Join a Fantastic Team
Openings
Director of Development
Bartender
Part-Time Facilities Custodian
House Manager
Front of House Positions
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- Bartender
- Server
- Kitchen Steward
- Support Staff
Director of Development
Applications due: October 1, 2026
Location: Portsmouth, NH
Schedule: Full-time, salaried, exempt
Reports to: President & CEO
Position scope: Leads a four-person Development and Membership team and oversees approximately $2.4 million in FY27 contributed, special-event, and sponsorship revenue, in addition to the capital campaign.
ABOUT THE MUSIC HALL
The Music Hall is a beloved nonprofit arts and cultural organization in downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Since opening as a vaudeville theater in 1878, it has grown into a vibrant gathering place for live music, comedy, film, literary events, education programs, and community experiences. Today, The Music Hall welcomes more than 130,000 patrons each year across its Historic Theater, Music Hall Lounge, New Hampshire Film Festival, and year-round member and community programming.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Music Hall is seeking a collaborative, strategic, and relationship-driven Director of Development to lead philanthropy at one of New England’s treasured arts and cultural institutions. This senior leader will be accountable for growing contributed revenue, deepening donor and member relationships, and supporting The Music Hall’s mission to bring people together through exceptional arts, culture, and community experiences.
Working closely with the President & CEO, Board of Trustees, and colleagues across the organization, the Director of Development will lead and be accountable for major gifts, membership, sponsorship, grants, planned giving, special events, and capital support. The role includes personally managing a portfolio of principal and major-gift prospects, leading the Development and Membership team, and directing completion of The Music Hall’s current capital campaign.
The Music Hall is advancing the remaining phase of its Treasure the Legacy campaign, originally set at $15 million and expanded to $18 million to include the acquisition of Kearsarge House. Approximately $13.2 million has been raised toward the $18 million goal. The remaining phase will support community accessibility, safety, ADA compliance, and historic preservation work. The Director of Development will maintain campaign momentum while strengthening the major-gift, membership, sponsorship, grants, and planned-giving infrastructure that supports the organization beyond the campaign.
As part of The Music Hall leadership team, this role collaborates on strategic planning, organizational culture, and institution-wide priorities while advancing The Music Hall’s mission, vision, and core values. Under the direction of the President & CEO, the Director of Development also serves as the primary staff partner to the Board of Trustees Development Committee and designated campaign committees.
The successful candidate will bring a demonstrated record of growing annual contributed revenue, personally cultivating and closing major gifts, leading a capital or comprehensive campaign, increasing donor retention, strengthening membership and institutional giving, deepening corporate partnerships, and building a culture of philanthropy across an organization.
This is an opportunity for an experienced fundraising leader who loves the arts, values community, and enjoys building lasting relationships with donors, members, sponsors, trustees, and civic partners.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Fundraising Leadership
- Lead and be accountable for a comprehensive contributed-revenue program, including major gifts, membership, sponsorship, grants, planned giving, events, and capital support.
- Direct the remaining phase of The Music Hall’s current capital campaign while strengthening the fundraising systems that will support the organization long term.
- Partner with the President & CEO, trustees, and senior staff on donor strategy, cultivation, solicitation, closing, and stewardship.
- Personally manage a portfolio of principal and major-gift prospects and lead the cultivation, solicitation, closing, and stewardship of significant gifts.
- Prepare thoughtful donor briefings, proposals, recognition opportunities, and follow-up plans.
- Use Music Hall programming, member experiences, the New Hampshire Film Festival, and private gatherings to build meaningful donor engagement.
Team, Board, and Community Partnership
- Supervise, support, and develop the Development and Membership team; establish clear responsibilities and performance goals; manage the department budget; evaluate staff performance; and recommend staffing or structural changes to the President & CEO.
- Under the direction of the President & CEO, serve as the primary staff partner to the Board Development Committee and related campaign committees, equipping trustees and volunteers for effective cultivation and solicitation.
- Work collaboratively with marketing, communications, finance, programming, membership, box office, and operations colleagues.
- Develop clear, compelling donor and sponsor communications for print, digital, and website use.
- Build strong relationships with donors, members, sponsors, trustees, volunteers, and community partners.
Planning, Data, and Stewardship
- Set measurable annual revenue, retention, portfolio, pipeline, and activity goals and create practical plans to achieve them.
