Position Summary
Ravinia Festival seeks passionate and dedicated staff for its summer conservatory, the Steans Institute, for classical and jazz musicians. The Program Assistant is an important member of Steans’s administrative team, reporting to the Assistant Director of the Institute, and working closely with the Steans Institute Manager to perform all aspects of Steans’ daily operations. Key responsibilities include concert preparation and production for 20+ performances in Ravinia’s Bennett Gordon Hall, maintaining the smooth operations of the summer programs, and providing high-level customer service to fellows and faculty.
Steans offers employees the unique opportunity to engage in various aspects of arts administration at the Institute. The fellows are young professional musicians (ages 18 – 30) at the beginning of their careers and the faculty includes world-renowned musicians and teachers. The ideal candidate is an organized and collaborative worker with a passion for helping bring live music to life. The in-person position averages 32 – 40 hours per week, including work during nights and weekends.
Key Responsibilities
- Concert Preparation and Production
- Stage management of Steans concerts and master classes, including preparation, backstage, and onstage responsibilities
- Concert program insert production, including sourcing artist materials, creation of program notes, and assembly utilizing Adobe InDesign
- Video and audio recording and processing for artist rehearsals *no experience required
- Administrative Assistance
- Serve as front-line point of contact in support of the Institute’s daily activities, managing the front desk reception
- Assist with the management of day-to-day office operations, including opening and closing the Harza building, supporting the maintenance of off-site residential houses, and ensuring necessary supplies are appropriately stocked.
- Manage the reservation of rehearsal spaces in the Harza building, resolving request issues as they arise
- Artist Hospitality
- Respond to and prioritize varied requests from fellows, faculty, and guest artists
- Provide ground transportation to fellows and faculty
- Assist in the daily catering operations from on and off-site vendors
- Other Duties and Operational Support as Assigned
Qualifications
- Knowledge and Skills:
- Demonstrated ability to work well as part of a team and independently
- Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
- Commitment to following instructions and procedures accurately; detail-oriented
- Flexibility and creativity in the face of challenges
- Punctuality and ability to work outside of normal business hours
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Suite
- Must have or be able to establish either a permanent or summer residence in the greater Chicago area
- Acceptable driving record.**
- **Driving Record Requirements to Operate Ravinia Fleet Vehicles
- Drivers must be age 19+
- Record must be free of any violation for speeding in excess of 19 mph over the speed limit within the last 3 years
- Record must be free of multiple speeding violations (of any severity) within the last 3 years
- Record must be free of any at-fault accident violations within the last 5 years
- Ravinia reserves the right to extend requirements beyond those noted above
Work Environment
This is a full-time, in-person seasonal position based in Highland Park, IL, including work during nights and weekends. Dates of employment are May 22 through August 25, 2025.
Compensation and Benefits
$16.75/hour; 32 to 40 hours per week with opportunity for overtime (paid at time and a half). This position may be submitted for internship course credit. Monthly cell phone stipend. Some meals provided throughout the summer. Eligible for Paid Leave plan.
How to Apply
Early application is encouraged! Interested applicants should submit:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Ravinia is an Equal Opportunity Employer
As an equal opportunity employer, Ravinia strongly believes that diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives is essential to our success. We strive to create and sustain an equitable and inclusive environment for all our employees. Ravinia does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law. We encourage individuals of all identities and abilities to apply.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
