House Manager

HOUSE MANAGER 

Position status: Temporary

Reports to: Lead House Manager, Operations & Community Programs Director

Supervision by: Lead House Manager, Operations & Community Programs Director

Compensation: $17.50 per hour

Posted: March 6, 2025                                                                    

Application Deadline: ASAP or by April 7

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The House Manager is responsible for supporting the activities of the Lead House Manager. They will work on a team that includes two House Managers, one Lead House Manager and supported by volunteers.  Their tasks include, but are not limited to: 

• Support the training and supervision of volunteer ushers, backstage security, shuttle drivers, and parking attendants for all scheduled concerts and events. 
• Assist with the evaluation, maintenance, tracking and distribution of volunteer supply inventories. 
• Assure proper preparation of all public areas including concert hall, lobbies, bathrooms, backstage entrance, and parking lots. 
• Establish a welcoming, professional presence for Festival patrons in all venues. 
• Coordinate with production and box office staff for punctual concert start, late seating, and effective, courteous conflict resolution. 
• Aid in volunteer training on emergency exit procedures and execute procedures as necessary. 
• Ensure minimum disturbance during concert including resolving use of cell phones, photography, hearing aids and other potential disruptions. 
• With the Lead House Manager, create and submit reports to production staff regarding patron and volunteer concerns after each event. 
• Serve as overall trouble-shooter throughout the concert. 
• Act as sole House Manager for events, as scheduled. 
• Participate in all orientation activities leading into the Festival.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS

A successful candidate for the role of house manager must promote a professional demeanor and image, have superior oral and written communication skills, and have the ability to work in a demanding and fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will have top-notch customer services skills and be an effective manager of volunteers. This role requires grace under fire and the ability to prioritize and delegate instantaneously. A background in classical music or the performing arts is preferred. 

Additionally, the following are required:

• Ability to work independently but integrate with a large team. 
• On-the-spot problem solving skills. 
• Sound discretion, tact and decorum. 
• Accessibility via cell phone and email and availability during off-hours. 
• Substantial computer skills. 
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record and a reliable car. 
• Previous front-of-house experience at a major festival, event, or presenting organization. 
• First Aid, CPR and AED certification. (Training provided by CMNW, if necessary) 

JOB CONDITIONS AND COMPENSATION

This House Management post is a 20-hour (approximate) per week, seasonal position. A seasonal House Manager’s training will take place in early June (approximate), and regular hours will begin June 22 with load-in.  There may be additional staff meetings and trainings leading into the festival (early to mid-June).  The full term of the position is June 22–July 28, 2025 and the Summer Festival dates are June 28–July 27, 2025. Once the Festival begins, hours will be long and demanding and include working nights and weekends. The House Manager must be available as many as six days a week from June 22–July 28, including occasional late night and early morning hours. Occasional heavy lifting is required.  Please note: there will be a semi-dark period from July 1 – 8 where hours will be much less than the rest of the festival. 

Chamber Music Northwest believes that our staff should reflect the diversity of our community. We welcome all qualified applicants, and encourage those who identify as Black, Indigenous, persons of color, LGBTQIA+, and differently-abled persons to apply.  

CMNW is a 501(c)3 organization and equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should forward a cover letter and résumé to jobs@cmnw.org with House Manager in the subject line.  CMNW is a 501(c)3 organization and equal opportunity employer. Please, no phone inquiries.

ABOUT CHAMBER MUSIC NORTHWEST

Now in its 55th season, Chamber Music Northwest’s flagship Summer Festival presents programs of top international caliber that include mainstage concerts and numerous free education and engagement events in Portland. The artists invited to perform at Chamber Music Northwest range from rising stars to veterans and are among the most sought-after soloists, chamber musicians, and recording artists in the world. 

 

Chamber Music Northwest’s mission is to inspire our community through concerts and events celebrating the richness and diversity of chamber music, performed by artists of the highest caliber, presenting our community with exceptional opportunities for enjoyment, education, and reflection. Chamber Music Northwest is led by Artistic Directors Gloria Chien and Soovin Kim, and Executive Director Peter Bilotta.

Research encouraged at www.cmnw.org