Venue Coordinator

Description

Spoleto Festival USA is internationally recognized as America's premier performing arts festival. For 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston's historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces with performances in opera; theater; dance; and chamber, symphonic, choral, and jazz music. Spoleto Festival USA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

The Venues

Venue Coordinators are situated at two extraordinary venues in Charleston, South Carolina: 14G and Festival Hall. These dynamic and versatile venues offer indoor and outdoor space that can accommodate a wide range of events and occasions, and are managed and operated by Spoleto Festival USA.

The Role

Venue Coordinators are the face of Spoleto Festival USA at 14G and Festival Hall. This role owns the onsite experience for every client, vendor, and guest who comes through the door, and is also responsible for the safety, security, and condition of the facility during the shift. Venue Coordinators most often work solo onsite with no other Spoleto staff present, so we're looking for someone proactive, trustworthy, and comfortable exercising independent judgment, handling conflict gracefully, and solving problems on the spot. At Spoleto, nothing is ever “usual,” so not only do you have to be willing to roll up your sleeves and get things done, but you have to be willing to have fun doing it.

Please note, Venue Coordinators are generally not scheduled during our Festival season in the months of May and June. Most shifts occur between July and April.

Position Type: Hourly, non-exempt, part-time/intermittent, not benefit-eligible

Hours: Not guaranteed; on average, Venue Coordinators work one to two events a month, and shifts are yours to choose

Anticipated Start Date: There is no specific anticipated start date, as we are continually seeking qualified candidates

Location: Charleston, SC (onsite) — 14G and Festival Hall

Department: Operations

Reports to: Operations Manager

What You'll Do

• Serve as the primary onsite point of contact for clients, vendors, and guests, most often working independently without other staff present.
• Collaborate with event organizers, clients, and vendors to ensure flawless event execution.
• Oversee setup, breakdown, and organization of event spaces, and open and close the venue as required.
• Conduct pre- and post-event inspections to keep the venue clean, well-maintained, and ready for use.
• Maintain a professional, welcoming demeanor with clients, guests, and vendors, and resolve concerns in real time, exercising sound, independent judgment.
• Monitor event activities for compliance with venue policies and safety regulations, and serve as the primary onsite point of contact for emergency response.
• Assist with crowd control and other event-day logistics.
• Help maintain inventory of event supplies and equipment, and complete event and incident reports as needed.

What You'll Bring

• Prior experience in a customer-facing role such as events, hospitality, or retail.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise sound, on-the-spot judgment.
• Trustworthy and reliable, comfortable serving as the sole onsite representative during a shift.
• Experience navigating and de-escalating conflict, and resolving unexpected issues in real time.
• A proactive, self-starting approach; you anticipate needs and address them before they become problems.
• Ability to work well under pressure and adapt to changing event dynamics, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Basic knowledge of event setup and audiovisual equipment operation.
• A positive, service-first attitude.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and comfort learning new tools.

Requirements

• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.; this employer participates in E-Verify.
• Must be able to pass a background check.
• Must be comfortable and able to access high grid spaces and work at height, including on catwalks, ladders, and stairs.
• Must be comfortable working in low light or no light environments and in confined spaces, with exposure to the elements and loud noise.
• Requires standing for long periods, lifting up to 50 lbs., and moving/pulling/pushing up to 100 lbs. with assistance if necessary.
• Most shifts occur on nights, holidays, and weekends, and require extended hours; Venue Coordinators are generally not scheduled during the Festival season (May–June).
• Based on-site in Charleston, SC, at 14G and Festival Hall.

Compensation

The hourly rate for this position is $18.00 per hour. This is a part-time, intermittent/as-needed role and is not eligible for Spoleto Festival USA's full-time benefits package.

We're accepting and reviewing applications on a rolling basis, so please don't be discouraged if you don't hear from us right away. We appreciate your interest and patience.

Spoleto Festival USA is an equal opportunity employer and committed to diversity in hiring. Spoleto Festival USA does not discriminate in employment on the basis of an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, hairstyles or hair texture, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, parental status, marital status, military status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Our greatest strength comes from our ability to come together as unique individuals — come as you are and bring the best version of yourself.

Uncertain if you fulfill every requirement? Don't let that deter you. We enthusiastically evaluate a wide spectrum of candidates and welcome you to apply. If you need an accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us at [email protected].