Careers

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

About The Bushnell

The Bushnell is more than just a building, or a place to “see a show” — it is a vibrant organization that draws upon a rich, 91-year history, while navigating an exciting course for the future. Led by a CEO with an entrepreneurial spirit and great vision, we are constantly looking for new ways to expand the scope of our work, whether it's through dynamic programming, collaborating on a plan to develop our neighborhood or building upon our 30-year-old education program, which reaches 15,000 students in Greater Hartford annually. As the largest arts organization in Connecticut, The Bushnell is an essential part of the fabric of Hartford, serving as both a cultural beacon and an economic development leader. Our staff embodies this sense of pride and commitment to the community and are encouraged to share new ideas for the betterment of the patron experience, the growth of the institution, and the community we serve. 

Diversity and Inclusion

At The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, we celebrate and foster inclusion through the unique attributes, characteristics, abilities, and perspectives of all individuals. As part of our core mission, we are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive cultural campus that reflects our commitment to an environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and included, onstage and off. This sense of belonging empowers individuals and unites communities by creating mutual respect and appreciation. The Bushnell is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment, and strongly encourages BIPOC, members of the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, and differently-abled candidates to apply. Bi-Lingual or Fluent in Spanish desired.

Open positions: Director of Annual Fund | Member Services and Special Events Coordinator | Senior Coordinator, Programming | Customer Service Representative (Part-time) | Floor Director (Part-time) | House Manager (Part-time)

Interested Candidates should apply to jobs@bushnell.org

Position Title:              Customer Service Representative (Part-time)
Department:                 Front of House
Reports to:                   House Managers & Patron Services Managers
FLSA Status:                Hourly/Non-Exempt
Working hours:            Approx. 20 hours/week; includes evening and weekend hours
            

• Responds to all patron questions and inquiries regarding The Bushnell, our policies, and any merchandise displayed at Customer Relations during all events.
• ​Prepares and distributes Infrared Listening Systems (ILS) for all performances.  Cleans and maintains the ILS and keeps them neat & organized.
• Handles all patron issues and strives to resolve issues with staff assistance from the Box Office and the Front of House staff.  Documents issues and fills out proper paperwork.    
• Prepares and reports all ILS usage and deposits.
• Records ticket count for each performance
• Assists with ticket scanning.
• Responsible for identifying the necessary recovery and appeasement when appropriate along with the Box Office Manager, the Senior Manager, Front of House Operations, Patron Services Manager & House Managers.
• Monitors the arrival of the valet operations team, makes appropriate phone calls in instances of lateness or no-shows.
• Distributes literature: marketing materials, seating maps, information regarding history of the hall, local restaurant/hospitality information, accessibility information, and any other pertinent brochures.
• Stays informed and educated on policy and procedural changes through attendance at mandatory monthly Front of House meetings.
• Fulfills a scheduling requirement of at least two shifts per month.

• College degree or equivalent related experience
• Experience in performing arts or entertainment a plus
• Bi-lingual English/Spanish a plus

The above statements are intended to describe some specific duties and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an  exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

The Bushnell is a Not-For-Profit, Equal Opportunity Employers, proud to serve Connecticut and its citizens.

Position Title:              Floor Director (Part-time)
Department:                 Front of House
Reports to:                   Patron Services Manager
FLSA Status:                Hourly/Non-Exempt
Working hours:            Approx. 20 hours/week; various evenings & weekends, some weekdays
            
Broad Functions:
Supervises volunteer ushers. Assists House Managers and Patron Services Managers while continuing to focus on excellent internal and external customer service.

