About Us:
16 On Center Chicago owns and operates several live music venues, third-party production, restaurants, bars, and food halls across Chicago and New York. Join the team of one of the country's leading independent promoters.
Our most effective service to our community comes from a team with a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. 16 On Center actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Position Summary
As the Venue Manager at SPACE in Evanston, you will oversee day-to-day operations at the venue and support operations for Space Presents events at Cahn Auditorium, Winnetka Music Festival, Out of Space, and Evanston Folk Festival. You are hospitality-focused, solution-oriented, and passionate about music. Your leadership helps shape a culture of growth and respect while enhancing our brand identity, driving revenue, and creating memorable guest experiences.
You will serve as the champion of the bar program at SPACE, with a special focus on growing the lobby and patio bars while maintaining alignment with the venue’s existing operations. You are the direct supervisor and key resource for the SPACE team including bar staff, box office, production, and security, offering guidance and hands-on support. You’ll work closely with the management team to create cohesion between the show, the bar, and vendor relationships.
Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Leadership:
- Organize, plan, and prioritize every day to ensure you and the team exceed expectations in bar and service
- Be a consistent presence on the floor during shows, interacting with guests and modeling service excellence
- Oversee all managers and leads, providing strategic direction, coaching, and performance management
- Set the tone for professionalism and teamwork, championing 16 On Center’s organizational values
- Lead recruitment, training, and development for a passionate and inclusive team
- Maintain consistency and accountability in team growth, development, and discipline
Support beverage and staffing operations across Space Presents events
Financials:
- Monitor and manage P&L statements and key performance indicators to meet financial goals
- Adjust schedules and labor proactively to maintain efficiency and reduce overtime
- Develop strategies to improve profitability across bar and event operations
Partner with private events and sponsorship teams to grow revenue while maintaining brand integrity
Operational Excellence:
- Complete administrative responsibilities including staff scheduling, payroll, POS programming, supply orders, and cash handling
- Partner with talent buying, marketing, ticketing, and production to ensure seamless operations across shows
- Ensure bar operations follow SOPs focused on guest safety, quality control, and efficiency
- Actively work service 3 to 5 nights per week and foster relationships with regulars and industry partners
- Maintain inventory systems and monitor waste, quality, and product availability
- Manage nightly reporting and log notes to support team communication and consistency
- Identify opportunities for improvement and implement operational changes when needed
Support event execution from setup to guest experience to breakdown
About You:
- 3 or more years of experience in operations or venue leadership within the music, bar, or restaurant industry
- Passionate about music, hospitality, and building positive guest and team experiences
- Strong communication and leadership skills with a collaborative and adaptable approach
- Proven ability to lead and develop diverse, high-performing teams
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and high standards for cleanliness and safety
- Solid understanding of bar programs, beverage costing, and inventory systems
- Comfortable working evenings and weekends as needed for shows and events
- Able to stand and walk for extended periods during shifts and lift or move up to 25 pounds when needed
