Assistant Manager, Event Operations

Company Description

Ravinia® 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, the Ravinia Steans Music 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 85,000 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.

Ravinia embraces diversity in all forms and is committed to providing an equitable and inclusive environment for all staff, musicians, guest artists, audiences, and community members. Ravinia is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage individuals of all identities and abilities to apply.

Job Description

The Assistant Manager of Event Operations (AMEO) reports to the Manager of Event Operations (MEO) and is responsible for daily coordination of all banquets, catering events, and meetings including set-up, breakdown, and execution. During Ravinia’s summer concert season, the AMEO will share supervisory duties with the MEO of up to 10 seasonal employees. The position will also serve as an on-site Park Operations representative for off-season events. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Summer Concert Season

• Participate in the set-up, execution and break-down of event equipment in coordination with internal Ravinia departments and external vendors
• Assist with training and supervision of up to 10 seasonal employees
• Participate in seasonal opening and closing procedures as assigned
• Participate with Events Team meeting and discussions on regular basis 
• Maintain all event and meeting spaces in a clean and organized manner
• Assist with general maintenance including painting, repairs, etc.

Off-Season

• Act as on-site Park Operations representative during offseason events
• Assist with planning and execution of general maintenance including snow removal, painting, repairs, renovations, etc.
• Lock down all facilities after close of business (5pm) during the off-season as assigned

Qualifications

Knowledge and Skills 

• Excellent interpersonal skills with a focus on customer service
• Maintains a calm demeanor in stressful scenarios
• Ability to lift up to 75lbs on a regular basis
• Ability to work on a team in a fast-paced, entertainment venue
• Strong communication, organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills & attention to detail. 
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace suite of products
• Comfortable driving Ravinia’s fleet vehicles and golf carts.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Experience managing events and/or banquets a plus 
• Management experience a plus
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record 
• Forklift certification is a plus, or willing to learn 

**Driving Record Requirements to Operate Ravinia Fleet Vehicles

• Drivers must be age 18+
• 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.

Additional Information

Work Environment:

The Assistant Manager of Event Operations will be expected to work a flexible schedule based on the time of year, events, and performances taking place at Ravinia. Off-season (October through April) shifts include weekdays from 7:00am-3:30pm or 9:30am-6:00pm with selected weekends and evenings. Summer Concert Season (May-September) shifts include weekdays from 7:00am-3:30pm including several weekends, evenings, and selected holidays. The Assistant Manager of Event Operations will spend a significant amount of time outdoors and should be prepared to work in any and all weather conditions.

Benefits: Excellent health and welfare benefits, including comprehensive time off, generous retirement savings plans, learning and mentorship opportunities, access to various staff working groups, and a general admission season pass to Ravinia events.

Office Location: Ravinia Administrative Office, 418 Sheridan Rd. Highland Park, IL 

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.