Assistant House Manager

Berklee College of Music; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Berklee College of Music in Boston seeks an Assistant House Manager to ensure audience safety and comfort during performances and public events.

You will supervise Ushers, coordinate front‑of‑house activities, enforce policies, manage crowd control, respond to questions and address complaints, and liaise with security and police as needed. This casual staff role requires leadership and strong communication, with evening work highlighted.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year in supervisory/management roles.
• At least 3 years in customer service with strong communication.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and fire regulations.

Responsibilities

• Arrive before usher call time and prepare theater one hour before showtime.
• Coordinate ushers and monitor staff during events.
• Liaise with Stage Manager, Box Office, and Security to coordinate event details.
• Enforce theater policies and address audience questions or complaints.
• Coordinate with police and Berklee security as needed.
• Ensure safety and comfort of audience members and close the building after events.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Leadership

Problem solving

Event security

Customer service

Tact and diplomacy

Health, safety & fire regs

Written & verbal communication

Physical ability (lift 50 lbs)

Job description

Job Description: The Assistant House Manager is responsible for the safety and comfort of patrons during performances and public occupancy.

Supervises scheduled Usher staff during assigned events.

Coordinates front‑of‑house activities in the theater.

Enforces theater, college and event policies.

Manages crowd control and safety/security regulations and policies.

Serves as a primary point of contact with patrons to answer questions, troubleshoot problems and address complaints.

Promotes and maintains positive public relations for the theater with its clients and patrons.

Maintains proper image for the event.

Acts as liaison to Boston Police and security staff.

Prepares, opens and secures facility before and after event.

Capabilities Required (Experience, Education, Skills)

• 1+ year supervisory/management experience; leadership skills Problem solving skills Event security/ crowd control experience and training Strong written and verbal skills in order to communicate effectively with the public, staff, promoters, and touring personnel
• 3+ years customer service experience; tact and diplomacy skills Knowledge of health, safety, and fire regulations Ability to climb stairs and lift up to 50 lbs.

Use of Capabilities (Illustrated by Typical Activities)

• 1. Arrive for event before usher call time and be ready to open theater one hour before showtime
• 2. Be on radio at all times
• 3. Designate ushers for key positions in theatre; check in ushers as they arrive
• 4. Supervise ushers in preparation of theatre for event
• 5. Meet with Stage Manager, Box Office Manager, Security Supervisor and ushers to discuss specific event details/requirements.
• 6. Work with management team to ensure standards are being met
• 7. Check in and brief back‑door security if necessary
• 8. Act as liaison to police detail and/or Berklee security scheduled for event
• 9. Communicate with Stage Manager/Production and security to coordinate opening of the house
• 10. Coordinate handicapped seating requirements with Box Office and Ushers
• 11. Monitor usher staff at all times during event; give breaks when appropriate
• 12. Enforce all theatre policies regarding photography, food & beverages, smoking, etc.
• 13. Trouble‑shoot any problems or audience complaints
• 14. Manage emergency situations, such as medical emergency or house evacuation.
• 15. Coordinate with and inform appropriate parties
• 16. Document all incidents, emergencies, or maintenance problems with an incident report, accident report, or work order
• 17. For pro shows, settle with merchandise representative and fill out appropriate house reports
• 18. After show, supervise the ushers in the closing of the theater and secure the building upon leaving
• 19. Ensure safety and comfort of audience members by preparing house and enforcing proper safety and security regulations and policies
• 20. Evaluates existing policies and procedures and makes recommendations for improvements and staff training
• 21. Other duties as assigned

$20/hour

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee: We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance.

Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve.

Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions.

Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.

If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at [e-mail] or call 617-747-2375.

*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*

Employee Type: Casual

As the premier destination for the study of contemporary music and the performing arts, Berklee stands as the culmination of two pioneering institutions—Boston Conservatory and Berklee College of Music—each recognized for its global reach and cultural impact. Berklee is a place where artists come together to innovate, and where artistic and cultural diversity is embraced and celebrated. We strive to reflect these values in our inclusive hiring practices, creating a welcoming and equitable process that embraces diverse perspectives and fosters equity and opportunity for all. Guided by our fundamental values, our unified mission and vision define Berklee’s core purpose and help us envision the positive influence we can have on each other, our students, our communities, and the broader world.

Berklee is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits program to help our employees achieve their personal, professional, and financial goals. Learn more.