Lead Play & Party Host

Whimsy & Wonder Play Cafe; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Whimsy & Wonder Play Cafe in Ankeny, IA seeks energetic team members for pre-opening onboarding and ongoing weekend operations. The role combines event leadership, safety supervision, and hospitality in a family-focused play space.

Part-time or full-time options exist (20–35 hours/week). Compensation starts at $15.00–$18.00+ per hour plus tips; weekend availability is highly valued and essential for peak sessions.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Comprehensive federal and state background checks required prior to hire.
• CPR / First Aid certification or willingness to complete upon hire.
• 1+ years in childcare, event hosting, recreation, camp counseling, or customer service leadership.

Responsibilities

• Birthday party leadership & event coordination: lead weekend parties, greet hosts, manage schedules, post-event resets.
• Play floor safety & active supervision: oversee play area and enforce rules for safety.
• Sanitization, cleanliness & floor organization: clean high-touch toys, reset play space between sessions.
• Front desk check-in & cafe cross-training backup: welcome families, verify waivers, check in via POS, assist during peak times.

Skills

Leadership

Organization

Customer service

Safety awareness

Job description

Pre-Opening Phase & Schedule Expectations

• Pre-Opening Month (Onboarding & Setup Phase): Prior to our grand opening, employment begins with part-time/reduced hours for facility setup, toy organization, sanitation system walkthroughs, birthday party dry runs, and safety drills.
• Post-Opening Schedule (Regular Operations):
• Type: Part-Time or Full-Time (20–35 hours per week).
• Schedule Expectations: Heavy weekend availability is required (Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays for private party bookings and peak open play sessions).
• Shift Examples (Subject to Change):
• Operational Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Friday through Monday; more open days will be added)
• Opening Shift: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Closing Shift: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Shorter party-specific shifts will be assigned based on weekend booking schedules.

Compensation

• Pay Rate: $15.00 – $18.00+ per hour (starting rate determined by skill level and leadership experience) + direct party tips/gratuities.

Ideal Candidate

You are high-energy, exceptionally organized, and thrive in an environment full of young children and celebrating families. You have natural leadership abilities and a keen eye for safety and sanitation. You know how to make birthday parents feel relaxed and special, keeping parties moving on time while handling unexpected needs with a smile. You communicate proactively and love creating joyful, memorable experiences.

Mandatory Prerequisites & Background Requirements

• Age Requirement: Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Mandatory Background Check: Because this role directly supervises child-focused spaces and family events in a licensed facility, passing comprehensive federal and state background checks is strictly required prior to hire.
• Certificates: CPR / First Aid certification (or willingness to complete upon hire).
• Experience: 1+ years of experience in childcare, event hosting, recreation, camp counseling, or customer service leadership.

Key Responsibilities

1. Birthday Party Leadership & Event Coordination

• Lead weekend birthday party execution from start to finish: coordinate room setup, greet host families, manage party schedules (play time, food/cake service, gift packing), and lead fast post-event resets.
• Act as the primary point of contact for party hosts during their event, providing warm, attentive hospitality to ensure a stress-free celebration.
• Help train and direct Play & Party Hosts on party routines, decorating setups, and breakdown checklists.

2. Play Floor Safety & Active Supervision

• Supervise the play area actively to ensure children play safely and follow venue rules (e.g., socks-only policy, age-appropriate equipment use).
• Handle minor guest concerns or play floor incidents calmly, professionally, and in accordance with safety guidelines.

3. Sanitization, Cleanliness & Floor Organization

• Oversee and execute routine sanitation of high-touch toys and play structures using child-safe, non-toxic cleaning products.
• Ensure the play floor is continuously reset, clutter-free, tidy, and welcoming between play sessions and before closing.

4. Front Desk Check-In & Cafe Cross-Training Backup

• Welcome arriving families, verify waivers, check guests in via the POS system, and answer parent questions.
• Cross-train in basic cafe support (running drinks/snacks to seating areas, bussing tables, restocking grab-and-go items) to assist during peak rushes.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and move actively for 4–8 hours per shift.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 35 lbs (party furniture, storage bins, party supplies, trash receptacles).
• Physical agility required to quickly navigate play structures and assist children when needed.