Term- Lead Usher

17-May-2024

American Repertory Theater

65785BR

Job Summary

The American Repertory Theater (ART) is currently seeking motivated and qualified individuals to join their Front of House team for the upcoming production of Gatsby: An American Myth, as Lead Ushers. Under the direction of the Front of House Manager, the Lead Ushers contribute to the audience experience at the Loeb Drama Center by acting as the first point of contact for patrons attending performances, for access contractors providing accessibility services, as a liaison with our phone-free partners, staff, and for volunteers engaged in front of house duties. 

Front of House staff are expected to offer the highest level of customer service possible to all patrons, board members, staff, and members of the general public. ART's FOH staff ensures that our guests have a safe and enjoyable experience while at our venue. 

Front of House employees receive complimentary and discount tickets to all A.R.T. Season productions. 

Position Description

Usher Duties May Include (but are not limited to): 

• Working with our partner Yondr to facilitate this production’s phone-free programming 

• Working with our Access Consultants on Access Performance Nights to ensure they have everything they need to provide accessibility services (ASL, Open Caption, Audio Description, Relaxed/Sensory-Friendly) to our audiences 

• Is the first point of contact on night-of-show for the Volunteers, ensuring they are provided with adequate information and training to ensure they can uphold the high customer service standards of the A.R.T. 

• Scanning/verifying tickets 

• Working with Ticket Services and FOH Managers to address patron concerns 

• Directing and/or escorting patrons to their seats 

• Assisting patrons with accessibility needs with respect & care 

• Maintaining the cleanliness of all public areas 

• Being knowledgeable of and enforcing appropriate house/theater protocols 

• Attend pre-event FOH meetings and other training as required by management 

• Working alongside volunteer and paid usher staff to promote and deliver a high-quality customer experience 

• May perform bartending duties as assigned by the Front of House Manager or Duty House Manager 

• Any other duties as directed by Front of House Manager or Duty House Manager 

Hours, Expectations & Qualifications:  

The ART presents an average of 8 performances per week, Tuesday thru Sunday. Evening, weekend, and weekday matinee availability is required. 

Candidates will be scheduled to work a minimum of 20 hours per week, with the ability to work up to 35 hours per week. If interested, candidates may be able to join the FOH team for the following season as part-time employees, working no more than 14 hours per week, averaging 2-4 shifts weekly. 

Basic Qualifications

• All applicants must be 18 years of age on or before their start date. 

• Front of House or similar customer service experience is (preferred, but not) required. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Reliability and a professional, outgoing, positive attitude are a must, as is dedication to customer service. 

• Must have the ability to descend/ascend stairs repeatedly and to stand for long periods of time. 

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced setting with environmental conditions such as noise, dark/dim/absence of lighting, and/or large crowds. 

• Ability to lift up to 50lbs waist high; to bend, stretch, reach, and kneel without restriction. 

• Knowledge of the A.R.T., its mission and commitment to antiracism and anti-oppression, is preferred. 

• Experience, interest, and/or knowledge of the performing arts is encouraged, but not required. 

• TIPS (Training and Intervention Procedures for Servers of alcohol) Certification strongly preferred, but not required. Training will be provided for the right candidates. 

• Tessitura Ticketing & Database experience a plus, but not required. 

Additional Information

At this time, the ART Patron Services team will be requiring all staff to wear a mask whenever audiences are in the building. This and other public-health-related policies are subject to change.  

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines. 

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

403063 Library Doorchecker

Department

Patron Services

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Appointment End Date

04-Aug-2024

Pre-Employment Screening

CORI

Schedule

Part-time. 20 hours per week (with the potential to go up to 35 hours).  

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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