Development Hospitality Assistant

Development Hospitality Assistant

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 85% 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 Event.

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Development Hospitality Assistant to

join our team. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in managing the donor

Hospitality Lounge during our events, ensuring a seamless and exceptional experience

for our supporters and guests. This position requires excellent organizational skills,

strong communication abilities, and a passion for hospitality and the arts.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Hospitality Lounge Management
  • Oversee the donor Hospitality Lounge on the New Haven Green ensuring it is well-stocked, organized, and welcoming to guests.
• Food and Beverage Donations
  • Coordinate with local vendors and businesses to secure food and beverage donations for the Hospitality Lounge, ensuring a diverse and quality selection for our guests.
• Bartender Liaison
  • Serve as the main point of contact for bartenders in the Hospitality Lounge, providing them with necessary information and support to ensure efficient and professional service throughout each event.
• Setup and Takedown Coordination
  • Coordinate the setup and takedown of the Hospitality Lounge before and after operating hours, ensuring all materials and equipment are handled with care and returned to their proper locations.
• Key cross-departmental communication with Marketing, Production, Finance, and Artist Services teams.
• Other Development related hospitality and administrative tasks as necessary.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be 21+
• Detail-oriented approach with a focus on providing exceptional service and attention to guests’ needs
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required by event schedule.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and/or other relevant software applications.
• Passion for the arts and a commitment to supporting the mission and values of Arts & Ideas.

SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

• Previous experience in hospitality, event management, or related fields preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with donors, vendors, and Festival staff.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with donor relations or customer service preferred.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects and stand for extended periods during event setup and takedown required.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, as well as independently when necessary.

RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to: Development Associate

Key communications with: Associate Director of Development, Finance Specialist, Production Manager, Artist Services Team

CLASSIFICATION

Seasonal

Non-Exempt

Pay Rate: $20-$22.50/hour

Schedule: Part-Time April through May 2024, Full-Time June 2024

*Must be available to work in person June 14th-29th*

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.