Front of House Manager

About the Role

The Front of House Manager oversees Front of House operations for events at the Music Academy, collaborating with other staff to ensure polished event flow. This role reports to the Director of Guest Services and offers hands-on experience in customer service, personnel management, and operations.

Responsibilities

• House Management
  • Coordinate and oversee all Front of House operations during performances.
  • Collaborate with Back of House staff to ensure smooth audience ingress and egress.
  • Work with the Ticket Office to meet seating needs.
  • Ensure program books, inserts, and sponsor recognition assets are available for each event.
  • Prepare for emergencies and serve as the primary contact during incidents.
  • Supervise volunteer ushers and report performance issues to the Director of Guest Services.
• Customer Service
  • Set the standard for attentive, courteous, and professional service for internal and external clients.
  • Maintain a positive and polished demeanor at all times.
  • Address and resolve customer service issues and questions.
  • Manage lost-and-found items.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

The Music Academy values diverse perspectives and a collaborative, communicative workplace. A successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Experience in sales, retail, or customer-facing roles.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities.
• A positive, professional demeanor.
• Ability to work in a team and adapt to changing priorities.
• Appreciation for classical music.

Schedule

Schedule varies week-to-week during the off-season (September–May) based on event productions. Shifts are primarily evenings and weekends with varying hours.

Pay

This is a non-exempt, part-time position with compensation ranging from $19–22 per hour, commensurate with skills and experience.

About the Music Academy of the West

The Music Academy of the West educates musicians through intensive study with exceptional teachers and transformative performance opportunities while broadening access to musical experiences for the Santa Barbara community. Programs include:

• The Fellowship Institute, training up to 150 fellows ages 18–34.
• The High School Intensive, a two-week program for 105 musicians ages 14–18.
• Sing!, a youth choir performing with local, national, and international partners.
• The Mariposa Concert Series, featuring Academy-affiliated artists.

The annual Summer Music Festival & School (June–August) showcases over 100 performances, including masterclasses, competitions, and a fully staged opera. The 2027 Festival lineup will be unveiled in early 2027.