Venues Manager

This position is focused on overseeing, organizing and empowering the production preparations and daily operations of Abbey Arts Presents in Seattle WA for concerts & multi-art events we produce and/or manage. Centered in upper Fremont with venues in Ballard and Greenlake as well as partner venues in South Park, Central District, Capitol Hill, UDistrict and more.   

This job description may have some corporate sounding language required by the forms.  We’re working to break the form though, break the formats, pushing into new and innovative events and even new ways to manage said events.  Sound interesting?  Read on… 

– Note:  Please read over our other fun intro at www.fremontabbey.org/jobs before applying. – 

The big picture goal of this work is to empower a vibrant local nonprofit to be well-coordinated and productive at sustainable levels… and with empathy guided methods. Abbey Arts Venues Manager ultimately works to ensure healthy and sustainable event quality and internal procedures.  Some of the work will also be to further develop the Abbey Arts events staff team. 

A successful Venues Manager will be focused on excellence at every event, building team momentum and knowledge, they will actively initiate quality and system upgrades with efficiency and care. In consultation with other staff, Abbey Venues Manager will work to improve overall systems, including building & equipment setup, while supporting and learning about the history and unique approach that has enabled Abbey events to be so successful and low cost through the years. 

What’s that really mean?  Could be rigging, cabling, gaf tape, humans, music, chairs, let’s go!  

Must have extensive experience with events and love working with people in a complex fast paced and sometimes stressful environment.  Must have basic working knowledge of sound, lights, stages, etc.  

Must be assertive, outgoing, kind, polite and welcoming (usually all at the same time) and be able to take constructive feedback while on the job. Feeling joy after improving systems or equipment, yes!   Working with a creative event setup on the fly, yes!  Attention to detail is key.  Even run-on-sentences are opportunity for growth right?  

And get this – most staff at Abbey Arts are also encouraged to contribute to the creative & artistic advancement of the Arts Center through ideas for programs & events, band ideas, and even the occasional guest curation, etc.  Involvement (working or attending) with at least two events per month is expected to stay in tune with real life application of operations.    

About Us

Abbey Arts is a growing nonprofit based in Seattle, WA since 2005.  We survived and adapted through the pandemic and are re-emerging in a new form with new programs in 2023-24. We are now working in over 10 locations around the PNW.  Before applying we recommend you read about us online and if possible stop by the Abbey to experience a concert or event in real life. This may help you better understand the organizational style and what we are about. 

We are not your typical arts nonprofit. We’re a “lean & limber” music & arts venue operating in more of a small business style so working here will not likely be equivalent to larger nonprofits or corporations.

Abbey Arts is looking for people with positive energy and a strong worth ethic to help make the world a more creative & connected place. No “grind culture” here please.  Sustainable workflow and enjoying the work is important to us. So is jumping in once in a while to help wrap up with the team after a big show.  

Key Responsibilities

• • Oversee efficient setup & teardown of all events: ensure safety, excellence, high quality sound & welcoming vibes
  • Timely and professional production planning and communication with artists & staff
  • Supervise, direct, and train all staff within the Events Department
  • Tracking of the safety and cleanliness of Abbey Arts Venues, ensuring proper maintenance & inventory of in-house gear and equipment. 
  • Manage and improve overall staff motivation, perks, benefits
  • Manage / Oversee Volunteer program, develop Volunteer Lead(s) 
  • Reporting, Compliance, Inventory
  • Develop and implement Company Culture in collaboration with ED
  • Sign designated contracts and payments. Some Payroll and HR responsibilities may be involved.

Required skills and qualifications

• 5+ Years of Event Management Experience
• 2+ years experience in a senior leadership role 
• Masterful organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proven ability to plan and manage operational processes for efficiency and productivity
• Reliable Transportation
• Understanding of professional level sound & lighting – willingness to learn more 

Other important experience & skills that all Abbey team members need:

• Growth Mindset
• Attention to detail; professional, friendly & assertive communication style; quick on your feet; good visual memory
• Good at on the spot problem solving with a limited budget
• Strong work ethic
• Attention to detail (yes, we said this twice!) 
• Enjoys working with people
• “Can do” personality
• Strong problem solving skills (no, really!)
• Thinking quickly on your feet
• Love gaf tape!  (But also want to make lasting improvements) 
• Ability to Fix-it
• Desire to create beautiful events
• Desire to support the community behind the scenes

Abbey Staff have the opportunity to contribute to and/or lead select creative projects such as curating a show, helping design a poster or ad, contributing to program development, managing arts & music events, etc.

Most positions here require typing speeds of at least 60wpm, good skill with Google docs – sheets & docs, ability to lift objects such as chairs/tables, setup event spaces, help with building reset, say hi to puppies, take sunshine breaks, enjoy live music & art, etc.  A couple of our jobs may not require lifting.

Read our Respect Policy.  Abbey Arts is an equal opportunity employer.  

Benefits

• Health insurance stipend
• Flexible Work Schedule
• Monthly wellness program for massage, yoga, floats, etc
• Free Tickets for Abbey Arts Concerts and other Seattle Venues (as available)
• Use of Abbey space for your own off-peak bookings, classes, rehearsals/etc.
• Free entry in most Abbey classes and workshops (as space allows)
• Staff vitamins, tea, coffee & snacks
• Simple meal supplies provided + occasional lunches & other food from events

Full-time equivalent:  Est 32 hrs/week  (4 days/week)
Salary: $25-35/hr DOE