of the facility. This high-impact role ensures the seamless integration of internal operations, rental management, and events execution, positioning LAC as a premier cultural destination. The Complex General Manager will develop and implement strategic initiatives that enhance revenue streams, optimize facility utilization, and elevate the overall guest and stakeholder experience. This position demands a high level of leadership, strategic vision, and operational acumen to foster collaboration among key partners, including the Rental and Events team and the anchor tenant, Aurora Theatre. In addition to operational leadership, the Complex General Manager will be responsible for booking, curating, and managing a diverse range of performances, events, and community programs at LAC. This includes developing an annual programming calendar, securing talent and partnerships, and ensuring all programming aligns with the center’s cultural and community goals. By driving innovation and efficiency, the Complex General Manager will play a critical role in advancing LAC’s mission while maintaining financial sustainability and operational integrity.

 

MAJOR DUTIES 

• Provide leadership to ensure seamless planning and execution of events, rentals, and performances, aligning them with LAC’s broader mission and goals.
• Responsible for booking, curating, and managing a diverse range of performances, events, and community programs.
• Develops and oversees the full production timeline, from rehearsals through opening night and final performances.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures, optimizing efficiency, audience engagement, and financial performance.
• Recruits and hires key production personnel, including essential crew members, technical staff, stagehands, etc.
• Negotiates and manages contracts with venues, talent, and vendors to ensure seamless production operations.
• Oversee and manage the LAC Event Calendar, ensuring strategic scheduling to maximize impact and revenue.
• Lead cross-functional teams to enhance venue management, guest experience, and community engagement.
• Optimize rental operations, collaborating with the Rental Coordinator to refine pricing structures, policies, and contracts for sustainable growth.
• Work closely with the Events Coordinator to enhance event execution, from private functions to large-scale community celebrations.
• Foster a strong partnership with Aurora Theatre, ensuring alignment on shared programming and facility needs.
• Secure and manage sponsorships, collaborating with corporate and community partners to expand funding opportunities and ensure compliance with sponsorship agreements.
• Work with the Director of Community and Economic Development to strategically allocate sponsorship dollars, aligning investments with programming and facility enhancements.
• Develop financial models to track performance metrics, evaluate revenue streams, and optimize budgeting strategies for long-term fiscal sustainability.
• Direct strategic marketing and communication efforts with the Marketing Coordinator to maximize public awareness and engagement.
• Cultivate business and community partnerships to expand LAC’s reach and reinforce its reputation as a premier arts and cultural venue.
• Advocate for LAC in regional and national arts networks, positioning it as a venue management and performing arts leader.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Business Management, Event Management, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in venue operations, event planning, or arts management.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, financial oversight, and revenue optimization within an arts or entertainment venue.
• Proven ability to cultivate and manage high-level partnerships with sponsors, stakeholders, and community organizations.
• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire diverse teams.
• Strong proficiency in event management software, CRM systems, and budgeting tools.
• In-depth knowledge of the performing arts industry, including venue operations, audience engagement, and cultural programming.
• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the work of subordinate positions, with the ability to answer questions and resolve problems, usually gained through seven years of relevant experience.
• Possession of, or ability to readily obtain, a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Full-time executive leadership position requiring flexibility for evening and weekend events.
• Fast-paced, dynamic environment with a focus on high-level decision-making and strategic impact.
• Occasional hands-on involvement in event setup, stakeholder meetings, and community engagements.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of managing a multi-venue performing arts center, overseeing facility operations, event execution, and programming. The necessity of coordinating with a variety of stakeholders, including city officials, arts organizations, and community partners, contributes to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to oversee the daily operations and strategic planning of LAC to ensure its sustainability, cultural impact, and alignment with the city's economic and community development goals.
• The work requires collaboration with multiple arts organizations, production teams, and city departments to curate engaging programs that enhance the cultural vibrancy of Lawrenceville.
• The position is responsible for managing event logistics, including scheduling, vendor coordination, and technical production, ensuring high-quality experiences for all patrons.
• The position requires financial oversight, including budgeting, revenue generation strategies, and securing funding through grants, sponsorships, and rental agreements.
• The work consists of supervising full-time and part-time staff, as well as contracted personnel, ensuring proper training in customer service, technical operations, and emergency response protocols.
• The position requires coordination of safety measures, including compliance with ADA regulations, emergency preparedness, and risk management procedures.

About City of Lawrenceville

The City of Lawrenceville is seeking a Complex General Manager for the Lawrenceville Arts Center (LAC). Located just 30 minutes northeast of Atlanta, Lawrenceville, Georgia, is a vibrant and growing city known for its thriving downtown, rich history, and commitment to arts, culture, and community engagement. As the county seat of Gwinnett County, Lawrenceville serves as a regional hub for innovation, entertainment, and civic life. The Complex General Manager of the Lawrenceville Arts Center (LAC) will provide strategic oversight and ensure the efficient operation of this premier cultural facility. This high-impact leadership role is responsible for the seamless integration of internal operations, rental management, and event execution, positioning LAC as a top-tier destination for the arts in metro Atlanta and beyond. The Complex General Manager will spearhead strategic initiatives to enhance revenue streams, optimize facility usage, and elevate the overall guest and stakeholder experience. This role requires strong leadership, strategic vision, and operational excellence to foster collaboration with key partners, including the Rentals and Events team and the anchor tenant Au...rora Theatre. By driving innovation and efficiency, the Complex General Manager will play a critical role in advancing LAC’s mission while ensuring financial sustainability and operational integrity.

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