- Manage the Development budget and oversee fundraising reports, dashboards, forecasts, and campaign projections, reporting progress and corrective actions to the President & CEO.
- Maintain strong donor data, pipeline tracking, and stewardship practices, with a clearly assigned primary relationship manager for each significant donor or prospect.
- Ensure clear staff ownership and accountability for grants and institutional giving, including prospect research, funder relationships, calendars, applications, reports, compliance, and renewals.
- Represent The Music Hall’s mission, values, and community-centered spirit with professionalism and care.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience; advanced degree welcome but not required.
- At least seven years of progressively responsible nonprofit fundraising experience, including experience leading and developing fundraising professionals.
- Direct leadership experience in a capital or comprehensive campaign, including campaign strategy, prospect pipeline development, forecasting, volunteer leadership, and personal solicitation.
- Demonstrated success personally cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts, together with broad experience across individual giving, membership, sponsorship, grants, and institutional giving.
- Strong relationship-building, communication, planning, budgeting, and board-engagement skills.
- Experience with CRM databases and donor research tools; Salesforce and PatronManager experience preferred.
- Comfort working in a lively arts and cultural environment, including some evenings and weekends.
- Ability to manage confidential information, complex details, and time-sensitive work with care.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- CFRE and/or CAP credential.
- Experience in a performing arts, cultural, or membership-based nonprofit organization.
- Experience with planned giving, grant strategy, and digital fundraising tools.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Base salary range: Commensurate with fundraising leadership and campaign experience. The position is eligible for semiannual performance bonuses based on organizational and individual goals.
Benefits include health and dental insurance, paid time off, parking, 401(k), employee wellness reimbursement, complimentary tickets, cell-phone support, and eligibility for the sabbatical program, subject to current plan terms.
The Music Hall is committed to an inclusive, healthy, collaborative organizational culture grounded in its mission, vision, and core values. Learn more at https://www.themusichall.org/about/our-mission-values/
We welcome candidates who bring sound judgment, integrity, creativity, and genuine enthusiasm for connecting people with the arts.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and start date availability to employment@themusichall.org.
The Music Hall is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation may contact employment@themusichall.org.
Bartender
Schedule: 2–5 shifts per week
Availability: Nights and weekends required
Pay: $15/hour plus guaranteed tip minimum at select locations (Members Club & Lounge)
POSITION SUMMARY
We’re seeking skilled and experienced bartenders to join our team at all of The Music Hall’s venues, including our Members Club, Historic Theater, and Lounge spaces. The ideal candidates are passionate about craft cocktails, hospitality, and creating exceptional guest experiences.
In this role, you’ll serve high-quality beverages, engage with guests in a professional and welcoming manner, and help maintain a polished, well-organized bar. We’re looking for team players who thrive in a fast-paced environment, bring creativity and attention to detail, and take pride in delivering a first-class customer experience that reflects the energy and excellence of The Music Hall.
BAR LOCATIONS & SERVICE STANDARDS
The Members Club
Opened in 2024 on the first floor of the historic Kearsarge House, the Members Club offers a true speakeasy vibe with direct access to The Music Hall’s Historic Theater. This donors-only lounge is an exclusive, high-touch space where members enjoy a curated premium beverage menu in an elevated setting. Bartenders here play a key role in creating a first-class customer experience by crafting high-quality cocktails, maintaining a polished bar, and providing attentive, professional service. The ideal candidate is team-oriented, detail-driven, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and brings a genuine passion for hospitality.
The Historic Theater
The largest of The Music Hall’s venues, the Historic Theater bar sees the highest volume of patrons and a fast-paced bar scene. Concessions are served over the counter at two bar locations, with service offered pre-show and during intermissions. This space requires efficiency, strong communication, and the ability to keep up with high demand while maintaining excellent guest service.
The Lounge
Just a block from the Historic Theater, The Music Hall Lounge provides a more intimate, nightclub-style atmosphere with flexible seating. Guests enjoy a mixed cocktail list and a small bites menu, all ordered and delivered through table service. Bartenders in this venue balance speed and creativity with personalized service, ensuring every guest feels welcomed and cared for.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Comprehensive knowledge of spirits, wine, and beer, along with expertise in beverage recipes, preparation, and proper serving techniques.
- Attention to detail and consistency, ensuring cocktails, presentation, and service standards reflect the first-class experience brand of The Music Hall.
- Strong, professional communication skills with the ability to engage guests warmly and collaborate seamlessly with colleagues across all venues.
