Staff Usher

Yerba Buena Center for the Art; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 28,929 - 38,572; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) Retirement Plan

Free museum admission

Job summary

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts is seeking a Staff Usher for its Special Events team. This on-call, non-exempt role requires evenings and weekends, primarily at 701 Mission Street, San Francisco.

The Usher will greet guests, provide directions, monitor egress, and act as a brand ambassador while supporting diverse visitors across performances, exhibitions, and public programs. Ideal candidates bring strong customer service experience and excellent communication skills, with an ability to work

Qualifications

• Experience in a customer service role; live event experience preferred.
• Excellent verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong teamwork orientation; able to work with diverse staff, clients, and patrons.
• Able to work in environments with sensitive or provocative material.
• Diplomacy, integrity, tact, and a sense of humor.

Responsibilities

• Scan tickets and assist guests; provide directional support.
• Assist with coat checks and bags; help prepare event spaces.
• Act as a brand ambassador; know current and upcoming programs.
• Maintain knowledge of ADA requirements and life-safety policies.
• Resolve patron issues in collaboration with the House Manager.
• Attend trainings and meetings as requested.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Teamwork

Observation

Dealing with diverse guests

Job description

Title: Staff UsherDepartment: Special EventsReports to: Sr. Manager of Audience and Concessions ServicesStatus: Non-exempt, on-callSchedule: Variable schedule, evenings & weekends requiredLocation: 701 Mission Street, San FranciscoCompensation: $24.20/hourlyAbout Yerba Buena Center for the ArtsFor three decades, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) has been a dynamic hub for contemporary art in San Francisco's downtown community. We showcase innovative and thought-provoking work across visual arts, performing arts, film, and more, bringing together artists, audiences, and perspectives under one roof.YBCA is a catalyst for conversations around critical social and cultural questions, using art as a medium for dialogue. We support artists who push boundaries, challenge conventions, and spark experimentation and innovation in the arts.YBCA Mission, Vision, ValuesMission: To be a gathering space for creative expression that fosters meaningful connection for all.Vision: To be a catalyst of creative exploration, expression, and innovation that empowers artists, inspires community, and drives lasting social change.Values:Belonging – The arts are for everyone.Inclusive Collaboration – We are stronger together.Optimism – Art has the power to inspire change.Curiosity – Learning is at the center of artistic expression.About the RoleThe House Staff team plays a critical public-facing role at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. This team interacts with a broad range of people during events, including event attendees, YBCA staff and collaborators, venue rental clients, artists, gallery visitors, production crew, and more. In addition to making all guests feel welcomed and valued, this position is accountable for providing directional support for audience members, monitoring paths of travel and egress, maintaining knowledge of emergency protocols, life safety best practices and ADA regulations, providing guests with information about current and upcoming programs, and acting as an ambassador for the YBCA brand. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in a customer service role, as well as keen observation skills, exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, and a sense of humor.Primary ResponsibilitiesPartner with House Manager, Community Experience staff, Security staff, and Concessions staff to create a welcoming and warm experience for all YBCA audience members and visitors.Provide exemplary customer service while scanning tickets, checking coats and bags, providing directional support, articulating YBCA programming, and assisting with preparation of event spaces for performances, gallery openings, conferences, film screenings, public squares, community gatherings, and special events.Act as a brand ambassador for YBCA, maintaining a working knowledge of our Mission, Vision, Brand Platform, Audience Experience expectations, and current and upcoming programs.Maintain positive and collaborative relationships with YBCA staff, clients, vendors, volunteers, visitors, and union members.Maintain working knowledge of ADA requirements, crowd management practices, emergency evacuation and life safety policies and procedures.Problem solve patron issues/complaints in collaboration with the House Manager.Communicate effectively to staff and patrons as needed.Attend staff trainings and meetings, including info sessions about programming and exhibitions, as requested by the Manager of Audience and Concession Services.Other duties as assigned by the House Manager and Sr. Manager of Audience and Concession Services.Who Should Apply?Research shows that many candidates—especially those from communities most affected by inequities—apply only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. At YBCA, no one meets 100%.If much of this role resonates with you, we encourage you to apply. We are interested in building a mission-driven, collaborative, and curious team, not in checking every box.BenefitsBenefits include:PTO, Holiday Pay according to Collective Bargaining AgreementEligible to participate in the 403(b) Retirement Plan and potential access to SF City Option programs.Free/member admission during regular museum hours & potential discounts on concert/lecture tickets at participating North American Reciprocal Museum institutions with your YBCA badge.Equal Opportunity EmployerYerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) is committed to diversity in its programming and in creating a work culture and environment that is reflective of San Francisco Bay Area demography. The Center encourages and actively recruits applicants representing dimensions of difference that include — but are not limited to — age, national origin, ethnicity, race, religion, ability, sexual orientation, gender or political affiliation.YBCA will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).AccommodationsYBCA is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. To request an accommodation at any stage of the application or hiring process, please contact [e-mail] with the subject line “Accommodations Request.”Application StatusThank you for your interest in joining the YBCA team! After you apply, you’ll receive a confirmation email letting you know we’ve received your resume. Our recruiting team will review your application and reach out if your experience matches an open role.We also invite you to upload your resume and join the YBCA Talent Community to stay connected and be considered for future opportunities as they become available. We wish you the best of luck in your job search!Agencies and Recruiting Firms: Please note that we will only review applications submitted directly by candidates and do not accept resumes or pay fees to third parties. Any unsolicited resumes received will be considered the property of YBCA.Skills & AbilitiesExperience in a customer service role; live event experience preferredPositive attitude with friendly, open demeanorExcellent verbal and interpersonal communication skillsStrong teamwork orientation; able to work with diverse staff, clients, and patronsAble to work in an environment with sensitive and/or provocative materialDiplomacy, integrity, tact, sense of humorAble to lift program boxes (about 25 lbs. each), tables, chairs, and easels for event setupsAble to stand for extended periods of timeAvailable to work variable schedule, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidaysAbility to work effectively with people of diverse cultural backgroundsExperience working in a contemporary arts organization a plus