Audience Services Representative

About Chicago Humanities

Chicago Humanities connects people to the ideas that shape and define us and promotes the lifelong exploration of what it means to be human. Chicago Humanities fosters curiosity, celebrates creativity, explores the boundaries of contemporary knowledge and culture, and challenges us to see ourselves and the world anew. Collaborating with nearly 40 of Chicago’s major cultural and educational institutions, Chicago Humanities produces over 100 events annually and partners with nearly 40 venues around Chicago, as well as stewards a vibrant online home for the humanities. Chicago Humanities has an international reputation for innovation and creativity, featuring an exceptional roster of writers, scholars, performers, and visual artists in its programs and online.

Position Description

Audience Services Representatives (ASR’s) facilitate ticket and membership sales, being the frontline voice of Chicago Humanities. They provide friendly, welcoming customer service to people of all ages and abilities by phone, email, and in-person. They work independently as project leaders and together with their box office peers.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide excellent customer service by phone, email, and in-person.
• Effectively and accurately provide information regarding our various events and membership program to Chicago Humanities patrons.
• Responsible and accountable for properly handling transactions for ticket sales, membership, and donations, charging appropriate prices, and following guidelines for free and discounted tickets.
• Assist in reporting and monitoring sales, facilitating waitlist and standby as determined by the Audience Services Manager.
• Carefully maintain customer records using our new custom ticketing system and utilize Asana to work as a team, communicating customer issues, and support interdepartmental ticketing and audience requests.
• Assist customers and Chicago Humanities’ Audience Services Team with fulfilling customer requests for accessible accommodations, which includes closed captioning, ASL interpretation, and audio description.
• Serve as box office manager at assigned venues for in-person events, which includes interfacing with the public, processing ticket sales on-site, overseeing will call, standby and waitlist.
• Prepare Box Office materials for events as assigned and provide other front of house support as needed.
• Assist administrative staff on projects as assigned. Including but not limited to research projects, creating audience materials, and various reporting projects.

Qualifications: 

• Previous experience in box office, customer service/hospitality, or call center.
• A demonstrated commitment to excellent customer service and enjoy working with the public.
• A professional demeanor with good communication skills.
• Solid computer, data entry, and database management experience.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• A demonstrated resourcefulness and independence in problem solving/troubleshooting.
• A demonstrated flexibility and grace under pressure.
• Prior experience with arts or cultural organizations is a plus, though not required.
• Prior training in diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion is a plus. Be sure to describe your experience in these areas, if applicable.

Compensation and Hours

• This position pays $20 per hour, with a guaranteed minimum of 20 hours per week, based on employee availability. Employees are paid twice a month based on hours worked.
• This role is seasonal, supporting our Spring season running approximately from March through mid June.
• Standardized raises are provided for ASR’s who are invited back and return for future seasons.
• ASR’s work a predefined schedule that may include:
  Monday-Friday, 9:30a-1:30p or 1:30p-5:30p on non-event days.
  Weekday evening and weekend availability is required for event dates.
• Our core festival days known as “hub days” will take place on April 27th, May 10th, and May 18th. Availability for most of these dates is strongly preferred. Please let us know any dates you will not be available. There will be additional, singular events taking place outside of these dates, scheduled based on staff availability.
• Training and orientation will be compensated.
• Scheduling accommodations may be available based on caregiving, religious observances, or other significant commitments.

Work Location

As is true of our entire staff, weekday hours will be hybrid with remote “at-home” work and in-person work at our River North office. While working remotely, you will have access to a Chicago Humanities laptop and internet hotspot. Chicago Humanities events are held at venues throughout Chicagoland. Travel stipend/reimbursement for mileage, parking, and/or rideshare is available for pre-event site visits and scheduled shifts on event days.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI)

Chicago Humanities is committed to providing a diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive workplace, where all employees and volunteers, whatever their gender, race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education or disability, feel valued and respected. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all of our departments, programs, and policies. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and heard.

TO APPLY:  

Please submit your application, including resume, cover letter, and three references. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled but interviews will begin in mid February .

If you need any accommodations completing this application, please email our Associate Director of People and Culture, John Rooney at jrooney@chicagohumanities.org.

Candidates who are selected for an interview will be notified via email. We look forward to reviewing your materials. Thank you!