Program Assistant, Steans Institute

Position Title: Steans Program Assistant Program: Steans Institute Reports To: Steans Institute Assistant Director Range: 16.75/hr (non-exempt) Company Description 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. Steans Institute is an artist development program for the next generation of classical and jazz musicians. Our world-renowned fellowship programs empower emerging professional classical pianists and string players, classical singers, composers, and jazz instrumentalists to refine their craft, collaborate with peers, and elevate their musicianship to new heights. The tuition-free experience at Ravinia includes housing and meals, plus instruction from a world-class faculty of headlining artists and scholars. Performance opportunities include a mix of public master classes with renowned guest artists, concerts programmed from repertoire chosen by fellows, and concerts curated by the Steans Institute's faculty. 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 and Coordinators to perform all aspects of Stean's 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. Early applications are encouraged! Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume. Key Responsibilities Concert Preparation and Production Stage management of Steans concerts and master classes, including preparation, backstage and onstage responsibilities, in conjunction with Steans Coordinators and Audio Video contractors. Pre-performance preparation, including communication with artists about equipment needs, dress rehearsal coordination, and program insert production. Video and audio recording and processing for artist rehearsalsno 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 and food services operations from on and off-site vendors Other Duties and Operational Support as Assigned Knowledge and Skills Required Demonstrated ability to work well as part of a team and independently Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills Flexibility and creativity in the face of challenges Punctuality and ability to work outside of normal business hours Knowledge of Google Suite Must have or be able to establish summer residence in the greater Chicago area Acceptable driving record.Education and Experience 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 late May through August 23, 2026 How to Apply Early applications are encouraged! Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume. Benefits This position may be submitted for internship course credit. Monthly cell phone stipend. Some meals provided throughout the summer. 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.

Created: 2026-03-04