Duties and Responsibilities:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Supervises, trains and motivates the volunteer ushers assigned to their area.  Takes necessary steps to engage the volunteers and clarifies the role and expectations of the volunteers in cooperation with the House Managers.
• Punches in, ready to work, in designated uniform, at the scheduled arrival time.
• Directs patron to the proper aisle and usher that will assist the patron to their seat.
• Ensures that a proper number of prompters are available for their assigned area and assists in stuffing them, or coordinating the stuffing of prompters as needed.  Directs and assists volunteers in the stuffing of prompters.
• Directs and assists volunteers with Ticket Scanning procedures as assigned.
• Enforces any seating holds in accordance with the performance company’s mandates and is responsible for making this hold as pleasant of an experience for the patron as possible (offer a prompter, explain the reason for a hold, etc.) Engages volunteer ushers’ support and assistance in enforcing holds.
• Handles patron problems such as duplicate seating, as well as patron complaints, in accordance with Bushnell policy.
• Handles accident situations, using first aid if necessary, and securing as much information as possible.  Notifies Patron Services Manager for assistance.
• Takes an integral part in emergency evacuation procedures.
• Aids in the security of the hall (e.g., keeps patrons from standing in the aisle or on seats, etc.).
• Fills out all necessary floor report forms and turns in to Patron Services Manager at the end of the event.
• Collects all lost articles found by the ushers and turns them in to the House Manager at the end of the event.
• Closes their area after a performance by verifying that there are no patrons on the floor, either in the seating area, bathrooms, or elsewhere on the floor.
• Stays informed and educated on policy and procedural changes through attendance at mandatory Front of House staff meetings
• Responsible for peer training as applicable.
• Covers the Customer Relations desk as needed.
  • Responds to all patron questions and inquiries regarding The Bushnell.
  • Handles all patron issues and strives to resolve issues with staff assistance from the Box Office and the Front of House staff.  Documents issues and fills out proper paperwork. 
  • Assists with ticket scanning.
  • Stays informed and educated on policy and procedural changes through attendance at mandatory monthly Front of House meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience: 

• College degree or 2-3 years of related experience and/or training preferred
• Experience in performing arts or entertainment a plus
• Bi-lingual English/Spanish a plus

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand and may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Must be able to stand for up to 4 hours.  

Interested Candidates
Please send cover letter and resumesto jobs@bushnell.org

The above statements are intended to describe some specific duties and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an  exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

The Bushnell is a Not-For-Profit, Equal Opportunity Employers, proud to serve Connecticut and its citizens.

Position Title:              House Manager (Part-time)
Department:                 Front of House
Reports to:                   Patron Services Manager
FLSA Status:                Hourly/Non-Exempt
Working hours:            Approx. 20 hours/week; various evenings & weekends, some weekdays
            
Broad Functions:
Assists in on-site event management for all patron/public areas with attention to excellence in customer service (Internal and external), community building and patron safety/security. 

Duties and Responsibilities:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Supervises Floor Directors/Customer Relations Assistants/volunteer staff during events (motivates, promotes safe and healthy environment, communicates upwardly for discipline and recognition).
• Communicates with Patron Services Manager, Senior Manager, Front of House Operations and Volunteer Services Manager regarding interaction with volunteers (i.e. ongoing training, changes to policies and procedure, kudos).
• Serves as customer service liaison, using Box Office and Customer Relations resources appropriately.
• Supports the Event Services department by providing on-site reception/meeting/visiting merchandise services.
• Communicates and implements house opening, curtain rising/holding and evacuation situations to all Front of House staff. Coordinates the house opening with the appropriate head carpenter.
• Communicates with building superintendents for facility related problems.
• Files appropriate event documentation.  Provides ongoing communication to Patron Services Manager & Senior Manager, Front of House Operations.
• Protects the overall safety and security of the facility and all patrons by reporting and addressing suspicious or dangerous activity, using security staff as necessary.
• Stays informed and educated on policy and procedural changes through attendance at mandatory Front of House meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience: 

• College degree or 2-3 years of related experience and/or training preferred
• Experience in performing arts or entertainment a plus
• Bi-lingual English/Spanish a plus

Situational: 
Possess current certification (or willing to be trained) in CPR, AED and First Aid. Designated uniform consists of black slacks/ skirt and white shirt with blazer and neck tie/scarf. The blazer and neck tie/scarf will be provided by The Bushnell, and must be returned to The Bushnell upon termination of employment.

Physical Demands: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand and may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  You must be able to stand for up to 4 hours.  

Interested Candidates
Please send cover letter and resume to jobs@bushnell.org

The above statements are intended to describe some specific duties and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an  exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

The Bushnell is a Not-For-Profit, Equal Opportunity Employers, proud to serve Connecticut and its citizens.

Position Title:              Member Services and Special Events Coordinator
Department:                 Development
Reports to:                   Assistant Manager, Donor Relations and Special Events
FLSA Status:                Non-Exempt
Working hours:            Full-time, 37.5 hours - with Occasional night/weekend
            
Broad Functions:
Provide ticketing and suite reservation services for donors $500-$1,499, assist in the planning and executing all Development cultivation events, including the live and silent auctions for the annual gala. Handle general development inquiries and provide support to the Development team. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Member Services 

  • Provide personal VIP ticketing service to donors of $500-$1,499.

  • Handle development-related inquiries from Bushnell donors and patrons via phone, email, and in-person as appropriate.

