Venue Manager (Community Arts Program)

Organization Overview: The Goddard Riverside Community Center (Goddard Riverside) and the Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center (Isaacs Center) are well-established Manhattan community-based agencies that support services to approximately 30,000 New Yorkers. We are two of New York City’s leading human services organizations meeting the needs of children, youth and families, homeless individuals, and older adults through-out Manhattan and New York City. We work every day for a fair and just society where all people have the opportunity to make choices that lead to better lives for themselves and their families.

Program Description: Goddard Riverside’s Community Arts Program is based at the Bernie Wohl Center, which has become a vibrant cultural hub on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, providing the highest quality performing and visual arts events, resources for artists, and experience and exposure to the arts for all people. The most successful candidate will possess a positive and flexible attitude, a commitment to excellence in the arts and a passion for serving the community.

Position Summary: This Front / Back of House position assists with event production at the direction of the Community Arts Associate and Community Arts Manager, including: setup, execution, and breakdown of events; greeting and directing guests; staying apprised of a changing event schedule; helping to track attendance data; and attending to facility maintenance needs. The Venue Manager is integral in helping to create a welcoming, positive, and safe environment at the Bernie Wohl Center for all visitors, guests, and participants. 

Hourly Rate: $20.00 

Schedule: Per Diem up to 20 hours per week

Role, Responsibilities, and Essential Duties 
 

Facilities, Venue Management & Security 

In coordination with the Community Arts Associate and Community Arts Manager: 

• Proactively screen and greet all visitors, explain and enforce venue and/or organizational safety procedures, and provide basic information.  

• Assist with maintenance and upkeep of Bernie Wohl Center Facility before, during, and after special events with a focus on Guest Experience. Assist with turning over the spaces of the Bernie Wohl Center for various activities and respond to guest needs in real time. 

• Support the production and execution of a diverse schedule of events, meetings, rehearsals, auditions, classes, and performances that take place at the Bernie Wohl Center in both Front/Back of House positions. 

• Facilitate proper use and storage of Community Arts inventory and equipment including program materials, sound system, stage lighting, musical instruments, costumes and props, tables and chairs. 

• Maintain working knowledge of specific needs for event setup, production, and management. Collaborate, as needed, with A/V technicians, lighting directors, sound engineers, stage managers, performing artists, and other consultants.  

• Stay alert/attuned to the public’s use of venue. Anticipate potential hazards and prevent accidents or incidents on-site. Maintain and apply knowledge of New York City/Bernie Wohl Center rules and regulations pertaining to venue capacity, fire safety, and emergency response, on an as-needed basis. 
   

Program Advocacy & Administration 

• Act as a key representative of Goddard Riverside, the Community Arts Program, and the Bernie Wohl Center to our community members and any guests that visit the Bernie Wohl Center by: 

• Providing a friendly greeting, and up-to-date accurate information that reflects the daily nuances of programming. 

• Fielding questions and directing guests to the appropriate resources or staff members. 

• Advocating for the organization, program, and offerings by informing guests of ways to continue engaging. 

• Establishing strong, positive relationships with all of our community members. 

• Assist in gathering attendance and other data as needed. Comply with reporting and recordkeeping procedures. 

Qualifications/Educational Requirements 

• Experience with venue and/or event management, preferably in the arts. 

• Willingness to learn and operate basic setups for technical equipment such as sound, projection, and stage lighting. 

• Experience interacting within a public-facing role. 

• Fluency in Spanish is a plus. 

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities 

• A keen interest in the arts and a passion for community building. 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work with a range of personalities. 

• Proactive and service-oriented; driven to create a welcoming and supportive environment for our community members. 

• Ability to work well under pressure and corral large groups. 

• Ability to communicate rules, boundaries, policies and procedures effectively to a wide range of stakeholders. 

• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays when necessary. 

Computer Skills Needed: 

• Microsoft Office Suite – especially Outlook, Word and Excel 

• Experience with Eventbrite/Mailchimp a plus 

• Graphic Design (Canva) a plus 

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to see, speak, and hear clearly 

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. 

• Ability to walk, bend, sit, and stand for prolonged periods as necessary 

• Ability to climb stairs multiple a times a day 

• Able to move equipment and connect cables for sound, projection, and lighting 

Work Environment 

• A bustling community center where Goddard Riverside runs a Community Arts program, hosts meetings and workshops, and presents performing and visual arts events. 

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace community grounded in respect for differences. We support hiring a broadly diverse team of qualified individuals who will contribute to our organizations.

Goddard Riverside and Isaacs Center provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of duties and responsibilities that will be required of this position and title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be requested to perform job related task other than those specifically presented in this description. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.