Position Title: Production Assistant
Reports To: Production Operations Manager
Range: $16.75 per hour (non-exempt)
Dates of Employment: Late-June through Late-September 2026 (with some flexibility)
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.
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 Production Assistants help perform the daily backstage operations of the Production department. Please note that there are no technical/on-stage aspects to this position. Based on the concert schedule, this position will be working 30 - 40 hours per week. This position is eligible for overtime pay when working more than 40 hours in one week. Ravinia’s work week begins on Saturday and ends on Friday. This position is paid bi-weekly.
Key Responsibilities
• Provide ground transportation for artists, crew, and guests using Ravinia’s fleet of vehicles
• Shop for and organize hospitality items for rehearsals and performances
• Ensure dressing rooms are clean, well-organized, and stocked prior to artists’ arrival
• Organize and reset dressing rooms after artists’ departure
• Restock and organize the Production department’s general inventory
• Act as main receptionist / dispatch for the Production department, as needed
• Set up, sell, and tear down artist merchandise, as needed
• Act as a Production Runner for various artists’ teams, as needed
• Other duties as assigned
Skills and Experience Required
• Ability to work well as part of a team and independently
• Strong communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills
• Ability to multi-task and remain composed in a fast-paced environment
• 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
• Customer service or hospitality industry experience
• Experience driving full size SUVs and large passenger vans
• Knowledge of Chicagoland area attractions, roadways, and public transportation
• Fluency in more than one language is a plus
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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 (early mornings, late nights, and weekends). 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. Internship credit is available if applicable.
How to Apply
Qualified applicants should include:
• Cover Letter
• Resume
Applications accepted through May 17, 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.
