Head Performance Utility Porter

The David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center (“DHKT”) opened in April 1964 as the New York State Theater. The theater was designed by the renowned architect Philip Johnson, built with funds from the State of New York, and given to the City of New York as a home for performing arts organizations. Today, the theater is home to the New York City Ballet as well as a growing number of national and international touring performing arts groups.

The Head Performance Utility Porter (Seasonal, Part-Time) is a key member of the Theater Operations team at the David H. Koch Theater, working during performances and special events to ensure a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for patrons, performers, staff, and visitors. This role oversees and supports evening utility staff while actively participating in a variety of cleaning and facility preparation tasks. Responsibilities include maintaining high standards of cleanliness throughout the venue, coordinating team assignments, monitoring supply levels, and assisting with the setup and breakdown of spaces and equipment for performances and events. This position is union-represented, and the selected candidate will be required to join SEIU Local 32BJ after 60 days of employment.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Track all Performance Utility members tardiness and attendance, reporting necessary items to Management.


• Ensure all Performance Utility members have a clear understanding of daily tasks and event needs at the start of each shift.


• Ensure that any performance related issues are addressed in an efficient manner, having proper discussions as issues arise, communicating concerns to Theater Management as necessary.


• Ensure Performance Utility break schedules are communicated and followed.


• Ensure that team members communicate in a professional manner and address any unprofessional communication as it arises.


• At the start of each week, ensures all Performance Utility members have a clear understanding of their schedule, and assigned rotations for the week.


• Communicate additional scheduling needs/changes with all Performance Utility members, depending on events and building needs.


• Demonstrate leadership qualities, leading by example.


• Performs, and oversees, a variety of cleaning activities such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, and polishing, maintaining a sanitary, safe and attractive environment.


• Acts as elevator operator for patrons during performances and events.


• Assists with patron mobility issues and non-motorized patron mobility equipment during performances and events.


• Delivers and/or sets up a variety of items (i.e. supplies, chairs, tables, furniture, stanchions, etc.) to appropriate parties or destinations within the venue.


• Maintains supplies and equipment (i.e. cleaning solutions, paper products, etc.) for ensuring the availability of custodial items required to properly maintain facilities.


• Handle guest requests with patience and professionalism.


• Submit weekly hours to Management for payroll purposes.


• Oversee training of Performance Utility members as needed and provide coaching for on the floor performance related needs.

Minimum Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent


• Proven experience in porter, custodial, or facilities maintenance roles, with demonstrated leadership or supervisory responsibility preferred


• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to train, delegate tasks, and oversee daily operations


• Excellent customer service skills; must maintain a professional, approachable demeanor and engage with patrons, tenants, and staff in a courteous manner.


• Working knowledge of cleaning procedures, equipment, and safety protocols, including proper handling of cleaning chemicals


• Ability to communicate in English

• Ability to lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds and perform physical tasks such as standing, walking, bending, and reaching for extended periods

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks


• Flexibility in schedule is required; irregular work hours may include early mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently exposed to:

• Theater and lobby setting

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the minimum requirements of this position:

• Regularly requires standing for extended periods of time


• Lifting as required

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a part-time union affiliated hourly position. Work hours vary according to the event and performance schedule and may include weekends, holidays, and other scheduled work periods as necessary.

EEO Statement

New York City Ballet is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship status, disability, pregnancy, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, military status or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, unemployment status, familial status, sexual violence or stalking victim status, caregiver status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history or any other characteristic protected by law.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

New York City Ballet, one of the foremost ballet companies in the world, pursues the highest levels of artistic excellence and innovation. Therefore, we seek to attract, retain, and cultivate the most talented dancers, musicians, designers, stage technicians, and arts administrators. To this end, we are deeply committed to creating and sustaining an organizational culture that values and reflects inclusion, equity and access for all.  We are inspired by our founders, George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, who envisioned an authentically American expression of ballet with a company that reflects the rich cultural diversity of this nation. In pursuit of their vision, we are committed to all by educating, developing, and supporting an organization that welcomes and amplifies the voices and lived experiences of everyone.