Rental and Contracts Manager

The Ordway: The Ordway is the arts epicenter of Saint Paul, Minnesota, and one of the leading nonprofits performing arts centers in the country. Founded on the belief that performing arts should be wide-ranging and accessible to all, the Ordway is home to a variety of performances that encompass the finest in Broadway musicals, concerts, dance and vocal artists. Known as the most comfortable place to catch a show in Minnesota, the Ordway includes a magnificent 1,900-seat Music Theater, a state-of-the-art 1,100-seat Concert Hall and spacious lobbies. The Ordway aims to reflect the communities it serves and address barriers to ensure everyone can experience the power of the performing arts.

Position Purpose: Ordway is seeking a dynamic, detail-oriented individual to fill our Rental and Contracts Manager opening. This role oversees the timely and proper execution of artist, show, and outside rental contracts; including processing payments and tax withholding as required. This position is the client relationship manager for outside rentals. This position works closely with Ordway’s accounting, guest services, marketing, production, programming and ticket services areas. A successful candidate will have experience with contract management, accounting and budgeting basics and an understanding of how theater/performing arts center functions.

Position Details:

Posting Date: 1/12/24

Closing Date: The Ordway is dedicated to building an equitable environment and strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, People of Color, women, transgender, and non-binary candidates. This position will remain open until a diverse and qualified pool of candidates is identified. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.

Employee Type: Exempt, Full-time

Salary - Starting at $65,000

Department: Business Resources

Reports to: EVP/CFO

Key Performance Areas:

Gather show budget details so that producer estimates can be completed and evaluated.

Once shows have been successfully booked this position will prepare and execute the appropriate forms to ensure all departments have the needed information through a process internally called “a booking notice”.

Manage all show contracts; Broadway @ the Ordway, Family Festival and Ordway Presents series for signature and ensure the terms reflect the deal points, provided by the programming department, and general contract terms reflect Ordway acceptable language, and the appropriate tax withholdings required.

Lead the settlement process for all contracts that require 3rd party settlements, or royalty payments, ensuring all information is accurate, complete, agrees to contract terms and is received in a timely manner.

Vet all rental inquiries from outside parties.

Successfully negotiate terms based on Ordway’s established rates, book and manage outside renters to ensure a quality Ordway experience for their event.

Maintain a working knowledge of the institutional calendar to identify all open dates in the Music Theater, Concert Hall, and all supporting space at the Ordway.

Cultivate an internal and external approach to customer service that increases the Ordway’s profile, rental opportunities, and year-end results.

Other Qualifications:

B.A. or B.S. in Theatre, Dance, Music, Arts Administration, Business, Contract Law or related field required.

Minimum of five years experience in theatre, nonprofits, contract management, production management, accounting or finance, or related field.

Proficient at Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Power Point, and Intermediate Excel).

Knowledge of facility calendar management software (EMS).

Experience with the ticketing platform AudienceView a plus.

High degree of sensitivity for confidentiality.

Ability to compose, write, and edit reports and documents with appropriate grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, clarity, and creativity.

Ability to identify, evaluate, investigate, and offer alternative solutions to problems.

Ability to handle multiple tasks and varying workload.

Working knowledge of contractual agreements and practices.

An understanding of the organizational structure and functions and the inter-relationship of how each impacts the other; knowledge and reporting relationships.

Ability to represent the Ordway in a professional manner.

Understanding of union contracts including IATSE.

Knowledge of and ability to apply theatrical business concepts and, general management.

Ability to communicate with diverse constituencies.

The Ordway requires all employees to adhere to the COVID safety standards set by the artists and tours that perform on our stages. This means that at times Ordway employees may be required to wear masks, to take COVID tests, and possibly, to provide proof of COVID vaccination. The Ordway is an equal opportunity employer and will consider requests for reasonable accommodation for employees and applicants based on disability or sincerely held religious beliefs.

To Apply: For more information or to apply, visit ordway.org/employment.

Ordway is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, marital status, familial status, public assistance status, age, local human rights commission activity, national origin, and veteran, or disability status. The Ordway Theater and administrative office are wheelchair accessible and service animals are welcomed. All applicants who have questions or needs regarding access accommodations or interpreting assistance for job interviews are encouraged to reach out to Human Resources.

We know there are great candidates who may not fit into the criteria we’ve outlined here, or who have important skills we haven’t listed. If that’s you, please don’t hesitate to apply anyway and tell us about yourself.