  • Manage Horace Bushnell Suite reservations for pre-show dining, email reservation updates to appropriate staff, and greet all guests when suite is open.

• Events – Cultivation Events 

  • In coordination with the Assistant Manager, Donor Relations and Special Events, provide event support:

    • Schedule and coordinate event details with internal and external vendors.

    • Arrange for food and beverage, appropriate décor and audio-visual needs

    • Coordinate the creation of event invitations, programs, signage and other printed material as appropriate

    • Assist with on-site production and take-down, and close out for events as necessary and appropriate. 

    • Manage RSVPs and provide list to fundraisers.

    • Propose new ideas to improve event planning and implementation process. 

    • Prepare materials for events such as nametags, gift bags, registration lists, seating cards, etc. 

    • Process event invoices as necessary.

    • Close out all events as required. 

• Events – Ovations Gala

  • Committee meeting scheduling and coordination

    • Prepare agendas, meeting materials, and any necessary requirements (lunch, technology set-up for hybrid meetings, etc.) for meetings.

    • Take and distribute meeting minutes.

  • In coordination with the Assistant Manager, Donor Relations and Special Events, work as a liaison with the Ovations Committee to assist them in their efforts to identify and secure new and unique auction items for the gala each year.

  • Work with Assistant Manager, Donor Relations and Special Events on the auction:

    • Act as lead to organize, catalogue and research auction items as they come in. This includes maintaining the comprehensive auction item spreadsheet, storing items in secure locations, and researching item values as needed.

    • In conjunction with the Assistant Manager, Donor Relations and Special Events, act as a master user and main point of contact in the auction software. 

    • Assist with creating all auction item signage, support materials, packaging, displays and associated materials.

    • In coordination with Assistant Manager, Donor Relations and Special Events, execute the auction set-up, breakdown, and night-of pickup process at event.

    • Responsible for all post-event follow-up regarding auction items, contacting donors and winners as necessary.

• Department Support

  • Provide support to Assistant Manager, Donor Relations and Special Events and the development department, duties to include:

    • Direct Mail support with Holiday Cards & Annual Message 

    • Update department calendar as needed

    • Submit department invoices via Beanworks

    • Submit American Express bills with back up to Finance

    • Track all expenses on Development’s master budget

    • General Administrative support

Education and/or Experience: 
College degree and prior customer service/event coordination experience preferred

Skills Desired: 
Must have strong computer (minimum of MS Word and Excel experience), phone communication, and people skills. Must have superior time-management skills. Must be articulate, organized, and able to function in a fast-paced work environment. Ability to work successfully within a team and with external customers is essential.

Interested Candidates
Please send resumes to jobs@bushnell.org

The above statements are intended to describe some specific duties and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an  exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

The Bushnell is a Not-For-Profit, Equal Opportunity Employers, proud to serve Connecticut and its citizens.

Position Title:         Senior Coordinator, Programming
Department:            Programming
Reports To:             Director, Programming
FLSA status:           Non-exempt, hourly
Working hours:      37.5 hours per week, may include weekends and evenings 
 

The Senior Coordinator, Programming is responsible for the ongoing, successful management of the programming of events, production advance, event management and settlement of a portfolio of events.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work in concert with Director, Programming to assure successful planning and execution of events

• Serve as the Programming Department’s central source for document flow: contracts, deal memos, riders, license agreements, contract amendments, addenda, and other important event documents are administered by this individual

• Prepare and facilitate the routing, execution and timely return of contracts for Bushnell Presented events, seeking input and approval from appropriate parties, including but not limited to finance, programs and front-of-house

• Work in Artifax or other appropriate booking software to secure calendar holds for events

• Respond to general inquiries regarding rental of The Bushnell Theater

• Meet with local-arts clients to ensure successful event planning and management, and to serve as liaison between clients and other Bushnell departments, including box office, marketing, front-of-house and facilities sales.

• Assist with show advances, exchanging coordination details with artist representative(s)

• Coordinate the fulfillment of all administrative functions related to rental contracts/license agreements, internal event outlines and technical riders

• Serve as an on-site event manager as assigned

• Coordinate event ticketing information with box office staff; creating seating maps as necessary.

• Create and update Excel spreadsheets and Word documents as is necessary

• Create, organize and file event folders – both hard copies and electronic versions.

• Assist with fulfillment of contract/rider requirements (airfare, hotel, limo, etc.)

