Customer Support Associate

Position Type: Seasonal, Temporary
Compensation: $18.00 per hour, with mileage reimbursement for approved local travel
Location: Various venues across Minneapolis and Saint Paul, MN
Duration: January 23 - February 3, 2025, candidates must be available for onboarding and training January 13 -18, 2025.

The Great Northern Summary:
The Great Northern celebrates Minnesota’s cold, creative winters through diverse, invigorating programming that showcases the resilience and culture of the North. Our annual festival spans 10 days of unique arts, outdoor experiences, and cultural events across Minneapolis and Saint Paul, highlighting themes of community, sustainability, and climate awareness.

Position Summary:
The Festival Customer Support Associate plays an essential role in delivering high-quality guest experiences and operational support during the festival. This role is primarily focused on in-person ticket sales using the SquadUp platform with Square card readers, guest relations, and logistical assistance. This position does not involve cash handling. When ticket sales duties are not required, the associate will assist with transporting small equipment boxes, sandwich board signs, and other items between festival venues.

The ideal candidate will be customer service-oriented, proactive, and capable of navigating fast-paced environments. They should have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities. Training will be provided to employees on customer service within the context of the festival, using the Squad Up ticketing system, employee code of conduct, inclusion and accessibility practices, and emergency preparedness awareness.

Reports to: Festival Operations Manager

Key Responsibilities:

Guest Relations and Ticket Sales

• Sell and process in-person ticket sales using the Squad Up platform and Square card readers.

• Provide exceptional customer service, addressing guest inquiries, troubleshooting ticketing issues, and guiding attendees through event details.

• Support guests with general festival information and ensure a welcoming atmosphere at each event location.

• Handle guest feedback and escalate issues to the Festival Operations Manager when necessary. 

• Support overall event safety and accessibility by assisting with the flow of attendees and promptly communicating any crowd-related concerns to the appropriate staff.

• Collaborate with volunteers and other staff to ensure cohesive operations. 

• Adhere to festival policies and procedures, including health and safety guidelines. 

Logistics and Equipment Transport

• Assist in the transport and setup of small boxes of event equipment related to ticket sales, TGN  between festival venues across Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

• Coordinate with the festival team to ensure timely delivery and placement of equipment.

• When necessary, coordinate with volunteers to maintain I wan

Qualifications:

• Previous experience in customer service, ticket sales, or related fields is preferred.

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

• Friendly, approachable demeanor with adaptable communication skills.

Preferred but Not Required: 

• Familiarity with using mobile payment platforms (e.g., Square, Stripe, ticketing systems).

• Reliable transportation for traveling between festival venues.

• Valid Driving License

• Ability to lift and transport small equipment (up to 25 lbs).

Schedule:
This is a temporary position spanning the duration of the festival, including daytime, evening, and weekend shifts. Candidates must have a flexible schedule and the ability to work on-site at various festival venues.

Compensation:

• $18.00 per hour, with reimbursement for mileage for approved local travel.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and brief cover letter outlining their relevant experience and qualifications to hello@thegreatnorthernfestival.com. Please include "Festival Customer Support Associate" in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.

The Great Northern overview: The Great Northern is a platform that sparks conversations and cultivates community through diverse programming, which draws inspiration from Minnesota’s cold, creative winters—engaging the mind and invigorating the body and spirit. In an era of changing climate that threatens our signature season, we bring people together, inspire action, and share the resilient spirit of the North with the world. 

Each year, The Great Northern (TGN) shines a light on Minneapolis and Saint Paul in late January and early February, drawing national attention to the region during its coldest time of year. The festival offers events including outdoor experiences, world premiere performances, food events, site-specific art, panels and speakers, films and regional craft, in addition to commissioned writing, storytelling, and partnerships with local and national institutions. 

While the festival invokes joy and celebration, it also highlights an existential threat to winter: climate change. There is no place on earth unaffected by warming weather, and our own region has seen some of its beloved traditions diminished and its environment compromised. In celebrating winter, the festival is also a call to action. To that end, we have expanded the

festival’s impact by presenting a broader range of programming focused on climate change, the richness of our winter arts scene, and diverse perspectives on how we, as a community, embrace winter. TGN views its arts, outdoor, and cultural programming as a powerful strategy for raising awareness about our changing climate, with the belief that visceral experiences like music, art, storytelling, and immersion in nature help attendees make emotional connections and can successfully shift mindsets toward understanding and adopting solutions. 

Equal Opportunity Employer
The Great Northern is committed to creating an inclusive, dynamic work environment that reflects the rich diversity of the Twin Cities community. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, particularly those from underrepresented groups. Our hiring practices embrace diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, and religion.