The Grant Park Orchestral Association in Chicago, Illinois seeks a full-time Patron Services Assistant for the Grant Park Music Festival 2017 season. The Patron Services Assistant will report to the Patron Services Manager. The Patron Services Assistant provides key support to the Membership and Marketing departments and helps to ensure a one-of-a-kind experience for patrons, guests and visitors to the Festival. Preference will be given to candidates with previous box office experience.

KEY DUTIES AND EXPECTATIONS

• Expertly staff the Patron Service Center (box office) for each Festival concert and provide high-level customer service in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment
• Process patron orders/requests quickly and accurately – in person, over the phone and via email
• Coordinate patron seating for performances, accommodating special needs and requests
• Maintain database hygiene standards when updating patron records
• Perform routine clerical duties in an organized fashion: prepare mailings, answer the telephone, and draft correspondence
• Work on initiatives that build robust relationships between the organization and its patrons, enhancing the Festival's patron engagement model

MINIMUM CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous box office experience is *highly* desirable
• Three years or more of college-level education completed or two years of professional experience in related field
• A minimum of one year of customer service experience and/or work in a high-public-contact field
• An outgoing personality - capable of communicating in an engaging and effective manner with people of all backgrounds
• Must have the ability to handle challenging situations with grace, diplomacy and professionalism
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (especially Word, Excel and Outlook) and basic computer tasks
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs; ability to work outdoors and possibly in inclement weather

DESIRED CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience using Tessitura or other CRM software
• Experience in performing arts and/or customer service industry
• Knowledge of classical music repertoire

COMPENSATION/SCHEDULE

• $11.50 - $14/hour, commensurate with experience; this position is full-time (40 hours/week) and non-exempt
• Nights and weekends are required throughout the summer season (June 14, 2017 – August 19, 2017)
• Position Start Date: April 2017 (specific start date to be determined by mutual agreement)

THE ORGANIZATION
Entering its 83rd season in 2017, the Grant Park Music Festival (the Festival) is the nation’s only remaining free outdoor summer classical music series, and is dedicated to making live, high-caliber symphonic performance accessible to Chicagoans of all ages, backgrounds, and means. Featuring the Grammy®-nominated Grant Park Orchestra under the baton of Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Carlos Kalmar and the award-winning Grant Park Chorus, led by Director Christopher Bell, the Festival annually offers a 10-week season of concerts, artistic development initiatives, radio broadcasts, and community education and outreach programs, sharing the enrichment of symphonic music with nearly 800,000 people each year.
 
The Festival recently adopted a new Long-Range Plan designed to guide its growth and ensure its continued relevancy through its 100th season in 2034. Collaboratively developed over 18 months by a broad range of stakeholders—including key members of GPMF’s orchestra and chorus, staff, Board, and donor/patron base as well as other community representatives—the Plan establishes the following major goals for the ensuing three-to-five years:

• To be essential to the vitality of the city, connecting people of all backgrounds to symphonic music.
• To thrill audiences with outstanding musical experiences not found anywhere else.
• To preserve the Festival as a unique cultural asset.

For more information on the Grant Park Music Festival, please visit our website: gpmf.org.