Program Assistant, Steans Institute

Job Description

Job Description

Company DescriptionRavinia® is both North America’s longest-running not-for-profit music festival and its most artistically diverse. Over 100 different events by a mix of classical, rock, pop, jazz, R&B, indie, and country performers make up a typical summer season on our two open-air and two indoor stages. Each year the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is featured in six weeks of concerts, many with Chief Conductor Marin Alsop. During the same summer months, Ravinia's Steans Institute provides young professional classical and jazz musicians with career-advancing training and concert settings.Offstage and year-round, Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play education programs engage 50,000 children and adults—in schools with little to no music curriculum, in our Chicagoland communities, and at our 36-acre park—in our mission to make music equitably accessible to all.

Job Description

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

Serve as front-line point of contact in support of the Institute’s daily activities, managing the front desk reception

Respond to and prioritize varied requests from fellows, faculty, and guest artists

Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to work well as part of a team and independently

Drivers must be age 19

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 :

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.

Salary : $17