Operations Coordinator

Operations Coordinator

Reports To: Production Operations Manager

Range: $1,300 per week (exempt)

Dates of Employment: Mid-June through Late-September 2026

At Ravinia, we believe in the transformative power of shared, live-music moments and their ability to inspire individuals, strengthen communities, and foster a more connected world.

Beyond presenting outstanding performances by the world's greatest musicians, our mission as a not-for-profit organization is to develop broader, more diverse audiences and performers in the music industry with our Reach Teach Play community engagement and education programs, our Steans Institute's collaborative and experiential artistic training programs, and more. Together, Ravinia's initiatives serve tens of thousands of students, families, and emerging professional musicians.

Our 36-acre park is home to North America's longest-running outdoor music festival and its most artistically diverse. Over 100 different events, featuring a mix of classical, rock, pop, jazz, R&B, indie, and country performers, make up a typical summer season across our open-air and indoor stages, including the annual residency of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Position Summary

The Operations Coordinator plays an integral role in coordinating the day-to-day operations of performances presented throughout the season and overseeing the Production department's assistant staff. This position also serves as the primary liaison with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra during the season. Based on the concert schedule, this position will be working 40 - 60 hours per week for 15 weeks. This position is paid bi-weekly.

Key Responsibilities

Concert Operations:

• Lead the non-technical advances for Sandra K. Crown Theater, Carousel Stage, Martin Theatre, and select Bennett Gordon Hall and mainstage performances (e.g. catering/hospitality, artist transportation logistics, guests lists, etc.)
• Liaise and assist the Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians and staff during their residency at Ravinia, which includes, but is not limited to: issuing and tracking various Ravinia access credentials, coordinating backstage and rehearsal spaces, preparing/distributing orchestra communications and guest lists, and answering general Ravinia questions
• Alongside the Assistant Production Manager, serve as Production liaison for opera or staged productions. Responsibilities may include: serving as a main point of contact for the cast and creative team, sharing updates to the cast/creative team/chorus, coordinating meal and prop needs, managing comp ticket requests, overseeing cast transportation, etc.
• Oversee visiting choir logistics (e.g. parking passes, ticketing, dressing room space, hospitality, stage entrances/exits)

Department Operations:

• Coordinate stagehand meals (e.g. placing orders, ensuring timing accuracy, headcounts, managing invoices, etc.)
• Schedule, manage, and submit invoices for piano and harpsichord deliveries, moves, and tunings
• Help maintain the Production department's master schedule with the Production Operations Manager and Assistant Production Coordinators
• Assist manage day-to-day backstage operations by overseeing staff, daily schedules, transportation, and inventory shopping
• Act as main receptionist/dispatch for Production department, as needed
• Provide supplemental driving assistance to Production department with artist transportation and errands, as needed

Other duties as assigned

Skills and Experience Required

• Background in hospitality, event planning, or concert operations
• Experience working in live events (from the performance or arts management end)
• Ability to work well as part of a team and independently
• Excellent communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills
• Creative problem-solving skills
• Ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment
• Clean 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 19mph over the speed limit within the last three years
• Record must be free of multiple speeding violations (of any severity) within the last three years
• Record must be free of any at-fault accident violations within the last five years

Ravinia reserves the right to extend driving record requirements beyond those noted above.

Skills and Experience Preferred

• Experience overseeing and managing staff
• Proficiency with Google Workspace
• Fluency in more than one language is a plus

Work Environment

This is a full-time seasonal position based in Highland Park, IL. This position requires the ability to work outside of normal business hours (extensive early mornings, late nights, and weekends, including some seven-day work weeks). Prolonged periods of standing, the pushing/pulling of carts, and lifting/carrying various supplies are required. This position requires a consistent source of reliable transportation and reliable means of communication.

Benefits and Perks

Eligible for Illinois Paid Leave plan. Monthly cell phone stipend provided during employment. Staff parking is available at the venue. Some meals provided throughout the concert season.

How to Apply

Qualified applicants should apply online at https://ravinia.org and should include:

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Applications accepted through April 26, 2026. Early applications are encouraged and appreciated!

All hiring is contingent upon receipt of an approved background and driving record check. All employees are required to sign an employment agreement and a confidentiality agreement.

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 and 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.