Patron Services & Venue Management Intern

Patron Services & Venue Management Intern:

Please ensure that you read the description and application instructions below in full. We regret that we are not able to respond to or accept applications that are sent to us on Handshake instead of via email to opendoors@kauffmancenter.org as directed. Thank you for your understanding.

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is seeking an enthusiastic individual who is looking for hands-on Patron Services and venue management experience in a fast-moving environment. This internship will include experiences in customer service, safety and security, performance planning and management, as well as volunteer management, communications and event planning.

Timeframe:
Internships are 10-12 hours per week with the potential for select evening or weekend events. Dates may be flexible to accommodate school schedules; please indicate your general weekday daytime, weekday evening and weekend availability in a cover letter.

• Summer internships are from mid/late May thru mid/late August.
• Fall internships are from early September thru early December.
• Spring internships are from early-February thru early-May.
 

The right candidate:

• Is flexible, accommodating, dependable, detail-oriented and self-starting.
   
• Has strong written and verbal communication skills with confidence in proofreading abilities.
   
• Has experience with Has experience with customer service, data entry, and  Microsoft Office.

Preference may be given to candidates who meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Is enrolled in or has very recently completed a college degree in Arts Administration, Communications, Nonprofit Management, Volunteer Management, Nonprofit Management, Venue Management, Hospitality or Performing Arts/Theater or similar.
   
• Has previous work experience in the fields of event management, ticketing services, public relations or communications, nonprofit management, customer service, house management, volunteer management or similar.
   
• Has experience with customer service and/or arts administration.

Responsibilities:

Assist with Prepping for Performances
 

• Attend weekly events meetings and communicate pertinent takeaways to the team.
   
• Compile performance information and prepare various show night documents.
   
• Conduct front of house walk-throughs for Kauffman Center Presents performances.
   
• Communicate with Ticket Office regarding patrons who have accessibility needs and coordinate the fulfillment of those needs.
   
• Shadow Performance Lead during shows for a well-rounded understanding of front of house operations.
   
• Maintain and review quality control on performance nights for various front of house roles.
   

Assist with Internal Communications and Teambuilding.
 

• Plan and execute monthly teambuilding events.
   
• Create a plan for recognizing staff during Customer Service Appreciation Week.
   
• Assist with planning, scheduling and assignments of part-time staff for Future Stages Festival, the Kauffman Center’s annual family-friendly community event.
   
• Compile all training materials into one unified document.
   
•  Assist in coordinating annual volunteer training drill.
   

Assist with Volunteer Management and Events
 

• Take, label and archive photos at performances and volunteer events (camera and training provided).
   
• Collaborate with the Patron Services Team to plan and execute a volunteer social outing/event.
   
• Work alongside the Patron Services Team to lay out and execute the logistics and event timeline for the annual volunteer and staff training; prepare Volunteer Office for biweekly training sessions.
   
• General Office functions and administrative support as needed.

Intern should be a local student who is available to work in-person at the Kauffman Center during daytime business hours as well as select evening and weekend events.

Compensation: Up to a $2100 stipend will be provided in two parts, one in the middle of the internship and one at the end. Staff is also happy to help arrange for course credit.

Interns will have the unique opportunity to participate in the daily workings of a large, well-known performing arts center and nonprofit organization alongside a tight-knit team. Our goal is for each intern to walk away with a portfolio of event planning, arts administration, volunteer coordination and retention, training and data management experience. We want each intern to leave this experience with a renewed appreciation for the performing arts and art of venue management. 

The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts seeks a diverse talent pool affording equal opportunity to all candidates without regard to race, color, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Application Info

To apply, applicants will email a résumé and cover letter to opendoors@kauffmancenter.org in a .docx or .pdf format within the application window as stated above.

In the cover letter, the applicant must include:

• The position for which they are applying.
   
• Why they are applying for the position.
   
• Relevant experience for the specific position.
   
• Their availability for the semester (i.e., which weekdays they are available to work, other commitments they will have, days or weeks they will need to be out of the office, etc.)
   
• The email address and phone number for at least one professional reference.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review their application before submitting.

Applicants must send their applications via email to opendoors@kauffmancenter.org by end of day Sunday, July 19. Late materials and materials submitted in Handshake will not be accepted. 

Applicants will be contacted, references will be checked and interviews will be conducted following the application deadline.

Applicants wishing to apply for multiple positions must submit a separate a cover letter and résumé for each position. 

If an applicant requires a non-PDF version of a position description, they may email accessibility@kauffmancenter.org.