House Management Captain

House Management Captain

Classification: Part Time Temporary

Part-Time through May; Full-Time in June 

Compensation $22.50 per hour

COMPANY DESCRIPTION:

For 29 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.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The House Management Captain 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 House Management Captain acts as the primary liaison between House Managers, festival leadership, and volunteer ushers. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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 festival programming in consultation with the Audience Services Manager and People Generalist. 


• Develop and implement training protocols for House Managers and Volunteer Ushers, based on prior festival guidelines. 


• Create and maintain a detailed staffing and transportation schedule for all festival events, coordinating closely with the Box Office and Transportation Captain. 


• Review, update, or create essential documents for House Management reporting and updates. 


• Lead in-person training sessions for House Managers 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 FOH coverage in case of unexpected absences, emergencies, or operational needs. 


• Organize and maintain all FOH reports submitted during the festival. 


• Submit a comprehensive final Festival Front of House Report summarizing operations, challenges, and recommendations. 

RELATIONSHIPS: 

Reports: to the Audience Services Manager

Supervises: House Managers

Key Communication With: Managing Director, Productions Manager, People Generalist

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Experience in house management, FOH 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 FOH 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. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

International Festival of Arts & Ideas is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate or permit discrimination against any person or group of persons on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, sex, transgender status, gender identity or expression, marital or pregnancy status, national origin, ancestry, present or past history of mental disability, intellectual disability, learning disability, military status, lawful source of income, sexual orientation or physical disability, or any other class of persons or categories protected by law.

The Festival believes in centering Black and Brown communities that are targeted and abused by unjust systems of oppression. The Festival stands in solidarity with the communities, artists, and speakers with whom it collaborates and pledges that its support extends beyond the Festival’s performance dates. The Festival will do everything it can to help dismantle systematic racism and raises its voice with those in the community who are already engaged in this vital work. The Festival commits to working alongside the community to create transformative change in New Haven.