The Center for Fiction

Position: Usher

Employee Type: Part-time, Hourly, Non-Exempt, Temporary (Feb. 2026 through early Dec. 2026, with most of July and all of August off)

Reports To: Senior Director of Public Programming

Work Schedule: Typically 8-12 hours per week; irregular hours with evening events on  weekday evenings with a 5:30 start time and daytime events weekday mornings starting between 9 and 10 am. Occasional (infrequent) weekend work. 

Salary: $18/hour 

Position Overview:  Over the past seven years, The Center for Fiction has become the Brooklyn destination for inspired and inspiring literary and cultural events with luminaries such as Zadie Smith, Mariana Enríquez, and Garth Greenwell. This seasonal role assists the Event Staff in producing each program and welcoming guests into the space. 

Responsibilities 

• Host visitors and audience members ranging from adults to students (K-12) and welcome them to the event/field questions/facilitate book signings, etc.  
• Set up and break down the multipurpose event space for the unique needs of each program
• Make sure all spaces related to the event are presentable/clean and ready for use
• Collect audience data/feedback 
• Other duties as assigned 

Required Qualifications

• Able to multitask and anticipate needs
• Able to provide excellent customer service for a wide range of people and communicate clearly; prior customer experience a plus
• Must be extremely friendly and a team player
• Able to use good judgment to know when to escalate issues to management
• Connection to The Center for Fiction’s mission 
• This role requires regular standing and walking, the ability to lift and carry items up to approximately 50 pounds, frequent interaction with the public, and the ability to perform repetitive motions, including reaching, bending, and handling objects. 

To Apply: 

Please send a cover letter and resume as a single PDF to jobs@centerforfiction.org with “Usher” in the subject line. In your cover letter, please tell us about: 

• Your interest in this position and in literary events 
• Any relevant experience (particularly any public-facing or customer service experience)
• Your availability 
• In your final paragraph, tell us 1-3 contemporary authors you would most like to meet.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis beginning January 26, 2026. Position open until filled.

A literary nonprofit located in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn’s arts and cultural district, The Center for Fiction supports readers and writers of all ages and histories, and builds community through fiction. We offer a wide range of public programming for local and national audiences, workshops and creative spaces for emerging and established writers, and awards and fellowships that support the development of fresh talent and inspire readers to discover new voices.