The Michigan and State Theaters are historic cultural landmarks in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, bringing people together through film, live performance, and shared experiences. Through exceptional programming, community partnerships, accessibility, and historic preservation, we are building welcoming third spaces where everyone can gather, connect, and belong.

We remain committed to preserving these beloved venues while ensuring they stay vibrant, relevant, and accessible for generations to come.

We are seeking a skilled, energetic and collaborative Event Operations Assistant to help support the execution of live events, films, rentals and community programs for the Michigan and State Theaters.

Summary

The Event Operations Assistant is a hands-on operations professional responsible for supporting the successful execution of live events, films, rentals, and community programs across the Michigan Theater and State Theatre. This role serves as a flexible operational resource, moving wherever needed during an event to ensure exceptional patron experiences and smooth venue operations. Whether supporting the bar, box office, merchandise sales, artist hospitality, front of house, or event logistics, this position helps deliver the level of service that defines the experience.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Draft first round contracts.
• Oversee and manage event calendaring: ensure accurate scheduling, maintain real-time availability for prospective and returning renters, respond to availability inquiries.
• Support Event Managers during live events, rentals, and film screenings.
• Assist with event setup, execution, and breakdown.
• Provide support at the bar and concessions during peak periods.
• Assist with ticket sales, will call, memberships, and patron questions.
• Set up and sell merchandise while tracking inventory.
• Support artist hospitality, dressing rooms, and backstage logistics.
• Welcome guests, provide wayfinding, and assist with accessibility needs.
• Move between departments throughout an event as operational priorities change.
• Support donor events, educational programs, festivals, rentals, and community events.
• Other Duties as Assigned

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The Event Operations Assistant will be evaluated on, including but not limited to:

• Anticipates needs before they arise
• Moves seamlessly between departments
• Maintains a calm and positive attitude during busy events
• Provides exceptional hospitality
• Supports teammates without constant direction
• Helps create memorable experiences for every guest

Work Environment The work is primarily indoors within a theater building and may have some exposure to fumes, odor, dust, etc. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but is occasionally loud.

Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. This role requires sitting at a desk and computer use. This role also regularly requires reaching, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing stairs. The employee will regularly lift and/or move items that weigh up to 40 pounds.

Travel Regular local travel to community events, partner meetings, and offsite activations.

Required Education and Experience One plus years of experience in hospitality, live events, entertainment, restaurants, theaters, or customer service. Excellent communication and organizational skills. Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Education and Experience Experience with POS systems, alcohol service, or event operations is preferred. Passion for community engagement, history, cinema, storytelling, and the arts.

Core Competencies

• Hospitality First
• Adaptability
• Initiative
• Teamwork
• Problem Solving
• Professionalism
• Attention to Detail
• Calm Under Pressure

Type & Expected Hours: Part-Time, primarily evenings, weekends, and holidays based on programming needs/event calendar. An average of 20-28 hours per week. 

Pay Range: $18.00 – $20.00 per hour

Benefits: Employee Assistance Program, 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match, Paid Health Leave, Free Movie Admission, Concessions Discount.