Student Events & Audience Services Assistant

Student Events & Audience Services Assistant: 33400BR

Apply @ employment.ku.edu

Contact: Kate Lorenz, Senior Director of Events & Audience Services: katelorenz@ku.edu, 785-864-2774

Position Overview

The Lied Center presents and hosts well over 300 events per year, ranging from performances by professional visiting artists to receptions, dinners, meetings, lectures, conferences, festivals and other programs. Events take place in the Lied Center’s 2,000 seat main auditorium, as well as the multi-purpose pavilion and other event spaces.

The Student Events & Audience Services Assistant has a broad range of responsibilities in event management, client, patron, and artist services. This manager is the main point of contact for patrons and clients using the Lied Center during events. They are also responsible for executing detailed event plans, working with rental clients, assisting the Events & Audience Services Managers and Director in training and supervising volunteers in the Lied Center Usher Corps, and ensuring the safety and comfort of all patrons. The ideal candidate will possess an ability to work with a wide variety of people and project a positive, customer-friendly demeanor.

Job Description

30%  Event Operations & Venue Management

  • Open and secure facility before and after events, ensuring compliance with venue operational procedures.
  • Coordinate and supervise volunteer usher teams, providing detailed pre-event briefings, assignments, and performance guidance.
  • Manage patron entry operations, including ticket scanning, will-call distribution, crowd flow, and door management to ensure efficient audience access.

30% Ticketing & Customer Service

  • Process ticket sales, exchanges, refunds, and inquiries while delivering exceptional customer service to patrons.
  • Resolve ticketing issues promptly and professionally, contributing to a positive guest experience and customer satisfaction.
  • Maintain accuracy in ticket transactions and cash handling procedures.

10% Event Preparation & Logistics

  • Prepare venues for performances and special events by coordinating signage placement, room configurations, seating arrangements, printed programs, and technology requirements.
  • Ensure all event spaces were properly organized and presentation-ready prior to guest arrival.

10% Client Relations & Event Execution

  • Serve as the primary on-site liaison for rental clients, overseeing event setup, execution, and troubleshooting.
  • Set up, operate, and resolve issues related to audiovisual equipment, including projectors, computers, sound systems, and basic lighting technology.
  • Support seamless event delivery by proactively addressing operational and technical needs.

10% Cross-Functional Coordination

  • Collaborate with internal departments and external vendors, including ticket office personnel, technical services, security teams, parking attendants, concession providers, and catering staff.
  • Facilitate effective communication among stakeholders to ensure successful event operations.

  5%  Artist Hospitality & Support

  • Assist artists and touring personnel by coordinating hospitality needs and preparing backstage accommodations.
  • Manage hospitality inventory and ensure supplies were stocked and organized for event requirements.

   5% Merchandise Sales & Financial Reconciliation

  • Oversee merchandise sales operations, including inventory setup, sales transactions, cash handling, and end-of-event financial settlements.
  • Monitor inventory levels and maintain accurate sales records to support revenue reporting.

Required Qualifications

  1. One year of experience in events management, ticketing or customer service, or equivalent experience, as evidenced by application materials.
  2. Experience using Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), as evidenced by application materials.
  3. Experience requiring clear and concise communication skills, as evidenced by application materials
  4. Must be available to work an irregular schedule, including nights and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

  1. Experience working in performing arts centers or theater environment, as indicated in application materials.
  2. Experience and/or training in ADA regulations for public assembly.
  3. Experience setting up and operating basic audio/visual equipment.
  4. Excellent organizational and problem solving skills, as evidenced in application materials.

Additional Candidate Instruction

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

  • Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications
  • Resume
  • List of three (3) professional references