Associate Director, Venue and Events

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The mission of Carolina Performing Arts is to spark curiosity, inspiring all members of our community to discover and more fully engage with the world. We collaborate with dynamic and compelling artists from across the globe to create novel, mission-driven performing arts experiences in partnership with our community. Carolina Performing Arts (CPA) integrates the performing arts into the core academic and teaching mission of the University through its diverse programming and engagement initiatives and champions the power of exceptional arts experiences to enrich, inspire, challenge and transform. CPA oversees all artistic programming, campus and community engagement, marketing, and fundraising for its presented performances and manages all operations of its venues including facility rentals, technical production, audience services, and ticketing.

Position Summary

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

Reporting to the Director of Operations and Strategy, the Associate Director, Venues and Events provides leadership for facility management, venue sales and rental administration, event operations, Front of House, (Inclusive of the Box Office) functions across all venues and facilities utilized by Carolina Performing Arts (CPA). The position oversees the staff, operations, and resources supporting CPA performances, rental events, and other programs, while developing strategies to improve operational effectiveness and generate new revenue opportunities.

Operational Strategy and Festival Planning – The position conducts research and analysis to inform short- and long-term operational objectives, including festival operations and revenue opportunities through rentals and concessions. The position also oversees facilities management and leads initiatives to improve operational effectiveness, including the development of seasonal workforce plans for the annual festival.

Venue Sales and Rental Administration – Leads venue sales and rental administration for CPA’s facilities by identifying and cultivating new clients through networking, industry events, and other sales initiatives. Manages client relationships and rental agreements, including contract negotiation and administration, while overseeing coordination between CPA departments such as Technical and Production to advance and execute rental events to maximize venue utilization and generate revenue. This includes creating rental estimates and assessing timeline and workflow feasibility.

Venue Management and Event Planning – This position supports the development, implementation, and execution of CPA’s event management and operations and provides leadership for the staff responsible for event delivery across all CPA and rental events.

Facility Management – This position forecasts, schedules, and manages maintenance, repairs, and modifications for CPA’s administrative offices and all CPA-operated venues in collaboration with facility partners. This includes the Porthole Building, offices at 134 E. Franklin, Memorial Hall, Gerrard Hall, Historic Playmakers Theatre, The Joan H. Gillings ArtSpace at CURRENT, CURRENT Studio, and other venues operated by CPA. The position develops, manages, and reports on an annual budget for facility maintenance, repairs, and upgrades; stays current on facility and venue management best practices and trends; and contributes to case statements supporting increased administrative and financial investment in CPA’s facility operations.

Supervision/Management – Supervise the Front of House Manager, Operations Coordinator, Box Office staff, and usher corps of 40+ employees. Oversee staffing, recruitment, training, performance standards, and day-to-day supervision across Event Operations, Front of House, and Box Office functions. Lead annual safety and security training, emergency planning management, ensure compliance with University and safety standards.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Sustained multi-facility event management experience.
• Significant facility maintenance planning and execution experience.
• Proficiency in ArtsVision (or similar venue scheduling software).
• Experience supervising full-time employees.
• Familiarity engaging local government or similar entities in planning event execution.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
• Large-scale multi-location event operations planning and execution experience.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Experience managing venue operations in higher education or other non-profit environment.
• Experience engaging UNC Facilities Services, Facilities Planning, Transportation and Parking, and UNC Police.
• Experience working in UNC’s Campus Maintenance Request Portal, SPOTS, SPMSS, CSGold.
• Experience in a university environment and a basic knowledge of live event production elements.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.

Special Instructions

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.