Assistant Company Manager

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

This role supports the General Management Team in all aspects of artist services, logistics, and operations at Milwaukee Repertory Theater, functioning as the key project manager for behind-the-scenes coordination. It requires proactive problem-solving in a dynamic theater environment, with a focus on exceptional service to artists, staff, and partners.

What We Are Looking For:

• Proactive Project Manager: You’re the calm at the center of the storm, juggling shifting priorities with ease, spotting what’s needed before anyone asks, and driving complex projects to the finish line in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.
• Exceptional Customer Service: You light up every interaction with warmth and professionalism, responding quickly, building trust with artists, staff, and partners, and creating the kind of welcoming experience people rave about.
• Problem-Solving Enthusiast: You run toward challenges, not away from them, thinking creatively, adapting on the fly, and turning potential headaches into smooth, well-orchestrated solutions with initiative and follow-through.

The Assistant Company Manager supports the Company Manager in managing travel, housing, hospitality, and daily logistics for Guest Artists in our LORT regional theater. As the primary project manager, this role ensures seamless execution across all facets of company operations, anticipating needs and resolving issues proactively. It demands thriving in fast-paced settings while delivering outstanding customer service and collaboration.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Artist Services and Company Management

• Assist in arranging travel, housing, and hospitality for Guest Artists, directors, designers, and collaborators.
• Help communicate pre-arrival details on theater logistics, Milwaukee resources, transportation, and more.
• Serve as a backup point of contact for artists, addressing inquiries and issues with empathy and efficiency.

Project Management & Oversight

• Act as project manager for company logistics, tracking timelines, budgets, and deliverables across travel, events, and shared spaces.
• Support oversight of housing, transportation, and hospitality budgets, including expense tracking and reconciliations.
• Coordinate EPR program housing, onboarding, and daily support in partnership with supervisors.
• Assist and take ownership over planning company events like opening night events, parties, dinners, and outings.

Operations & Collaboration

• Provide transportation as needed to Guest Artists, 
• Maintain shared spaces (e.g., Green Room, Break Room) and liaise with facilities, vendors, and volunteers.
• Track records, cultivate vendor relationships, and handle ad-hoc tasks assigned by the Company Manager.

SCHEDULE

• Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends. 
• Be available to be on call, as scheduled, for issues and/or emergencies that may arise during weeknights and weekends

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• One to two years in theater, hospitality, project management, human resources, or arts administration preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to be a quick learner, apply newly learned skills quickly, and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle while maintaining a good driving record; comfortable driving a company van to transport guest artists and others as needed.
• Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends, and to be on call, as scheduled, for issues and/or emergencies that may arise during weeknights and weekends.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people, all while exhibiting grace and good humor under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise empathy and handle sensitive and confidential information with tact and discretion.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word); familiarity with Adobe and other administrative or contract management tools preferred.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed to support rehearsals, performances, events, and artist needs.
• Ability to pass a background check in compliance with local, state, and/or federal laws.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. They are required to regularly communicate in person, via phone, and through electronic means. Have the ability to regularly lift up to 50 pounds unassisted and to maneuver around theatrical stages, seating, platforms, up and down stairs, and production areas as needed. Ability to operate a motor vehicle without adaptations. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; reach above shoulders; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and peripheral vision.

Milwaukee Rep Values Employees Who:

• Communicate well with a diverse group of colleagues.
• Demonstrate an aptitude and eagerness to learn new skills and processes when necessary.
• Solve problems and engage in creative thinking about challenges individually and in a group environment.
• Are able to accept and incorporate feedback.
• Have excellent interpersonal, teamwork, and diplomacy skills and ability to be self-directed and take initiative.
• Demonstrates an understanding of historical and institutional racism in the American theatre and/or a willingness to commit to learning and to the mission, vision, and values of the theater in areas of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts both in the workplace and in our community.