Box Office Ticket Agent (Seasonal)
DESCRIPTION
Now in its 49th year, Spoleto Festival USA is internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival. For 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston’s historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces with performances in opera; theater; dance; and chamber, symphonic, choral, and jazz music. Spoleto’s mission is to present programs of the highest artistic caliber while maintaining a dedication to young artists, a commitment to all forms of the performing arts, a passion for contemporary innovation, and an enthusiasm for providing unique performance opportunities for established artists. Beyond its role as a launching pad for young talent, Spoleto also serves as a catalyst for cultural change and has aided in Charleston’s flourishing as a top arts and culture destination. The 2025 Season will take place from May 23 through June 8. Spoleto Festival USA is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization.
Job Description
Spoleto Festival USA is seeking Box Office Ticket Agents, the friendly voices and faces engaging with patrons to ensure smooth ticket sales and exceptional customer service. Whether assisting customers over the phone, via email, or in person, you will play a vital role in creating a seamless and memorable experience for Festival attendees. For those looking to expand their leadership skills, there is potential to supervise other seasonal staff during the Festival period.
Position Type: Seasonal, part-time, hourly, and not benefit-eligible
Anticipated Start Date: Monday, January 6, 2024
Anticipated End Date: Sunday, June 5, 2025
Hours: 20-32 hours per week, with flexibility for night, holiday, weekend, and extended hours as needed, while ensuring that the monthly total does not exceed 129 hours. The schedule will vary based on festival needs and will be determined with your supervisor.
Location: Charleston, SC (on-site)
Department: Marketing – Box Office
Reports to: Assistant Box Office Manager
Responsibilities
Serve as the friendly and knowledgeable first point of contact, selling tickets and merchandise accurately and efficiently using the Tessitura ticketing system.
Provide exceptional customer service via phone, email, and in person, addressing inquiries, resolving concerns, and ensuring a positive experience for all patrons.
Become a Festival program expert to effectively share information about performances, schedules, venues, and ticketing policies.
Assist customers in selecting seats, including accommodating accessibility needs or group seating.
Process ticket reservations, exchanges, and refunds in accordance with organizational policies.
Promote additional performances, events, and merchandise to enhance customer satisfaction and generate additional revenue for the Festival.
Support office operations, including fulfilling merchandise orders, managing inventory, processing brochure requests, and maintaining equipment.
Potential Additional Responsibilities
Supervise seasonal Box Office staff at Festival venues during events, coordinating with front-of-house and house management teams (May–June 2025).
Assist Box Office Management in training apprentices as part of the Apprenticeship Program (May–June 2025).
Monitor the front desk at Spoleto Headquarters (14 George Street), greeting visitors, answering questions, and managing deliveries.
Essential Experience and Skills
Minimum of a high school diploma; a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is preferred.
Strong organizational skills with a keen eye for detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
Superior customer service skills, with experience in a high-volume retail, service, or hospitality role.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and other relevant software.
Experience with Point-of-Sale or ticketing software is preferred.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a positive, customer-focused attitude.
Passionate about people and able to handle challenges with a smile.
Additional Requirements
Must be comfortable and able to work in the following conditions: low light or no light environments, standing for long periods of time, exposure to the elements, loud noise.
Physical requirements include significant focus and visual concentration on screens, frequent communication in various forms, and the need for stooping, kneeling, bending, standing, squatting/crouching, pushing/pulling, ascending/descending (platforms and stairs), reaching above the shoulders, lifting of up to 25 lbs., moving/pulling/pushing up to 50 lbs. with assistance if necessary, working at a desk for long periods, and using computer equipment. Adaptations to accommodate individual needs are available in accordance with the ADA.
Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
Must possess (or be able to immediately obtain upon hire) and maintain a valid driver’s license. Must be able to drive a Festival-provided vehicle and have access to reliable personal transportation.
Must be 21 years of age or older as this role requires driving a Festival-provided vehicle.
Must be able to pass and maintain a clear background check.
Demonstrated commitment to fostering an equitable, accessible, and inclusive environment for Festival staff, artists, audiences, and communities.
Flexibility with work schedule, including work nights, holidays, weekends, and extended hours as required; on-call during Festival period. Ability to work long days, nights, and weekends with a positive attitude.
This position is based in Charleston, SC, and requires on-site presence.
Compensation
$16 per hour. 20-32 hours per week, while ensuring that the monthly total does not exceed 129 hours.
Spoleto Festival USA is an equal opportunity employer and committed to diversity in hiring. Equity is central to our culture, mission, and who we are as an arts organization. Spoleto Festival USA does not discriminate in employment on the basis of an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, hairstyles or hair texture, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, individuals with disabilities, pregnancy, parental status, marital status, military status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law. Our greatest strength comes from our ability to come together as unique individuals — come as you are and bring the best version of yourself.
Uncertain if you fulfill every requirement in our job description? Don't let that deter you! If you think you have the potential to shine in this role, we wholeheartedly invite you to apply. At Spoleto Festival USA, we enthusiastically evaluate a wide spectrum of candidates, valuing their diverse workplace backgrounds and experiences. Whether you're entering the world of arts and culture administration, reentering the workforce after a break, contemplating a career shift, or pursuing advancement on your career journey, we're eager to consider you for exciting opportunities within our organization. Your application will be met with appreciation and thorough consideration.
Desired Start Date: January 6, 2025
BENEFITS
Pay Range: $16 - $16 Hourly
Perks
Complimentary access for seasonal staff + a guest to select performances and events.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to careers@spoletousa.org, with the subject line “Box Office Ticket Agent”.
Application Deadline: June 5, 2025
Application Email/Link: spoletousa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2025-Job-Description-Box-Office-Ticket-Agent-Seasonal-1.pdf
JOB CONTACT
careers@spoletousa.org