Company Description

Ravinia is both North America’s longest-running 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 75,000 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

“We believe in the power of shared, live-music moments to inspire ourselves and the world.”

Box Office Representatives play a very important role in providing a memorable experience for everyone who visits Ravinia.

Box Office positions are seasonal and scheduling is flexible. Most employees work 30 - 40 hours per week depending on availability. Day, evening and weekend hours are required.
The Ravinia season runs from June – September. Priority in hiring is given to applicants who are available to work the entire season. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age to be considered for any position at the Ravinia Festival.
Dates and Hours of Employment:
Positions begin as early as March and run through late-September, with most staff starting in May and June.

• Positions require a commitment of 30 - 40 hours a week.
• Beginning in March, normal business hours are available in the Box Office until the season begins in June.
• Scheduling is flexible from June - September.

*Once the concert season begins employees must be available for day, evening and weekend hours*
General Responsibilities:
•Work with patrons handling ticket sales, ticket exchanges, ticket donations and will call both on the phone and in person
•Listen to and answer customer questions and concerns while providing superior customer service
•Handle cash and be responsible for daily reconciliation
•Retain and relay a large amount of detailed information about performances, events, and the park
•Research and resolve straightforward customer challenges
•Assist patrons with the navigation of the website and the online ticket purchasing process
•Provide detailed information about Highland Park and surrounding areas; including driving directions, parking and public transportation
•Filing, copying and other basic office duties
•No telemarketing, incoming calls only

Qualifications

• Excellent customer service skills
• Knowledge of performing arts and/or music industry (with knowledge in classical music a plus)
• Superior communication, listening and problem solving skills. Must practice attentive and active listening
• Must be punctual, dependable and have reliable transportation to and from work
• Able to maintain composure and positive attitude during difficult times
• Ability to easily and quickly learn new computer programs
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word / Excel and Google Workspace with advanced knowledge of email and the internet 
• Must possess basic math skills
• An ability to handle several forms of payment types such as cash, check and credit card with a high degree of accuracy 
• Detail oriented
• Team player and ability to work independently
• Keep a clean office space
• To perform the duties of this position, the candidate must be able to sit and stand for extended periods of time and walk about occasionally
Ideal candidates will also offer some of the following skills/experience:
• A background in customer service, ticketing, or retail
• Diverse musical interests
• Multilingual

Ravinia Box Office positions require excellent customer service skills. Applicants must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. 

Additional Information

Job Perks: Fun, fast-paced, supportive work environment; flexible scheduling; ability to see live music; reduced Metra fare during concert season; learning and growth opportunities.

Qualified applicants must attach a cover letter, résumé and references . Only applications that include all three items will be considered. All hiring is contingent on receiving an approved background check. 

We appreciate your patience, as this process may take a while to complete. Positions are very limited and priority in hiring is given to returning seasonal staff and new candidates that are most qualified. Priority is also given to those with adequate availability throughout the end of the summer season in late-September.

Interviews will be conducted until all positions are filled. Due to the high number of applications we may not be able to contact all applicants directly. If you do not hear from us, unfortunately, we do not have a position for you this season and we encourage you to apply again next year.

No phone calls or emails please.

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.