"Alerted.org

Reports to: Guest Services Manager

Position Summary: Ushers are vital members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s (SLSO) guest services operation, helping create a safe, accessible, and welcoming environment for all guests. Ushers report to the Guest Services Manager and work closely with the House Manager and Head Ushers to ensure that guests are greeted properly, seated correctly, and receive programs throughout internal and external concerts and events scheduled by SLSO in the Jack C. Taylor Music Center and auxiliary venues. This highly visible position will embrace the opportunity to ensure that SLSO guests have welcoming, accommodating, and memorable experiences. Ushers require outstanding hospitality skills and the ability to interact effectively with SLSO patrons, donors, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders at all levels. Ushers are passionate about the SLSO mission.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Guest Services:

• Provide exceptional service for all guests, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

• Represent the SLSO organization to a wide cross-section of the St. Louis community.

• Attend scheduled SLSO guest services training programs.

• Provide courteous directions to guests based on knowledge of Jack C. Taylor Music Center’s layout, accessible routes, and named spaces, especially in newly reopened or unfamiliar spaces.

• Anticipate guest needs, intervening in a helpful manner as soon as possible.

• Make reasonable attempts to resolve guest complaints and concerns or displays of unusual or disruptive behavior.

Front of House Services:

• Report at scheduled time, dressed in standard SLSO attire, and possessing recommended ushering equipment.

• Complete pre-concert activities as outlined in the SLSO Guest Services Guide operating procedures, including clocking in, stuffing programs, picking up the Function Sheet, and attending the House Manager’s pre-concert meeting.

• Perform concert-duty activities as outlined in the SLSO Guest Services Guide operating procedures, including distributing programs (Playbill), opening doors, seating guests, and observing the audience for signs of discomfort, illness or dissatisfaction.

• Assist guests with mobility needs and those requiring special accommodation, following SLSO guidelines.

• Remain at assigned post during the performance, maintaining awareness of audience needs.

• Fulfill role in emergency response situations as outlined in SLSO emergency procedures.

• Perform post-concert activities as outlined in the SLSO Guest Services Guide operating procedures, including thanking guests, assisting guests with egress, performing a valuables sweep, and clocking out when released by the House Manager.

Position Requirements:

• Minimum 2 years of guest service, retail, or other experience working with the public and/or large groups.

• Regular availability on Friday/Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons (occasional weekday night shifts may be available).

• Daytime availability for approximately 15 weekday concerts during the season is a plus.

• Passion for delivering exceptional guest service with a proven ability to exceed expectations.

• Friendly, approachable demeanor with strong communication skills.

• Appreciation of live performance and enthusiasm for creating a positive experience for guests.

• Ability to resolve conflicts calmly and professionally while enforcing SLSO policies.

• Participation in SLSO’s Guest Experience and emergency response training programs.

• Completed background check.

• Ability to utilize scheduling software and adhere to SLSO scheduling policies.

• Ability to stand, walk, and navigate ramps/stairs for periods of at least two hours.

• High level of dependability and access to reliable transportation.

License(s)/Certification(s) Required: CPR/AED certification (SLSO can facilitate).