- Certified in TEAM
HOW TO APPLY
Applications can be sent to Jeff Kamensky, General Manager of Front of House, at jkamensky@themusichall.org.
Part-Time Facilities Custodian
Part-time; 15-20 hours a week, $18-$20 an hour depending on experience
Weekend availability required
Reports to: Director of Production and Facilities
Please email resume and cover letter to: mtucker@themusichall.org
POSITION SUMMARY
The Music Hall is seeking a reliable, detail-oriented Part-Time Facilities Custodian to join our facilities team. This position plays a key role in maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and appearance of our historic venue and surrounding areas. The successful candidate will support daily operations by caring for public spaces, restrooms, event areas, and backstage facilities, while also assisting with basic building maintenance tasks. Previous maintenance experience is helpful but not required—we are willing to train the right candidate.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Clean and maintain facilities in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
- Perform general custodial duties, including dusting, mopping, vacuuming, sweeping, and restroom cleaning.
- Restock restroom and facility supplies, including paper products and soap.
- Empty trash and recycling receptacles and dispose of waste appropriately.
- Maintain custodial equipment and supplies and report any repair needs.
- Ensure the proper use, storage, and maintenance of cleaning products and equipment.
- Assist with event setup and breakdown, including moving chairs, tables, and basic equipment.
- Perform basic maintenance tasks such as replacing light bulbs, adjusting doors and furniture, changing air filters, assisting with simple repairs, and supporting general building upkeep. Training will be provided.
- Assist with snow removal and other seasonal facility maintenance activities as needed.
- Monitor facility conditions and report maintenance, safety, or security concerns promptly.
- Support a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for patrons, staff, volunteers, artists, and guests.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Previous custodial, janitorial, cleaning, or general maintenance experience preferred, but not required.
- Willingness to learn and perform both custodial and basic maintenance tasks.
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and stand or walk for extended periods.
- Dependable, punctual, and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
- Flexible availability, including evenings and weekends as needed.
- Commitment to maintaining a professional, safe, and positive work environment.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send a resume and brief cover letter to mtucker@themusichall.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
House Manager
Part-Time: Hourly
Reports to General Manager of Front of House
POSITION SUMMARY
The Music Hall, a vibrant and active arts and culture nonprofit performing arts organization, seeks an energetic and personable person to join the Front of House team as a House Manager.
This role is key in helping to execute the run of the show for the audience including overseeing safety, providing necessary accommodations, and delivering a first-class customer service experience, before, during, and after the show.
Producing 300+ live events annually, this role will be incorporated into all Music Hall’s locations to include shows and events taking place at the Historic Theater (900 seats), Lounge (115 seats), and the new Member’s Club (75 seats) opening in April 2024.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist in supervising logistics for all front of house guest-related services at live events to include:
- Customer Service: Overseeing services provided by Music Hall volunteers to include but not limited to ushers, ticket scanners, coat check, elevator access, greeters, etc.; assist guests and artists in answering special requests and resolving problems as necessary; deliver high-touch customer service to all patrons while recognizing donors, members, and stakeholders as such.
- Guest & Staff Safety: Implementing and leading emergency procedures for guest, volunteer, and staff safety to include full evacuation of a venue when it is deemed necessary; assisting and reporting with any medical issues that arise; assist with helping guests that require accommodations into the theater safely and securely.
- Show Operations: Reconcile end-of-night artist merchandise count; regularly communicates over headset with other key departments including production and box office, to ensure all pertinent information on shows is accurate and up to date; manages the maintenance and cleanliness of all areas where food and beverage is served while complying with guidelines provided by the City of Portsmouth and State of NH Health Inspectors; reports any malfunctions and safety concerns in all venues to the Facilities Department; sets-up and restocks supplies and materials for concessions, restrooms, and inside the theater.
QUALIFICATIONS
- High School Education
- 3 years of guest-service experience (theater preferred, but restaurant/hospitality accepted)
- Excellent patron relations skills to include strong verbal communication and decision-making ability
- Must possess a professional and courteous demeanor in all situations
- Must maintain a professional appearance at all times
- Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule to include nights and weekends
- Experience with POS systems and satisfactory computer skills (G Suite, Word, Excel, Keynote)
- Must be able to think on one’s feet and handle high-volume, fast-paced pressure of a multi-venue theater environment.
