Carl Barron Plaza Host

Job Description

Job Description

Carl Barron Plaza Host Position Overview

Carl Barron Plaza, located at the intersection of Mass Ave and River Street, is the most significant public open space in Central Square. The redesign and reconstruction of the Plaza has been a key component of Cambridge’s River Street project, and the plaza is reopening in Fall 2026 as a larger and more cohesive plaza with state of the art urban design features, modular seating, added lighting and landscaping, reconfigured bus stops and a separated bike lane, and a bold sculptural feature known as “the Ribbon”.

The Central Square BID is partnering with the City of Cambridge to activate the reopened plaza through performances, live music, vending opportunities, and community centered care.

To ensure the long-term success of the Carl Barron Plaza, having a dedicated Plaza Host will be essential to maintaining a consistent, welcoming, and stabilizing presence. A dedicated ambassador serves as an approachable point of contact for community members, visitors, local business owners, and unhoused neighbors alike. Beyond offering hospitality and assistance with plaza performers, their active presence helps cultivate a safe, clean, and vibrant environment, helping navigate the day-to-day dynamics of the square with empathy and care. By serving as a reliable anchor on the ground, the Carl Barron Plaza Host ensures that Carl Barron Plaza remains a secure, inclusive, and thriving hub for everyone in Central Square.

Essential Functions:

• Maintains high visibility in the Carl Barron Plaza to maximize engagement with plaza performers and visitors.
• Serves as a deterrent while circulating through the Carl Barron Plaza to deter unwanted activity through a visible uniformed presence. 
• Assists Carl Barron Plaza performers with equipment and AV setup and breakdown, and provides as needed support to the plaza’s performers. 
• Actively reports unwanted behaviors, such as: disorderly conduct, and any criminal activities or other situations deemed unsafe to plaza visitors, and reports to Cambridge Police and local authorities via established communication methods.
• Responds to emergency situations following outlined protocol: This position acts as a front-line responder, and will sound the alarm for the Cambridge Police Department and police alternatives.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualifications:

Age/Education/Experience

• Must have at least one year experience in hospitality or customer service
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must have High School Diploma or GED

Physical Abilities:

• Must have excellent communication skills with the ability to speak, read and write the English language in order to create basic reports.
• Must have the physical capacity to stand and walk continuously during a six to eight hour shift with normal breaks (ex: two fifteen-minute breaks, and one thirty-minute meal break).
• Must be able to safely lift, carry, and deploy tents, tables and AV equipment with a maximum weight of 75 pounds. 
• This role requires the ability to work outdoors. Shifts may involve extended periods working outside in varying weather conditions. Must be able to work in the Carl Barron Plaza in all conditions with provided inclement weather gear.