front of house Engagement/ Security Personnel
Description:
Job Status: Full-Time and Part-Time non-Exempt
Salary: $17 an hour, with option for add-on freelance gigs at $25/ hour.
Benefits for FT staff:
401(k)
Health insurance
Vision insurance
Dental insurance
Physical Setting:
Historical building (used to be a public school)
Schedule:
Day shift
Monday to Friday
Night shift
Weekend availability
Background
The Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural and Educational Center Inc. is a not-for-profit Puerto
Rican/Latino cultural institution located on the Lower East Side. While The Clemente’s mission is focused on the cultivation, presentation, and preservation of Puerto Rican and Latino culture, it is equally determined to operate in a multicultural and inclusive manner, housing and promoting artists and performance events that fully reflect the cultural diversity of the Lower East Side and the City as a whole.
The Clemente offers support services and subsidized administrative, studio, rehearsal,
community and performance/exhibition space to artists and nonprofit arts organizations; venue rentals for performance, and public programs that reflect and advance the Center’s vision. Housed in a City-owned architectural landmark-quality building, the five-story, 98,000 square foot building has two art galleries; four theaters; three rehearsal/multi-use rooms, an outdoor plaza and 43 visual arts studios. It is also home to 13 performing, arts, and educational organizations.
Job Summary
The FOH Engagement/Security Staff will serve as The Clemente Soto Velez Cultural and Educational Center representative to the client, artist, or visitor upon entrance to our facilities, and during actual performance or gallery events. Punctuality and customer service skills are a must. Personnel will use sound judgment and decision making to avoid confusion or delay that could result in additional operations expenses. Engagement/Security Staff will also coordinate with the appropriate department for event execution. He/She/They will resolve problems and communicate solutions to the appropriate department (Facilities or Rentals)
Engagement/ Security Personnel will oversee all public areas of The Clemente Center, ensuring that the experience of each patron is enjoyable and safe. The work is divided between Front Desk work monitoring the entrance of the building, asking all visitors to register upon entrance, and serving as a Front of House representative & Fire Guard during scheduled public events.
FOH Engagement/ Security Personnel will assist in the proper sign-in of visitors entering the building, maintenance of safety and well-being of all persons during events; and upholding a first rate level of consumer service with all of the Clemente Patrons, production clients and building occupants. FOH Engagement/ Security staff will report directly to the Building Manager and/or Front of House Supervisor.
In general, production is always flexible and changing. In addition to the Front Desk schedule, FOH Staff may choose to be scheduled upon availability anytime there is a need for a Clemente Center Representative / Fire Guard to be present whether it is an actual production, just a rehearsal, or any other special event needs.
When scheduled to serve as a FOH Representative / Fire Guard, the position should be present for the duration of the public event including but not limited to theater shows, art exhibitions, film holdings/shooting, photo shoots, special events, dress/tech rehearsals with audience members in attendance, fashion shows, parties, festival of any kinds, art fairs, etc.
Building Manager, Rentals Manager and/or FOH Supervisor may contact FOH Engagement/Security staff via email or phone with a brief description of production, special needs, scheduling, production notes, production point person (not necessarily the person who signed the agreement) and load in and load out procedures. Because individuals who work in this capacity must balance an array of tasks simultaneously, FOH/ Security staff must also have the ability to multitask, prioritize, have understanding of The Clemente’s building schedule.
The FOH Engagement/ Security staff must work closely with The Clemente’s Building, Rentals Management office as well as the Administrative office to ensure the safety and operation of all current production/events/exhibitions/gallery openings, etc.
In addition Staff must have the ability to problem-solve in the occasion of production, scheduling and other needs of the house, and be able to anticipate future problems and errors.
FOH Security Staff must be FDNY Certified Fire Guard (F-94) and have knowledge of space fire code, conduct walkthroughs prior to production, test fire alarms, test fire extinguishers and maintain fire log books. (If not currently certified, must be willing to get it during the first months of employment. The Clemente will underwrite the certification.)
To effectively carry out the duties associated with these responsibilities Staff will develop a knowledge of the needs of the building, to pay close attention to detail and complete vital organizational tasks. Fluency in Spanish is a plus.
General Guidelines and Responsibilities:
Front Desk/ Security
● Friendly, positive attitude for Front of House representation of the organization and welcoming of patrons and visitors to our facility during both a slow and fast paced environment depending on time of day.
● Represent and explain The Clemente Center’s History and Mission
● Assist in updating the FrontDesk monitor/ marquee of upcoming events on a bi-monthly basis.
●Availability by phone or email during the performances and events, ensuring the clients needs are met at all times.
● Rotation and supervision of all floors at the beginning and end of front desk shift, or during House managing situations.
● Liaising between Admin and artists in residence and guest artists.
● Assist with equipment/ space set up.
● Liaise with Building Operations Manager, Technical director and Maintenance staff, communicating accurately, fluidly with all staff members, and outside regular working hours if necessary, to ensure client’s needs are met before, during & after the performances.
FOH representative / Fire Guard
● Crowd/ Audience Control during Fire Guard/ House manager scheduled events.
● Communicating with the stage managers, producers and directors during and in advance of all performances.
● Analyzing and breakdown of potential problems, hazards and offering solutions..
● Facilitate building tours by appointment.
● Monitor house for compliance with fire regulations. Check house for appropriate handicap seating, removal of wheelchair seats, enter handicap patrons from Norfolk Street entrance.
● Monitor standing room and coordinate with box-office.
● Be available to handle patrons (crying babies, cameras, difficult patrons, etc.) and theater problems (air temperature, etc.)