Access Team Member - Chicago Humanities

About Chicago Humanities

Chicago Humanities connects people to the ideas that shape and define us and promotes the lifelong exploration of what it means to be human. Chicago Humanities fosters curiosity, celebrates creativity, explores the boundaries of contemporary knowledge and culture, and challenges us to see ourselves and the world anew. Collaborating with nearly 40 of Chicago’s major cultural and educational institutions, Chicago Humanities produces over 100 events annually and partners with nearly 40 venues around Chicago, as well as stewards a vibrant online home for the humanities. Chicago Humanities has an international reputation for innovation and creativity, featuring an exceptional roster of writers, scholars, performers, and visual artists in its programs and online.

Position Description

Chicago Humanities is seeking enthusiastic and thoughtful Access Team Members to support the accessibility experience of patrons during our events. As an integral part of our event team, Access Team Members ensure that attendees with access needs feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to participate fully in our programs.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Welcome and escort patrons with accessibility needs from the venue entrance and/or access entrance depending on venue.
• With the House Manager onsite confirm and communicate access seating locations to volunteers before the event.
• Upon patron arrival, assist patrons to their seat requesting specific seating such as aisle seats, wheelchair-accessible, or close-to-stage.
• Monitor seating areas to ensure access-designated sections (black drapes) remain available to those who need them.
• Provide guidance on accessibility resources available at the Box Office, including Assistive Listening Devices (ALD), sensory tools, and Audio Description (AD).
• Communicate respectfully and clearly with patrons and staff.
• Offer support with general patron questions, including event flow, amenities, and accessibility offerings.
• Remain flexible and responsive to shifting needs throughout the event day.

Qualifications:

• Prior training in diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion is a plus. Be sure to describe your experience in these areas, if applicable.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a commitment to providing respectful, inclusive service.
• Ability to navigate large and potentially crowded environments with ease and composure.
• Comfortable using ASL or working alongside team members who use ASL (preferred but not required).
• Ability to follow floor plans and navigate venues with multiple levels and entry points.
• Punctuality and reliability are essential
• A demonstrated commitment to excellent customer service and enjoy working with the public.
• A professional demeanor with good communication skills.
• A demonstrated resourcefulness and independence in problem solving/troubleshooting.
• A demonstrated flexibility and grace under pressure.
• Prior experience with arts or cultural organizations is a plus, though not required.

Compensation and Hours

• This position pays $21 per hour.
• Access Team Members are primarily needed this fall for our core days known as “hub days” that take place on October 4th and October 18th. Availability for these dates is strongly preferred. Please let us know any dates you will not be available.
• Team members are responsible for sending an invoice to the Audience and Accessibility Manager after the event for submission.
• This role is contractual, supporting our Fall season running approximately from September through mid December
• Training will be compensated.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI)

Chicago Humanities is committed to providing a diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive workplace, where all employees and volunteers, whatever their gender, race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education or disability, feel valued and respected. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all of our departments, programs, and policies. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and heard.

TO APPLY:

Please submit your application, including your resume. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled, however, we prefer that applications are submitted by Friday, August 1st, 2025 as interviews will begin in early August 2025.

If you need any accommodations completing this application, please email our Associate Director of People and Culture, John Rooney at jrooney@chicagohumanities.org.

Candidates who are selected will be notified via email. We look forward to reviewing your materials.