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House Manager

Chamber Music Northwest
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HOUSE MANAGER 

Position status: Temporary

Reports to: Lead House Manager, Artistic Operations Director

Supervision by: Lead House Manager, Artistic Operations Director

Compensation: $22/hour

Posted: March 2, 2026                                                                   

Application Deadline: by April 3 or until filled

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The House Manager is responsible for supporting the activities of the Lead House Manager. They will work on a team that includes two House Managers and one Lead House Manager, with support from volunteers. Their tasks include, but are not limited to: 

  • Support the training and supervision of volunteer ushers, backstage security, shuttle drivers, and parking attendants for all scheduled concerts and events
  • Assist with the evaluation, maintenance, tracking, and distribution of volunteer supply inventories
  • Ensure proper preparation of all public areas, including concert hall, lobbies, bathrooms, backstage entrance, and parking lots
  • Establish a welcoming, professional presence for Festival patrons in all venues
  • Coordinate with production and box office staff for punctual concert start, late seating, and effective, courteous conflict resolution
  • Aid in volunteer training on emergency exit procedures and execute procedures as necessary 
  • Ensure minimum disturbance during concerts, including resolving use of cell phones, photography, hearing aids, and other potential disruptions
  • With the Lead House Manager, create and submit reports to production staff regarding patron and volunteer concerns after each event
  • Serve as overall trouble-shooter throughout the concert
  • Act as sole House Manager for events, as scheduled
  • Participate in all orientation activities leading into the Festival

 

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS

A successful candidate for the role of House Manager must promote a professional demeanor and image, have superior oral and written communication skills, and have the ability to work in a demanding and fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will have excellent customer service skills and experience effectively managing volunteers. This role requires grace under fire and the ability to prioritize and delegate on the fly. A background in classical music or the performing arts is preferred. 

 

Additionally, the following are required: 

  • Previous front-of-house experience at a major festival, event, or presenting organization
  • Ability to work independently but integrate with a large team
  • Fluency in Google Workspace and Slack
  • On-the-spot problem-solving skills
  • Sound discretion, tact, and decorum
  • Accessibility via cell phone and email, and availability during off-hours
  • Valid driver’s license, clean driving record and a reliable car
  • First Aid, CPR, and AED certification (Training provided by CMNW, if necessary) 

 

JOB CONDITIONS AND COMPENSATION

This House Manager position is a 20-hour (approximate) per week, seasonal position. In addition to the full work term listed below, there may be additional orientations, training, and pre-Festival staff meetings in early June. 

 

Contract Term: June 21–July 20, 2026 

Summer Festival Dates: June 24–July 19, 2026

 

During the Festival period, hours may be long and demanding and will include working nights and weekends. The House Manager must be available as many as six days a week during this period, including occasional late night and early morning hours. Occasional heavy lifting is required. 

 

Chamber Music Northwest believes that our staff should reflect the diversity of our community. We welcome all qualified applicants, and encourage those who identify as Black, Indigenous, persons of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities to apply.

CMNW is a 501(c)3 organization and equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should forward a cover letter and résumé to jobs@cmnw.org with “House Manager” in the subject line by April 3, 2026. CMNW is a 501(c)3 organization and equal opportunity employer. Please, no phone inquiries.

 

ABOUT CHAMBER MUSIC NORTHWEST

Now in its 56th season, Chamber Music Northwest’s flagship Summer Festival presents programs of top international caliber that include mainstage concerts and numerous free education and engagement events in Portland. The artists invited to perform at Chamber Music Northwest range from rising stars to veterans and are among the most sought-after soloists, chamber musicians, and recording artists in the world. 

 

Chamber Music Northwest’s mission is to inspire our community through concerts and events celebrating the richness and diversity of chamber music, performed by artists of the highest caliber, presenting our community with exceptional opportunities for enjoyment, education, and reflection. Chamber Music Northwest is led by Artistic Directors Gloria Chien and Soovin Kim, and Executive Director Peter Bilotta.

Research encouraged at www.cmnw.org