Performing Arts Theatre Specialist (HEOa)

Job Title: Performing Arts Theatre Specialist (HEOa)

Job ID: 29747

Location: John Jay College  

Full/Part-Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Temporary  

ABOUT THE COLLEGE 

John Jay College of Criminal Justice is a senior college of the City University of New York (CUNY) and an internationally recognized leader in educating for justice. Led by President Karol V. Mason, John Jay is a federally designated Hispanic-serving institution, it is ranked third in the nation in Black student success, and it is a top ten institution for promoting student social mobility. John Jay is proud to serve a diverse and dynamic student body of 15,000 students that includes nearly fifty percent students who are first in their family to attend college as well as students who are immigrants, from low-income families, or from other historically underrepresented groups in higher education. 

The College participates in the doctoral programs of the Graduate Center of CUNY, and offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees both in traditional criminal justice-related fields of study as well as in a robust portfolio of liberal arts and sciences programs that highlight themes of justice across the arts, sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

The College seeks staff and faculty members who thrive in multicultural academic environments and are committed to access and excellence in higher education.

CAMPUS SPECIFIC INFORMATION 

This is a substitute (temporary) position. The Performing Arts Theater Specialist is responsible for overseeing Front of House operations for events hosted at John Jay College’s Gerald W. Lynch Theater. This role ensures exceptional audience experiences, maintains safety standards, and upholds the theater’s reputation as a premier performance and event space within the college.

Event Management

• Conduct virtual and in-person client walkthroughs to develop front of house event plans that align with safety protocols, optimize venue flow, and support client objectives. Coordinate with the Technical Supervisor and event stakeholders throughout the planning process.
• Determine appropriate front of house staffing levels, including ushers, custodial support, and fire safety personnel, ensuring compliance with venue policies and event requirements.
• Liaise with Facilities, Public Safety, Engineering, and Catering to address client needs and coordinate shared space usage to minimize disruptions to college operations.
• Manage event reservations and logistical details using the EMS reservation system; submit work orders for necessary event infrastructure in non-theater spaces such as lobby and reception areas.
• Oversee and update event-related materials, including the Gerald W. Lynch Theater webpage, print marketing, and social media platforms to ensure timely and accurate promotion of upcoming events.
• Supervise all front of house operations during events, ensuring that staff effectively address audience, client, and venue needs. Oversee crowd management, ticketing, late seating, and ADA accommodations, working closely with the Box Office, Public Safety, and event organizers.
• Complete event reports, including attendance counts, concession and merchandise sales, incident reports, and other post-event documentation.
• Assess and recommend equipment purchases and repairs to enhance audience experience, ensuring that assistive listening devices, signage, communication tools, and other front of house equipment are in proper working order.
• Other duties as assigned

Staff Management:

·      Lead the training, supervision, and evaluation of front of house staff, including ushers and box office personnel. 

·      Assist in the development of training programs that equip staff with essential customer service, emergency response, and theater operations skills. 

·      Oversee usher scheduling using the Sling app to ensure proper even coverage. 

·      Coordinate custodial service requests to maintain a clean and professional event environment. 

·      Other duties as assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and four years' related experience required. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required, with relevant coursework in arts administration, hospitality, theater management, or communication studies preferred. 
•  Minimum of four (4) years of experience as a house manager in a theater setting preferred.
• Strong understanding of exceptional customer service practices, with the ability to train and mentor staff in these principles.
• Confident and professional public speaking skills, with the ability to address large audiences and manage challenging situations with authority and composure.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced performing arts environment while managing multiple deadlines. 
• Excellent written communication skills to draft reports, policies, procedures, agreements, training materials, and correspondence.
• Proficiency in relevant software applications, including spreadsheets, ticketing systems, workflow tracking, and data management tools.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

·     Administers performing arts center programs, as well as productions in other College venues throughout the year.

·     Assists management in program planning and goal-setting

·     Participates in building relationships between the center and external community and arts organizations

·     Collaborates with College academic and administrative departments to assure successful programs

·     Trains and supervise center staff

·     Assists with routine administration such as booking, scheduling, and maintenance of systems and equipment

·     Plans, prepares, and implements center-wide marketing plans

·     Coordinates efforts with technical personnel on designing and building of productions

·     Performs related duties as assigned.

Job Title Name: Performing Arts Theatre Specialist

CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Assistant

FLSA 

Non-Exempt 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

$52,267- 56,447. Salary commensurate with education and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world. 

HOW TO APPLY

If you are viewing the job posting on any website other than CUNYFirst, please follow the instructions below:

Go to cuny.edu and click on “Employment”

• Click “Search job listings”
• Search by job Opening ID number 29747
• Click on “more options to search for CUNY jobs”
• Click on the “Apply Now” button and follow the instructions

Once you have registered or logged in with your user name and password, upload your cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references as one document. 

CLOSING DATE 

Posting closes on March 5,2025.

Review of resumes begin February 24,2025.

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY 

CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional  

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

Go to cuny.edu and click on “Employment”

• Click “Search job listings”
• Search by job Opening ID number 29747
• Click on “more options to search for CUNY jobs”
• Click on the “Apply Now” button and follow the instructions