Director of Programming
Director of Programming
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$ 110000 - 140000
1 Vacancy
Job Description
About Us:
Ravinia believes in the power of shared live-music moments to inspire ourselves our communities and the world. The nonprofits mission is to enrich lives through the transformative power of music. From exceptional performances and professional training in the Steans Institute to educational programs and community engagement through Reach Teach Play Ravinia strives to create memorable experiences that connect people foster curiosity and ensure that the joy of live music is accessible to all.
The 36-acre park is home to North Americas longest-running outdoor music festival and serves as an enchanting place to experience concerts throughout the summer. Performances range across classical rock pop jazz R&B indie and country genres and include the annual summer residency of one of the worlds finest orchestras: the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The festival is located about 20 miles north of Chicago at Green Bay and Lake Cook Roads in Highland Park. With over one hundred performances each summer the 2025 season runs from June 6-August 31.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their rsum cover letter and any relevant work samples toby September 1 2025. Please include the job title in the subject line of your email. We look forward to reviewing your application.
Job Summary:
The Director of Programming is a full-time exempt position reporting directly to the Sr. Director of Programming. This position supports the President & CEO and Sr. Director of Programming in artistic planning and booking the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) visiting orchestras chamber and kids artists negotiating fees budgeting expenses and planning the concert season. The Director of Programming supervises the Manager of Artist Services & Programming (full-time) and Production Coordinator (seasonal) in conjunction with the Sr. Director of Programming.
Key Responsibilities:
Artistic Planning
With the President & CEO and Sr. Director of Programming curates the classical chamber and kids concert series supporting the artistic vision for Ravinia.
With Chief Conductor and the Artistic team develops programming for the CSO residency.
Works with symphonic guest conductors and soloists to coordinate repertoire and rehearsal schedules for CSO performances.
Liaises program information and schedules with the CSO Administration.
Arrange music with the CSO librarians in coordination with the Sr. Director of Programming.
Manages the bookings and negotiations for classical chamber and kids artists.
Oversee and serve as the lead producer for Ravinias Breaking Barriers festival including event planning for panels and all related activities.
Artistic Administration
Oversees development and execution of contracts for classical chamber and kids performances.
Process artists fees and reimbursements in a timely manner according to contractual agreements.
Manages procurement of O-1B visas for artists. Collects documentation and processes visa applications for classical and chamber artists as necessary.
With the Artistic department updates the Performance calendar with program information timings rehearsals artists and other artistic events.
Participate as a key member of the Show Model Emergency Operations Plan and Concert Ops task forces
Participate as a key member with the Artistic team in season previews.
Attend 1-2 industry conferences each year and prospective performances.
Concert Advancing
Oversees the coordination of classical artist riders and itineraries in collaboration with the Manager of Artist Services and Programming.
Liaises with WFMT (Chicagolands classical radio station) for live/delayed broadcasts of performances and interviews and secures necessary artist approvals.
Coordinates artist involvement for Reach Teach Play development functions marketing engagements off-site events and special events.
In collaboration with the Communications department determines marketing strategy obtains program information as necessary and publicity materials from artists and agents.
Proofs season brochure program books inserts and other printed materials pertaining to artists.
Liaises with the Chief Conductor in preparation for their residency and serves as primary contact throughout their stay.
Concert Production
Shares Artistic Concert Duty responsibilities with artistic and production staff.
With Sr. Director of Programming oversees all production and performance logistics for Classical Chamber and Kids performances throughout the year.
Serves as the point person backstage for classical and chamber artists production team and technical inquiries.
Travel/Accommodations
Oversees all flight and hotel bookings for visiting artists and personnel advising the Manager of Artist Services & Programming to ensure the most cost-effective rates.
Oversees Ravinias airline sponsored account and travel budget.
Develops and cultivates relationships with multiple hotels to provide artists with the finest accommodations at cost-effective prices.
Qualifications:
Bachelors degree in Music Music Administration or a related field.
Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in arts administration at a level comparable to the intensity of a Ravinia summer season
Demonstrated ability to thrive under deadline pressure while managing multiple projects with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Self-starter with excellent judgment interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset.
Professional highly dependable and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
A good degree of knowledge of classical music repertoire and artists
Previous artistic or production experience
Performance experience is a plus
Work Environment
This is a full-time in-person position based in Highland Park IL with some travel required.
As the Director of Programming your schedule will vary throughout the year based on events and performances at Ravinia. While the role typically operates during standard business hours (MondayFriday 9:00 AM5:00 PM) flexibility is essential. During the summer concert season (JuneSeptember) late evenings weekends and some holidays may be required. Additionally occasional weekend and evening work may be necessary year-round depending on Ravinias performance schedule.
Given the nature of live in-person concerts the role will be primarily on-site during the summer season. However opportunities for a more hybrid work schedule may be available during the fall winter and spring months.
Benefits
Excellent health and welfare benefits: medical dental vision flexible spending accounts commuter benefits teledoc options employee well-being programs life insurance short-term and long-term disability. It also includes comprehensive time off plans (holidays vacation sick and personal days). Additionally generous employer contributions to the 401(a) retirement savings plan employee-elected 403(b) retirement savings plan learning and mentorship opportunities access to various staff working groups and a general admission season pass for two to Ravinia concerts.
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.
Required Experience:
Director
Employment Type
Full-Time
