Restaurant Host (Seasonal; up to 40 hours per week; May to September)

POSITION SUMMARY:   The Restaurant Host is an enthusiastic, friendly, and professional team member who will serve as the first point of contact for our guests.  Provides an exceptional dining experience by greeting and seating customers, managing reservations, and maintaining a smooth flow of the front-of-house operations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Greet guests with a warm, welcoming attitude and ensure a positive first impression of the restaurant.
• Manage the reservation system, ensuring efficient seating arrangements and timely guest service.
• Escort guests to their tables and provide menus while maintaining a courteous and professional demeanor.
• Handle guest inquiries, including wait times and table availability, and answer phone calls promptly.
• Coordinate with servers, bartenders, and other restaurant staff to ensure smooth and efficient service.
• Monitor dining areas to ensure cleanliness and resolve any issues promptly.
• Maintain an accurate waitlist and assist guests in making informed decisions regarding wait times and seating preferences.
• Assist in managing guest flow during busy hours to minimize wait times.
• Ensure all guests are treated with respect and receive high-quality customer service.
• Uphold restaurant policies and procedures.
• Perform light administrative duties as required (e.g., maintaining reservation records).
• Assist with cleaning and organizing the front-of-house areas, including menus and promotional materials.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask.
• Good communication skills and a team-oriented mindset.
• Ability to stay organized and handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Friendly, approachable, and confident demeanor with a focus on customer service.
• Ability to handle stressful situations professionally.
• Basic knowledge of reservation systems and point-of-sale (POS) systems is a plus
• Hospitality or restaurant experience preferred

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 16 years old
• Available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to stand for long periods
• Ability to lift and carry light objects (e.g., menus, guest materials)

We’re pleased to consider applicants who will be physically located in and who will have a local address in Virginia, Maryland, or the District of Columbia for the duration of their employment. The Foundation does not offer fully remote work for any positions. Applicants who reside in any other state would be required to be physically located in and provide a local address in Virginia, Maryland, or the District of Columbia prior to starting work for Wolf Trap Foundation. 

Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment that embraces and encourages different perspectives.  We work to reflect and be representative of the communities in which we serve and in which we reside.  Qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans who need assistance or an accommodation in our job application processes should contact hr@wolftrap.org.  An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a background check.

Salary : $15