Part-Time Usher

Full Job Description
Overview:Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is among the borough’s most democratic civic institutions, serving patrons in every neighborhood and from every walk of life. Established in 1896, BPL is one of the nation’s largest public library systems and a recognized leader in cultural offerings, literacy, out-of-school-time services, workforce development programs, and digital literacy.
BPL’s Central Library, with its breathtaking façade, sweeping grand lobby and vast contemporary and historical collections, is a Brooklyn icon. As the main library in the system, Central Library’s outdoor plaza, grand lobby, and Dr. S. Stevan Dweck Cultural Center—a state-of-the-art, 189-seat auditorium—serve as the main venues for BPL’s arts and culture programming, special events, and private event rentals. Ushers are part of a dynamic team that primarily represent the front of house operations at the Dweck Cultural Center, but also work at event spaces throughout Central and other library sites as needed.

Ushers are responsible for providing: exemplary customer service to patrons, visiting artists, donors and anyone they may encounter; fostering a positive audience experience; providing general wayfinding, seating and evacuation assistance in case of emergencies; and contributing to the successful production of events (before, during and post-performance).
Ushers report to Central Administration’s Office Manager and during performances to the Head Usher and/or BPL staff member managing the performance/special event. While all interested applicants are encouraged, we especially welcome applications from working artists and writers across all genres.
Responsibilities:Know and understand Dweck Center policies and procedures (e.g., seating, food and beverage, behavior, emergency exits/evacuation procedures).
Pre-performance/event:Attend ushers’ meeting to discuss event details.
Assist with event setup (onstage beverage and green room catering, book signing tables and lines, stand-by line and other setups as required).
Print program notes, prepare and fold programs, inserts and other event giveaways; distribute programs and fliers to audience members.
Check-in registered patrons and manage stand-by line while assisting with the overall capacity/headcount.
Greet patrons, answer wayfinding questions and provide general information about the Dweck Cultural Center and other available facilities at Central Library.
Assist with coat check as needed.
Assist patrons with seating and problem solve any seating-related issues
During performance/event:Conduct late seating as required.
Monitor physical surroundings throughout the Dweck auditorium and diffuse incidences that may interrupt performances.
Run Q&A mics at events and provide additional in-house assistance as required
Post-performance/event:Manage book signing lines and direct patrons to book sales tables, exits, bathrooms, and provide other wayfinding details as needed.
Assist with green room cleanup.
Conduct walk through of the Dweck Center and take any found items to the Public Safety console.
Qualifications:

H.S. diploma or equivalent, some college preferred
Minimum age to work is 18 years old.
Must be available to work nights and weekends, willing to stand for long periods of time and stoop, kneel or crouch to talk or hear.
Working artists and writers across all genres are welcome, prior ushering, theater and/or customer service experience a plus.
Punctual, personable, and committed to positive audience engagement.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Attention to detail with an ability to follow directions, multitask and problem solve.
Adhere to dress code policy.
Light physical demands with some lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to a maximum of 30 lbs.
This a part time position at $15/hour, up to 19 hours per week.