Job Openings at FMW

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Now hiring: Event Hosts

Summary

Friends Meeting of Washington (FMW) is completing a major renovation of its campus. We are now ready to rent our new and renovated spaces to individuals and organizations for weddings and other celebrations, workshops, speakers, meetings and similar events.  To ensure the success of these events, FMW is seeking to hire additional Event Hosts.

Supervised by the Event and Rental Manager, Event Hosts work on an as-needed  basis (primarily evenings and weekends).  Although their primary role is to ensure that these rental events are successful, these important members of FMW’s staff also represent our community to visitors who may be unfamiliar with FMW and Quakerism.

Overview of responsibilities

FMW is seeking Event Hosts to serve in one, or both, of two primary roles. Interest in performing both functions is a plus, but not a requirement.

1. Setup, breakdown, and clean up of events when requested in advance by the event organizer (the individual or organization renting our space), including setup of tables, chairs and audiovisual equipment.

2. Opening and closing the campus and working closely with the event organizer throughout their time at FMW to answer questions and offer assistance as needed.

Specific responsibilities

While each event is unique, the following is a general list of responsibilities of Event Hosts at FMW:

1. Setup tables, chairs, and other furnishings and equipment for events (when requested in advance of the event by the event organizer). For other events, event organizers are expected to perform their own setup and cleanup tasks.

2. Maintain overall security during the event, including ensuring that only those participating in scheduled events (or who otherwise have business at FMW) are able to access the campus. Ensure all doors and gates are secure when all visitors have left the facility.

3. Greet event organizers upon their arrival, review event details including departure time, and show them the location of tables, chairs, and other equipment.

4. Coordinate with event organizer throughout event, including answering any questions asked by them or other visitors. Confidently respond to any unanticipated issues that arise throughout the duration of the event.

5. Learn how to setup FMW’s audiovisual equipment (speaker and microphone, televisions, projectors, screens) and assist event organizers who have requested use of this equipment with setup and basic troubleshooting. Provide WiFi connection information upon request.

6. For events serving alcohol, ensure that the event follows all applicable regulations (including DC’s noise ordinance). Work with the event organizer to address any issues that arise.

7. Encourage event organizers to vacate the space by the agreed upon end time to avoid additional charges. Ensure that event spaces are clean at the conclusion of the event and that furniture and equipment have been restored to their original location (or to storage as applicable). Reset the thermostat(s) to their scheduled setting unless requested otherwise. Make a note of any damage for follow up by FMW’s Property Manager and Event and Rental Manager.

8. Answer the phone and, if requested, perform other general administrative duties for FMW as time permits.

9. Provide basic information about FMW and Quakerism upon request.

10. At the conclusion of the event, provide the Event and Rental Manager in writing or by  phone with a summary of the event and any issues that arose (such as damage to event spaces noted or additional time spent in the space beyond the agreed upon end time).

11. Quickly become knowledgeable about FMW’s overall campus and familiar with its individual event spaces.

Requirements:

Event Hosts should:

1. Have the ability to provide superior customer service to event organizers and other visitors.

2. Be punctual to ensure the building is operational by the time event organizers arrive.

3. Be willing to work a flexible schedule on an as-needed basis including evenings and weekends.

4. Have the ability to safely lift heavy tables and chairs as well as to move furniture across the campus (for Event Hosts helping with setup and cleanup).

5. Be able to work well with people from a variety of backgrounds.

6. Be flexible, patient, able to creatively solve problems, and have a good sense of humor.

An interest in historic spaces and/or event planning is a plus.

Ideally, applicants should be familiar with Quaker values and practices to answer any questions posed by event organizers or other visitors, but membership in the Religious Society of Friends is not required. For more information about FMW, see www.quakersdc.org.

Compensation:

Event Hosts are compensated at $15.50 per hour. During events where the serving of alcohol (beer and wine only) has been approved in advance , hourly compensation is $20. No other benefits are offered for these positions. Event Hosts are scheduled to work on an as-needed basis and no minimum number of hours per week is guaranteed.

How to apply:

Please send a letter of interest and resume plus contact information for three references to Brian Lutenegger, Interim Event and Rental Manager, at eventspace@quakersdc.org with an email subject line of “Event Host application”. Please indicate which of the two roles identified above you are interested in serving in (setup/cleanup or general Event Host)—or whether you have no preference. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

FMW is an equal opportunity employer. Persons of color, women and LGBTQ individuals are encouraged to apply.

It is anticipated that there will be limited need for Event Hosts in August. All Event Hosts will be required to attend a paid training with work expected to pick up in September and beyond.