Event Porter in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at EASTERN STATE

Job Summary:

The Event Porter is responsible for setting up, servicing, and cleaning event spaces before, during, and after standardized public programs, civic education forums, donor convenings, and signature special events. This role supports event operations and ensures guests experience a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. The Event Porter works closely with Event Manager, staff, clients, and other team members to maintain high operational standards and seamless event execution. Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including daytime, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Logistical Layout Coordination:

• Review approved floorplans and precisely set up chairs, tables, staging, and other event furniture to meet standard operational layouts or custom client requests.
• Perform thorough pre-event cleaning of the venue space, including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and disinfecting high-touch surfaces to ensure a pristine presentation prior to guest arrival.
• Assist with banners, signage, and other basic event setup needs.

Mid-Event Operations Support

• Actively monitor high-traffic areas during programs to bus tables, clear trash, wipe down spills, and maintain impeccable cleanliness.
• Regularly check and service restrooms and public areas, ensuring paper goods, liners, and soap are fully restocked throughout the event.
• Maintain situational awareness to identify and mitigate safety hazards or misplaced inventory immediately. Respond promptly and professionally to radio calls for clean-ups or operational support via walkie-talkie.
• Serve as a welcoming, helpful presence for guests, speakers, and vendors by providing accurate directions, running urgent operational errands, and coordinating closely with the event and technical teams.

Restoration

• Efficiently dismantle setups, break down event furniture, and carefully pack away signage and linens. While also managing inventory to ensure that every items is accounted for and the condition of return.
• Execute thorough post-event cleaning protocols, including comprehensive trash and recycling removal, liner replacement, sweeping, and mopping.
• Restore all spaces to their original, standardized pre-event condition or reset the layout entirely to prepare for the next scheduled program or museum opening.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Strong, hospitality, customer service and communication skills.
• High attention to detail and operational presentation standards.
• Ability to take direction and collaborate effectively with event and tech teams.
• Flexibility to work a varied assigned schedule that includes weekends, holidays, and evening
• Comfortable in fast-paced hospitality environments.
• Proactive, reliable, and able to stay calm under pressure.
• Strong time management and task prioritization.
• Teamwork and basic tool skills for assembling/disassembling equipment.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and move heavy items such as tables and stacked chairs (up to 50 lbs).
• Physical stamina to stand, bend, reach, and move for extended periods.
• Ability to perform cleaning tasks, including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and trash removal.
• Ability to use a walkie talkie with an earpiece
• Ability to navigate all aspects of the 10 acre site when needed.
• Ability to work in outdoor environments, including in the elements and in indoor or covered spaces where temperatures may vary.

EEO Statement

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, arrest record or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.

ESPHS strongly believes in second chances and, as such, is committed to providing appropriate employment opportunities to those who have been incarcerated. As a condition of employment, all individuals who accept an employment offer must complete a criminal background check. Eastern State will review any criminal record and make appropriate employment decisions in accordance with applicable law and its policies.

Other duties

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Eastern State employees are expected to be flexible and to take on additional duties as assigned, according to the organization’s needs and the staff member’s skills and abilities.