The Bellingham Circus Guild

Oversee bar operations, manage staff, coordinate with event producers, and ensure profitability and compliance. | Experience in bar management or event-based bar operations, strong communication and leadership skills, and WA State MAST permit. | Overview The Bar team lead is responsible for overseeing all aspects of bar operations at the Bellingham Circus Guild (BCG). This includes managing the bar team, coordinating with show producers, creating and upholding policies, and ensuring the bar runs smoothly, profitably, and in line with our organizational values. Key Responsibilities Staff Management • Ensure all bar staff (and self) hold a current WA State MAST (server) permit. • Train and support bar crew to ensure a welcoming, efficient, and safe environment. • Create and maintain the bar schedule based on show needs and crew availability. • Handle staff changes, feedback, and, when necessary, terminations. • Support the Operations Manager with hiring bar staff (including bartenders, servers and security) ensuring we have an adequate staff pool to recruit from for big show runs. Administration & Communication • Check and confirm bar staff hours each month. • Create and track data through Bar Reporting sheet. • Coordinate with SCC to get extra trash, recycling, compost and cardboard totes when needed for large events. • Act as the main point of contact between the bar and: Executive Director – for staffing concerns or workplace issues. Board – for budget updates, large purchase approvals, and financial planning. Bar Maintenance – for bar-related maintenance or repairs. Show Producers – to coordinate bar needs for individual events. Bookkeeper – communicate when cash and receipts have been “dropped”. Inventory • Manage beer, wine, liquor and bar specific supply ordering. • Maintain regular stock of bar inventory. • Ensure bar setup supports profitability and simplicity in offerings. Operations & Maintenance • Create seasonal bar menus in collaboration with show producers, while balancing feasibility and margins. Update the square POS when necessary. • Create and print Deluxe table menus when applicable using Canva. • Uphold and enforce BCG’s alcohol and service policies. • Maintain organization and cleanliness of the bar space • Wash linens. • Monitor bar flow during busy moments and create systems for efficiency. • Maintain the Bar Maintenance log and coordinate with Bar Maintenance to adhere to our maintenance schedule. • Schedule outside maintenance when needed. Financial Responsibilities • Fill out Deposit Slip with bar income and tips each night. • Ensure the bar cash bank is ready and reconciled for each show. • Communicate with Bookkeeper when cash and receipts have been “dropped”. • Responsible for getting smaller bills for cash registers. Availability • Hours vary, this is more like gig work than a typical job. Hours are listed as 3-15 per week but it really varies. February will be a high volume month (up to 40-60 training hours) • The team lead needs to be available to coordinate the bar tasks for all of the times below. Producers and Venue rental hosts give at least one month's notice for new bar requests. • Weekly meeting with the operations team during show season. • Our show schedule begins in mid September. We have major shows for two weekends during Halloween, one weekend at the beginning of December, two weekends for Valentine’s day, and a few in the spring. Summer (June through August are slower months.) • We have a monthly variety show every 15th day of the month • Venue rentals are sporadic, but need to be coordinated and staffed by the bar team lead as well. • Onboarding and training will start no later than February 9th. Pay • Bar Lead (if you work at the bar while it’s open) is paid a rate of $22 per hour + tips • Bar Team Lead (all other team lead tasks) is paid a rate of $23 - $28 per hour (DOE) Qualifications • Experience in bar management or event-based bar operations is essential. Transferable experience may be considered. • Strong communication and leadership skills. • Ability to multitask and stay organized in a fast-paced, often lively environment. • Commitment to creating an inclusive, respectful, and vibrant community space. • Must hold or be willing to obtain and keep current a WA State MAST permit. This role is key to the success and sparkle of our show nights. It blends organization with creativity, leadership with collaboration, and just enough chaos management to keep things interesting. Job Types: Part-time, Seasonal Pay: $23.00 - $28.00 per hour Expected hours: 3 – 10 per week Benefits: • Paid training Application Question(s): • Why are you interested in the Bar Team Lead position at the Bellingham Circus Guild? Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bellingham, WA 98225