Founder's Lounge Host

Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Overview:

Join our growing Foundation team of dynamic professionals to create a transformational project for Southwest Florida – a world class performing arts center.. Roll up your sleeves and step into our fast-paced entrepreneurial organization to help us achieve something truly iconic. The mission of the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation (“Foundation”) is to create a world-class performing arts center that enriches the community, supports arts education, and inspires young minds.

The Foundation is partnering with the City of Sarasota, other regional municipalities, private philanthropists and foundations to build and operate what will be the performing arts centerpiece of Sarasota and the entire Gulf Coast region. The new performing arts center will be a public-private-partnership in which the City of Sarasota and the Foundation will be the principal participants. Completing the project – construction, operations and programming – will require funding of more than $365 million, of which 50% is anticipated to be raised from philanthropic sources.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing team during the start-up phase of an enormous project that will become an important cultural resource and legacy for Southwest Florida.

Job Overview and Position Objectives:

The Founder's Lounge Host will play a pivotal role in fostering strong relationships with donors and VIP guests by providing exceptional service in the Founder's Lounge at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. This individual will collaborate with our entire development team to ensure that all guests feel welcomed, appreciated, and valued as key supporters of the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation. The ideal candidate will excel in building rapport, maintaining a professional and gracious demeanor, and creating an inviting and memorable experience for all lounge visitors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Donor Relations:

• Greet and welcome donors, VIPs, and special guests with warm and professional hospitality.
• Engage with guests to foster positive relationships and ensure they feel valued for their contributions.
• Serve as an ambassador for the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, sharing knowledge about its mission, events, and impact.
• Proactively gather feedback from guests to enhance their experiences and communicate their comments to Foundation leadership.

Lounge Experience Management:

• Prepare the lounge prior to events, ensuring a welcoming and polished environment.
• Maintain the lounge’s ambiance throughout the event, ensuring it is clean, organized, and inviting.
• Coordinate with catering and parking vendors and other staff to address guest needs and provide seamless service.

Event Support:

• Track guest attendance during shifts to support donor engagement efforts.
• Work closely with Foundation staff to ensure alignment with event objectives and donor engagement strategies.
• Assist in implementing personalized touches or special acknowledgments for VIP guests.

Communication:

• Provide post-event summaries, highlighting guest feedback and opportunities for improved donor engagement.
• Maintain clear and professional communication with Foundation leadership and other team members.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required; a background in customer service, hospitality, or nonprofit donor relations is preferred.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a warm and professional demeanor.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, in accordance with the performance schedule.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• A passion for the arts and an understanding of the importance of donor relationships in nonprofit organizations.

Application Process: 

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter detailing their relevant experience and interest in the position. Applications will be accepted until Friday, January 31. You may apply through Linkedin, or by visiting: https://www.performingartsfoundation.org/founders-lounge-host

The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not encompass all responsibilities and tasks that may be required.