Lead Usher

Patricia Reser Center for the Arts; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Paid sick time

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts in Beaverton, OR is seeking a Lead Usher to ensure a safe, welcoming environment for events at its 550-seat Mainstage Theater. You will supervise volunteer ushers, coordinate front-of-house operations, and assist patrons with seating, accessibility needs, and information.

Ideal candidates have prior ushering experience in a performing arts setting, strong communication skills, and a calm, friendly demeanor.

Qualifications

• Experience as an usher in a performing arts facility.
• Experience managing event staff, including ushers.
• Excellent communication skills; ability to speak clearly in English.
• Cultural competence and diplomacy.

Responsibilities

• Oversee seating for up to 550 patrons and resolve seating issues.
• Train and supervise volunteer ushers, schedule duties.
• Coordinate front-of-house events and ensure spaces are ready.
• Assist patrons with disabilities and provide program information.
• Report safety incidents and follow safety protocols.
• Be flexible with irregular event hours.

Skills

Ushering experience

Staff leadership

Time management

Multitasking

Clear English communication

Interpersonal diplomacy

Job description

The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts (“The Reser”) is a new, nonprofit professional arts center opened to the public in March 2022, in downtown Beaverton, Oregon. Located near City Hall, Beaverton Central Max station, and The Round, the facility comprises a 550-seat Mainstage Theater, an art gallery, and meeting & rehearsal rooms. The Reser will present national touring artists, local and regional performing arts organizations, visual arts exhibitions, arts education programs, and serves as a social and cultural hub for Beaverton and its surrounding communities. For more information about the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, please visit www.thereser.org

The Reser is governed by the Board of Trustees of Beaverton Arts Foundation (doing business as Patricia Reser Center for the Arts), consisting of accomplished, respected, and dedicated community volunteers. In a successful public/private partnership with the City of Beaverton, they have brought The Reser to life.

The Reser’s first full season in 2022-23 was a successful outcome to the years of planning and preparation that preceded it. The region is taking note of The Reser’s contribution to its cultural life. The Reser will continue to require a nimble and creative staff, with the skills and commitment to meet challenges as they arise, and to grow as a team. Adaptability and a personal commitment to the mission of The Reser are vital qualities for every employee in this environment.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The primary responsibility of a Lead Usher is to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for patrons and guests attending public events at The Reser. The Lead Usher will be one of the first human faces representing The Reser that a patron sees and, accordingly, must embody the organization’s commitment to both friendly service and the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The three critical imperatives for all Front of House staff are: Public Safety, Warm Hospitality, and Incomparable Service.

A Lead Usher performs essential customer relations work for The Reser, and may be responsible for some or all of the following responsibilities: welcoming and seating patrons; training, assigning duties, scheduling, and supervising volunteer ushers; conducting pre-show briefings with ushers; facilitating a smooth and efficient flow of patrons entering and exiting the theater; arranging accommodations for individuals and groups with special needs; resolving customer complaints concerning seating, ticketing, and related areas; reporting safety incidents; coordinating house opening with backstage management; cross-disciplinary work as a Box Office Associate; and performing other related duties as required.

PRIMARY RELATIONSHIPS

Lead Ushers report directly to the Audience Services & Volunteer Manager and will directly supervise Volunteer Ushers.In addition, they will work closely with the Box Office & Patron Services Manager and Box Office staff, as well as colleagues in Production & Rentals.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Oversee the orderly seating of as many as 550 patrons at events; resolve seating issues.
• Assist the Audience Services & Volunteer Manager in the selection, training, and supervision of volunteer ushers.
• Assist in planning front-of-house activities related to performances and events to which the Lead Usher has been assigned, including scheduling volunteers and ensuring that public spaces are ready prior to each event.
• Schedule, manage, and motivate front-of-house volunteers.
• Develop familiarity with The Reser’s public safety protocols; train staff; be prepared for emergencies; report safety-related issues promptly.
• Be familiar with, and follow the proper protocols, for assisting patrons with disabilities.
• Provide patrons with programs and answer questions knowledgeably.
• Implement mandatory public health measures and policies.
• The ability and willingness to work irregular hours, as dictated by the schedule of events.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE NEEDED

• Experience as an usher in a performing arts facility
• Experience managing event staff, including either paid or volunteer ushers
• Outstanding planning and time management skills
• The ability to multitask and set priorities
• Excellent communication skills; the ability to speak clearly and persuasively in English.
• Mature interpersonal skills; a talent for diplomacy; a builder of respectful and collaborative professional relationships
• A calm, cheerful, and welcoming demeanor; both the ability to project a sense of personal connection and control a large group
• Cultural competence; the ability to understand and interact effectively with people from other cultures and traditions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in the management and coordination of public spaces in a performing arts organization
• Previous experience as an usher in a busy performing arts environment
• First Aid Certification and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification
• Previous experience with ticket scanners, event communications, etc.
• Practical knowledge of the Tessitura ticketing system.
• A personal commitment to the value of the arts and the ability to convey enthusiasm and information to patrons
• Bilingual speaking skills

WORKING ENVIRONMENT - ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES

Most of the responsibilities of this position do not typically involve equipment that poses a threat of injury.The successful completion of duties relies on the following physical abilities: Sufficient (corrected or uncorrected) vision to read text of various sizes and perceive colors and shapes accurately. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing to communicate effectively in the context of crowd noise, in person and on a telephone, and to hear sounds within the normal range of conversation. The ability to work in a fast-paced environment that may be bright, dark, or dimly lit.Sufficient manual dexterity to operate office equipment, such as ticket scanners and mobile communication devices.Sufficient personal mobility, strength, and reflexes to perform light work and to reach, stoop, bend, kneel, climb stairs, and lift as much as 50 pounds.Should be able to stand extended periods of time without assistance.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

An hourly wage of $19.50 to $21.00, commensurate with experience. Benefits that include paid vacation and sick time.

The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts is an equal opportunity, at-will employer, dedicated to the goal of creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We strongly encourage applications from women, persons of color, and LGBTQ individuals. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.