House Management Captain

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

For 30 years, the International Festival of Arts & Ideas (“Arts & Ideas”) has inspired and delighted audiences with an annual program of over 200 performing arts and humanities events year-round, at least 80% of which are free.

Focused events in June range from world and nationally renowned speakers sharing the stage with critical local voices for discussions on democracy, to jazz concerts, theatrical performances, dance; takeout mixology classes; bike and walking tours; and live, individual performances by local on-call artists on front lawns and sidewalks throughout the area.

Year-round programs include special town-hall events, a fellowship program for youth, planning and implementing mini-festivals in New Haven’s culturally rich neighborhoods, participation in the NEA Big Read, and our annual Visionary Leadership Award program.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The House Management Captain (HMC) plays a vital leadership role in coordinating and overseeing front-of-house operations during the Festival season. This position is responsible for scheduling, training, staffing, and ensuring that all events operate smoothly and deliver an exceptional audience experience. The HMC acts as the primary liaison between House Managers, volunteers, and ushers.

Department Wide

• Collaborate with the Audience Services Manager to develop a comprehensive master schedule of events requiring House Management services.
• Hire and onboard House Managers for all events in consultation with the Audience Services Manager and other necessary department directors.
• Develop and implement training protocols for House Managers, Volunteers, and Ushers, based on prior guidelines.
• Create and maintain a detailed staffing and transportation schedule for all festival events, coordinating closely with the Box Office Lead and Transportation team.
• Review, update, or create essential documents for House Management reporting and updates.
• Lead in-person training sessions for House Managers, Volunteers, and Ushers prior to the festival.
• Conduct daily check-ins with House Managers across all scheduled events.
• Ensure timely submission of House Management Reports for each event.
• Step in to provide front of house coverage in case of unexpected absences, emergencies, or operational needs.
• Organize and maintain all front of house reports submitted during the festival. 
• Submit a comprehensive final Front of House Report summarizing operations, challenges, and recommendations.

REQUIREMENTS

• Experience in house management, front of house operations, or live event coordination, preferably in a festival or performing arts setting.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with a collaborative spirit
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure with attention to detail.
• Comfortable with public interaction and problem-solving in dynamic environments.
• Familiarity with front of house protocols and audience engagement best practices.
• Must be available for the full length of the contract, including evenings and weekends.
• Reliable transportation and flexibility with scheduling are essential.

ORGANIZATIONAL DESIRES

• Interest in the arts & performing arts
• Conversational Spanish
• Familiarity with the neighborhoods and communities in and around New Haven

CLASSIFICATION

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Job Type: Part-Time (Seasonal)

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Pay: $22.50 per hour

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Schedule: Mid-May through June (up to 32hrs per week)

*Note: With occasional weekend and late-night hours during the summer (June)

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Location: 195 Church Street 12FL New Haven, CT 06510