The Grant Park Music Festival in Chicago, Illinois seeks part-time Ushers for the upcoming summer season of concerts at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Ushers serve as important ambassadors for the Festival and our partners at the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and help to create a safe, welcoming, and orderly environment for our patrons.

KEY DUTIES

• Maintain the efficient operation of the Seating Bowl and Great Lawn.
• Welcome, greet and assist patrons from all walks of life; manage and resolve patron issues in a prompt, friendly manner.
• Provide information to patrons and the public about the Grant Park Music Festival, Millennium Park, and surrounding attractions.
• Communicate park rules and regulations to the public; assist in crowd control.
• Assist in a variety of patron engagement efforts (related tasks may include: serving beverages/food, collecting audience information, hosting special guests, and distributing passes/vouchers).

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrated communication skills; ability to handle challenging situations with grace and diplomacy.
• Ability to raise and transfer up to 20 lbs; ability to work outdoors and possibly in inclement weather; ability to be mobile for up to five hours at a time.
• Ability to work flexible hours (most shifts are Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings) June through September; weekend and holiday availability (including the Fourth of July weekend and Labor Day weekend) is required.

COMPENSATION/SCHEDULE

• $15.50/hour; this position is non-exempt.
• Usher shifts are primarily evenings and weekends.
• Must be available for two in-person training sessions (May 31, 5:30pm – 8:30pm; June 6 5:30 – 8:30pm), one virtual training session (3 hours of time completed between June 1-5), and a majority of concert dates.
• Position Start Date: May 31, 2022

MANDATORY COVID-19 VACCINE POLICY

The Grant Park Orchestral Association (the Association) has implemented a policy requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated (including all primary, secondary and booster doses) against COVID-19. This policy is consistent with our duty to maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards, to eliminate any direct threats to the health or safety of individuals in the workplace, and to safeguard the health of our staff, musicians, patrons, and the community at large. This policy will comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws and is based on guidance from Chicago Department of Public Health, the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prior to the first day of on-site work at the Association's office or venue, and/or within 10 days of hire, employees will be asked to provide their proof of vaccination.

Those seeking an exemption from this requirement for medical or religious reasons should complete a request for accommodation form here and submit to Hannah Lehman, Chief Financial Officer (hannah.lehman [at] gpmf.org).

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

For more than 85 years, the Grant Park Music Festival has been Chicago's summer musical sensation, demonstrating that classical music performed by a world-class orchestra and chorus can have a transformative impact on the city. Showcased in the city's most spectacular setting, the Festival continues to be the summer gathering place for all of Chicago. The Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park is the official home of the Grant Park Music Festival, with free seats available for every concert.

The Festival is led by Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Carlos Kalmar, along with Grant Park Chorus Director Christopher Bell, Grant Park Orchestral Association President and CEO Paul Winberg, and Board Chair Adam Grais.

The Festival strives to create a workplace that reflects the diversity of our city and the audiences we serve. People of all backgrounds and experiences, and especially those that have been historically underrepresented in the field, are encouraged to apply for open positions at the Festival. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other classification protected by law.

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