• Attend regular department meetings in order to ensure smooth and successful execution of events

• Liaise with other departments to provide the most efficient and excellent support of our client’s needs

• Maintain excellent working relationships both internally with other departments and externally with clients and other stakeholders

Education and/or Experience: 
College degree and at least two years of experience in theatrical programming.

Skills Desired: 
Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.  Prior working experience in theatrical production, concert production or event planning. Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and to work under deadlines.  Exceptional knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word, as well as other computer applications.  Ease in working in multiple computer programs.  Collaborative personality who is a team player.  Outgoing individual, who conveys positive, polished image of The Bushnell to our community.  A high-energy self-starter and innovative thinker.

Interested Candidates
Please send resumes to jobs@bushnell.org

The above statements are intended to describe some specific duties and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an  exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

The Bushnell is a Not-For-Profit, Equal Opportunity Employers, proud to serve Connecticut and its citizens.

Position Title:         Director of Annual Fund
Department:            Development
Reports To:             VP of Development & Chief Development Officer
FLSA status:           Exempt, Salaried
Working hours:      Includes evening and weekend hours 

Broad Functions:
Plans, directs, and manages all aspects of the Annual Fund including management of a three-person team.

Annual Fund:

• Develop, implement, manage, and evaluate an aggressive annual fund program leveraging support from current donors, patrons, and prospects via a multi-channel, data-drive approach that is not limited to direct mail, email telefunding, and special campaigns.

• Create a comprehensive strategic annual plan – based on data – to meet or exceed the annual fund goal.

• Provides leadership to acquire, re-activate, retain and upgrade annual donors with a focus on expanding the base of support, growing retention rates, and increasing the pipeline for major donors.

• Maintain and understand annual giving reporting to analyze trends to drive planning of fundraising efforts.

• Collaborate with Customer Relationship Management/Marketing to analyze donor and patron information and to interpret statistical data to effectively inform strategies that will maximize gifts to The Bushnell.

• Identify and research prospects for increased annual fund giving.

• Collaborate with Customer Relationship Management/Marketing to create effective messaging and design of Development materials.    And coordinate the timing of mail/email/social media/telefunding campaigns with the overall institutional calendar.

• Maximize fundraising results by staying current with state-of-the-art annual fund trends.

• Develop and monitor the annual fund budget, implementing cost controls, annual forecasts, and long-term projections.

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of Raiser's Edge – gift processing and acknowledgment letters, list generation, pledge reminders, tax receipts, database maintenance, special event RSVPs, update of constituent records, etc.

• Oversee the fulfillment of donor benefits (individual and corporate) to provide exceptional donor experiences.

Must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 5+ years of proven experience in direct fundraising.

Skills Required: 

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of experience, and must have experience with development database systems, Raiser's Edge preferred.

• Must have a command of the data and be able to set the path forward

• Strong leadership, managerial and supervisory skills and a track record of success in leading and mentoring a staff

• Experience improving donor retention, acquisition and developing strategies to increase average gift amounts

• Initiative to organize and follow through with complex tasks to meet deadlines

• Demonstrated knowledge and proven success in fundraising and analytical ability to recognize opportunities and prioritize them to attain goals

• Ability to work accurately and efficiently in a fast-paced environment

• Highly motivated self-starter

• Superior writing and verbal communication skills

• Outstanding strategic planning skills

• Possess high standards of integrity, credibility, and reliability to articulate the needs, opportunities, and aspirations of The Bushnell   with clarity and enthusiasm

• Develop sound, enduring relationships with a broad range of people within internal and external community

• Ability to lead and motivate staff and supervise staff and experience in hiring and training an annual giving team

• The ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as take initiative independently

• Commitment to respect and maintain confidentiality of donor information.

• Proficient in latest version of Microsoft Office products, including Word, Power Point, Outlook, and Excel and Office 365

Interested Candidates
Please send resumes to jobs@bushnell.org

The above statements are intended to describe some specific duties and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an  exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

The Bushnell is a Not-For-Profit, Equal Opportunity Employers, proud to serve Connecticut and its citizens.

Please submit resumes to:
The Bushnell Human Resources Department
166 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
Or email to: jobs@bushnell.org

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Bushnell is an equal opportunity employer and complies with applicable federal and state fair employment practice laws. The Bushnell does not discriminate and will not tolerate discrimination against employees or applicants because of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, civil union status, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, mental retardation or physical disability any other reason prohibited by any applicable law or regulation. Neither the Union nor the Employer will discriminate against any employee with regard to any term or condition of employment because of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, civil union status, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, mental retardation, physical disability, or any other reason prohibited by any applicable law or regulation.