General Manager of McCaw Hall

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About McCaw Hall

Owned by the City of Seattle and operated by Seattle Center, McCaw Hall is a world‑class performing arts venue managed under a unique operating agreement with its resident tenants—Pacific Northwest Ballet and Seattle Opera. This collaborative partnership ensures shared oversight and financial stewardship, positioning McCaw Hall as a cornerstone of the region’s creative and economic vitality.

About This Position

Seattle Center is seeking an experienced, visionary leader to serve as General Manager of McCaw Hall—an iconic, 3,000‑seat performing arts center that hosts over 500 events and 450,000 annual visitors. The role offers a unique opportunity to lead venue operations, business development, finance, and partnerships for one of the city’s most prestigious cultural landmarks. The ideal candidate will bring a balance of strategic leadership, operational savvy, and deep appreciation for the arts, while also helping shape the venue’s next era of innovation, community engagement, and financial sustainability.

Job Responsibilities

• Represent McCaw Hall internally and externally, cultivating strong relationships with resident tenants (PNB & Seattle Opera), visiting producers, and civic partners.
• Support and collaborate with the McCaw Hall Operating Board on high‑level decision‑making.
• Lead seven direct reports across sales, production, events, patron services, and maintenance; indirectly oversee 100+ union staff.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative culture focused on service, accountability, and safety.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase facility use, diversify programming, and generate sponsorships.
• Align with tenants and partners to curate events that enhance McCaw Hall’s mission and public value.
• Oversee marketing efforts for third‑party, ticketed events.
• Ensure seamless event execution, theatrical production standards, guest experience, and public safety.
• Manage and refine operational policies and procedures in collaboration with city leadership and stakeholders.
• Champion City of Seattle initiatives, including equity, ADA compliance, sustainability, and outreach.
• Oversee a $6M annual budget and multiple reserve funds (e.g., capital improvement, equipment replacement).
• Manage third‑party contracts for food / beverage and ticketing (totaling $1.5M+ in revenue).
• Collaborate on RFPs and negotiate vendor agreements in accordance with city policies.

Qualifications

Top Priorities

Additional Information

The budgeted title is Manager 3. The full salary range for this position is $59.75–$89.61 per hour. The salary range for this individual role has been identified as $74.68–$79.52 hourly. This position offers flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be expected to be in‑office at least three times a week.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted for this position until filled. In addition to completing your application, please attach :

A cover letter that addresses the following questions :

IMPORTANT NOTE : To align with our commitment to equity and the City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative, Seattle Center is collecting cover letters and resumes without personal identifiers to achieve a blind screening process.

Benefits

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long‑term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at https : / / www.seattle.gov / human-resources / benefits / employees-and-covered-family-members / most-employees-plans

Equity and Inclusion

Seattle Center is committed to ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is built upon personal commitments to dismantle racist policies and create equitable processes and services for all. Referees and staff are encouraged to engage in antiracist practices.

About Seattle Center

Seattle Center is the region’s premier civic and cultural hub, located in the heart of downtown and home to more than 30 arts, entertainment, and community organizations. With over 220 full‑time employees and hundreds of part‑time staff, we create exceptional events, experiences, and environments that delight and inspire the human spirit to build stronger communities.

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