- Other desired qualifications: Bartending experience is strongly preferred
- Physical abilities: Ability to lift 25lbs+ to include concessions related items
3% Typing/Sitting
30% Lifting
20% Reaching
20% Bending
20% Pushing/Pulling
30% Walking Up/Down Stairs
HOW TO APPLY
Please email a cover letter and resume directly to: Jeff Kamensky with the subject “House Manager. ” Applications directly submitted from outside platforms (LinkedIn, etc.) will be accepted; however, direct emailing is preferred. No calls or walk-ins, please.
The Music Hall is an equal opportunity employer. We highly encourage those traditionally underrepresented in our industry to apply. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, we encourage you to email jkamensky@themusichall.org.
Front of House Positions
Part-time, no-exempt: flexibility with scheduling
Applications: accepted on a rolling basis
Please send a resume to: Jeff Kamensky at jkamensky@themusichall.org
The Music Hall welcomes all applicants of varying skill levels and experience to join our amazing team of talented and passionate Front of House professionals.
We are seeking dynamic can-doers of all backgrounds and experience in various positions, including Bartenders, Servers, Support Staff, Kitchen Stewards, and House Managers to help produce the best entertainment experience possible for our patrons in both our Historic Theater and Music Hall Lounge location.
Please send resumes to Jeff Kamensky at jkamensky@themusichall.org
BARTENDER
Music Hall bartenders deliver a first-class customer experience in a fast-paced, welcoming environment. This role includes crafting quality beverages, maintaining a clean and organized bar, and ensuring guests are served appropriately. Ideal candidates are team-oriented, detail-driven, can serve beverages in a fast-paced environment, and are passionate about hospitality.
SERVER
Servers ensure the timely delivery of food and beverages by checking on their tables periodically throughout the service time. Server responsibilities include but are not limited to attending to patrons before, during, and after the show by helping them place, receive, and pay for their orders. Other duties include: general set-up, garnishing drinks, running items from service areas to patrons, and providing exceptional customer service.
KITCHEN STEWARD
Attends to the detail and presentation of each prepared food order. Prepares ingredients by following recipes; slicing, cutting, chopping, mincing, stirring, whipping, and mixing ingredients; adding seasonings; verifying taste; and plating meals.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to light prep and set up, maintaining a clean and organized workspace, fostering great sanitation practices, reporting low-stock items, and cleaning up and breaking down of workspace.
SUPPORT STAFF
The support staff role is important to running a smooth operation and is a perfect entry-level position for someone looking to enter the service industry. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Expediting and running items from service areas to patrons, bussing tables of empty glasses/plates, cleaning, polishing, refilling ice, and restocking.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Providing excellent customer service and helping to ensure that patrons and members have amazing experiences.
- Experience with POS systems is a plus but not required.
- Bartenders and Servers must be T.E.A.M. training certified.
RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to: General Manager of Front of House and House Manager on duty.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send a resume to: Jeff Kamensky at jkamensky@themusichall.org
The Music Hall is an equal opportunity employer. We highly encourage those traditionally underrepresented in our industry to apply. Diversity is core to our beliefs at The Music Hall. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment for all employees, volunteers, and artists. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, we encourage you to email jkamensky@themusichall.org
ABOUT THE MUSIC HALL
The Music Hall, established in 1878 as a Vaudeville theater, has become a cornerstone of Portsmouth’s vibrant arts scene. Over nearly 150 years, it has evolved into a premier performing arts center, featuring two distinct venues: the landmark Victorian-era Historic Theater, designated an American Treasure by the National Park Service, and the modern Music Hall Lounge, an intimate 116-seat cabaret-style space. Together, they host over 130,000 patrons annually, offering a diverse array of live performances and on-screen programming that foster creativity and community.
In 2024, The Music Hall expanded its cultural offerings by taking over the New Hampshire Film Festival (NHFF), the state’s longest-running film festival, which attracts thousands of visitors each fall with independent films, panels, and networking events. That same year, it opened a new Members Club with McKeon’s Bar and the Box Office & Ticketing Hub, housed in the historic Kearsarge House on Congress Street. This exclusive speakeasy-style club allows members and sponsors direct access to the Historic Theater.
Since 1987, The Friends of The Music Hall, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, have upheld its mission: to present diverse, high-quality arts programming as a vital cultural hub for the Seacoast community. Today, The Music Hall continues to enrich Portsmouth’s cultural fabric with world-class entertainment.