Salary: USD 75000.00 - 100000.00 annually

Category: Venues/Promoters/Festivals

The Venue Manager is responsible for the overall operations, staffing, safety, and guest experience at The Exchange Music Hall. This position ensures that every performance, private event, wedding and daily operation runs smoothly — from artist load-in to the last patron exiting the building. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with exceptional organizational skills, deep knowledge of live music operations, and a passion for delivering world-class events.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Management
• Oversee all aspects of venue operations, including event setup, show execution, and post-event breakdown.
• Manage venue readiness: cleanliness, lighting, sound, HVAC, seating configurations, and aesthetics.
• Coordinate Production, AR, Ticketing/Box Office, Security, Bar, Volunteers, and Facilities teams to ensure seamless event execution.
• Maintain and implement safety, emergency, and security protocols in compliance with local regulations.
• Oversee maintenance schedules and vendor relationships.
• Establish and maintain a positive relationship with the owners and staff of The Promissory Hotel and Suerte restaurant. Serve as a liaison between the owners and staff of The Promissory Hotel and Suerte restaurant and Across-the-Way Productions’ executive leadership team (CEO, COO, CFO/VP of Operations)
• Manage all supply ordering for the venue.
• Manage all calendars for the venue.
Staff Leadership & Training
• Hire, train, and manage all venue staff and volunteers.
• Develop and enforce standard operating procedures.
• Ensure that all staff and volunteers are trained in safety, emergency, and security protocols for the venue. 
• Foster a positive team environment that emphasizes excellent customer service, accountability, hospitality, and professionalism.
Financial Oversight
• Work with the CFO to manage operational budgets and event-related expenses.
• Track and reconcile event settlements in coordination with the CFO.
• Identify cost-saving measures while maintaining quality and efficiency.
Booking & Programming
• Program the venue to curate a diverse, high-quality concert calendar.
• Identify and pursue new artist opportunities aligned with the venue’s brand, audience, and financial goals.
• Maintain relationships with agents, managers, and promoters to grow the venue’s reputation and booking pipeline.
• Assist with advancing shows, including confirming technical requirements, hospitality needs, and scheduling.
• Analyze show performance, ticket sales trends, and audience data to inform future booking decisions.
• Support negotiations of artist offers and contracts in coordination with company leadership.
• Contribute to long-term programming strategy.
• Manage concert calendar for the venue.
Artist & Promoter Relations
• Serve as the primary venue contact for touring crews, promoters, and artists during show days.
• Ensure artist hospitality, dressing rooms, and technical requests are fulfilled per rider specifications.
• Represent the venue professionally and maintain strong relationships with agents, managers, and touring personnel.
Guest Experience
• Oversee front-of-house operations to ensure an exceptional experience for all patrons.
• Manage ticketing flow, ADA accommodations, and crowd control.
• Respond quickly and professionally to guest issues or emergencies.
• Identify guests who could benefit from the services provided by The Promissory Hotel and Suerte restaurant, connecting said guests to the appropriate contacts at each.
Private Rentals & Special Events
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all private rentals, corporate events, weddings, and community functions hosted in the venue.
• Provide tours of the venue to prospective rental clients. 
• Collaborate with clients to plan event logistics, floor plans, and staffing requirements while ensuring alignment with venue policies.
• Coordinate with the production and operations teams to adapt venue layouts and technical setups for non-concert events.
• Oversee execution of private events from load-in to load-out, ensuring a premium experience for clients and guests.
• Prepare post-event reports, including client feedback and revenue performance, to inform future rentals.
• Work with the marketing and booking teams to promote rental opportunities and maximize off-night utilization.
• Manage private-rental and special-event calendar for the venue.
Event Coordination
• Collaborate with the booking and marketing teams to plan and execute concerts, private rentals, and community events.
• Prepare event summaries and performance reports after each show.
• Coordinate with security and local authorities for crowd management and compliance.
Additional Company Events
• Support the broader mission and annual event portfolio of Across-the-Way Productions, including FloydFest and other regional events.
• Provide operational expertise, staff leadership, or on-site management as needed during AtWP festivals and special projects.
• Assist with pre-event planning, logistical coordination, and resource sharing between The Exchange and other AtWP events.
• Foster cross-team communication and uphold brand consistency across all AtWP experiences, ensuring alignment with company values and hospitality standards.
• Contribute to company-wide improvements in guest experience, safety, and operational efficiency by sharing best practices and lessons learned from venue operations.
Qualifications
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in live music venue management, event production, rental events and hospitality operations.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to manage large, diverse teams.
• Deep understanding of event logistics, technical production, and guest services.
• Proven track record in budgeting, vendor management, and operational planning.
• Proficient in event management software, scheduling systems, Google Suite and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required by event schedule.
• Applicants who do not currently reside in Roanoke County/City (or adjoining counties) must be willing to establish residency there as a condition of employment.
Preferred
• Experience in a music venue between 800–2,000 capacity.
• Experience in communications and negotiations with talent agents and managers.
• Knowledge of liquor licensing, ABC compliance, and safety code regulations.
• Experience with private rental events — corporate events, weddings, and community functions.
• Passion for live music and creating memorable audience experiences.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following materials:
• Resume outlining relevant experience
• Cover letter describing your interest in the role and connection to live music and events
• (Optional) Examples of past venues, events, or programming you’ve managed
Please send applications to: hello@theexchangeva.com
Subject line: Venue Manager – Your Name
Across-the-Way Productions, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming team.