Reports To - Programming and Events Director
Direct Reports - N/A
Status - Regular Full-Time Exempt
Location - On site in Downtown Houston, TX, with flexibility for occasional remote work
Schedule - General business hours with nights and weekends
OVERVIEW
The Rental Manager is responsible for the strategic acquisition, coordination, and execution of all ticketed rental events at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. This role drives rental activity across all campus venues by identifying and securing ticketed rental opportunities while cultivating strong, long-term relationships with current and prospective partners and clients.
Serving as the primary point of contact for ticketed rentals, the Rental Manager oversees the full lifecycle of each event—from initial inquiry and contracting through execution and financial settlement—ensuring a high level of service, accuracy, and operational excellence.
In close collaboration with areas such as Operations, Production, Ticketing, Finance, and Marketing, this role ensures clear communication and seamless event execution across departments. As a key member of the Programming and Education Department, the Rental Manager also supports artist hosting, administrative coordination, and consistent use of venue management and ticketing systems.
This position requires a highly organized, detail-oriented, and entrepreneurial professional with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, and a strong commitment to delivering exceptional client and artist experiences.
MAJOR FUNCTIONS
- Rental Management & Services: Lead the end-to-end management of all ticketed rental events, including inquiry tracking, contracting, scheduling, and execution. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the venue management system. Serve as the primary client contact, providing a high level of service and ensuring a seamless and professional experience throughout the rental lifecycle. Develop, implement, and continuously refine standard operating procedures in partnership with internal departments to improve efficiency and consistency.
- Rental Development: Drive venue activation by proactively identifying, pursuing, and securing new rental opportunities. Build and sustain relationships with arts organizations, promoters, producers, and community partners to expand the Hobby Center’s rental portfolio. Maintain annual renewal process for Hobby Center’s Arts Partners and engagement of new potential partners. Collaborate with the Programming & Education team to strategically balance presented programming, education initiatives, rentals, and special events to maximize facility utilization and community impact. Participate in Houston community events and seek new rental partnerships that can support the Hobby Center mission and cater to a diverse clientele.
- Operations & Events Coordination: Maintain a comprehensive understanding of performing arts center operations and technical requirements to successfully advance events. Act as the central coordinator for ticketed rental events by collecting, organizing, and distributing event-specific information to Operations, Production, Ticketing, Finance, and Marketing teams. Lead regular event communications and ensure all departments are aligned to deliver successful and efficient performances. Host potential rental clients on venue tours and maintain responses to rental inquiries.
- Financial Management & Settlements: Oversee the financial lifecycle of rental events in partnership with Ticketing and Finance. Ensure accurate and timely settlement of all events, including revenue reconciliation, expense tracking, invoicing, and payments. Execute settlements on the night of performances or on a scheduled basis, as required, and uphold strong financial accountability and reporting practices.
- Artist Liaison Support: Provide Artist Liaison support for select presented programming shows, as needed. Ensure a high standard of hospitality and professionalism by serving as the point of contact for non-technical needs backstage. Contribute to an environment that prioritizes a positive and welcoming experience for artists and partners.
TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS
You Are
- A strong communicator who can advocate for client and partner needs while operating within the parameters of a performing arts center and collaborating with a robust production and operations team.
- A person who thrives on handling logistics from big picture activities such as national on-sale dates to minute details such as ingress and egress of guests and artists.
- Hyper organized in written communication and file keeping.
- A people-forward collaborator who enjoys working on unique events, understands performing arts center operations, and can clearly guide and educate new renters through those processes.
- Knowledgeable or deeply invested in the Houston arts and cultural landscape, with the ability to engage meaningfully with local organizations and community partners.
- Able to balance competing priorities by managing day-of responsibilities, finalizing past events, and planning for upcoming activity simultaneously.
- A leader with a customer service-focused approach.
We Are
- An established, stable, mission-driven nonprofit engaged in an exciting period of growth and transformation.
- Committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of people and ideas and fosters a sense of belonging.
- A high-performance collaborative culture that is supportive of your professional growth and ability to work in a sustainable, empowered way.
Skills and Qualifications
- 3-5 years of experience in a similar field of arts and entertainment, venue management, or venue sales. Experience in nonprofit performing arts or venue operations is strongly preferred.
- Experience with ticketing platforms such as Tessitura and Ticketmaster preferred.
- Experience with venue scheduling or calendar management systems, such as Momentus Elite, preferred.
- Strong financial acumen, including experience with event settlements, budgeting, revenue management, and the ability to clearly communicate financial details and expenses.
Team members at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts must thrive on challenge and be comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Working with a nimble and efficient team requires that members bring an entrepreneurial spirit to their work, providing leadership across a broad scope of work.
COMPENSATION
The Hobby Center offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, a 403b savings plan with matching employer contributions, mobile phone stipend, parking, and paid time off. The anticipated hiring range for this position is $65,000-$75,000 annually.
ABOUT THE HOBBY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts deepens understanding of our shared humanity. By presenting engaging performances and educational programs, we strengthen our sense of belonging to shape a more cohesive and connected Houston community. Opened in 2002, the Hobby Center campus houses two theaters including the 2,650-seat Sarofim Hall and the 500-seat Zilkha Hall. Delivering a best-in-class patron experience, the Hobby Center welcomes over 400,000 audience members annually to engage with high-quality arts programming including the Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center series. The Hobby Center is also home to a full season of musical theatre produced by Principal Resident Company Theatre Under the Stars, as well as a variety of diverse performances from both Houston-based and touring artists and companies. Education and accessibility initiatives are central to the Hobby Center’s impact in Houston through programs like the ExxonMobil Discovery Series that welcomes thousands of students to performances every season. Since 2012, the Hobby Center has been a national leader in accessibility, presenting Sensory Inclusive performances and providing exemplary customer service via its Access Team at all public events. Over the past year and a half, the Hobby Center developed and is implementing a strategic plan that drastically shifts its role in the Houston arts community. The Programming and Education Department was a result of this plan's first steps. This is an exciting time to be involved in the Hobby Center as it implements its new identity with a focus towards expanding the communities it serves and engages.
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts is an equal opportunity employer where equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility are deeply valued.
