Artist Merchandise Seller Job at Ravinia Festival Association in Highland Park

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, Ravinia’s Steans 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 50,000 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.

Dates of Employment

Early-June through Early-September 2025 (with some flexibility)

Applications are accepted through May 11, 2025. Early applications are encouraged and appreciated! Applications with resumes and cover letters are preferred.

Job Description

The Artist Merchandise Sellers aid in the setup and sales of all artist-branded merchandise brought in during the 2025 summer season. This includes merchandise brought into Ravinia for sale by artists in genres such as rock, R&B, pop, country, hip hop, popular children’s music, and occasionally classical.

Responsibilities

• Transport merchandise to and from the merchandise booth

• Set up and tear down merchandise displays

• Recording inventory of merchandise pre and post concert to verify starting and ending quantities

• Sell merchandise prior to, during, and post show

• Provide excellent customer service to guests

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Prior customer service and/or sales experience

• Basic math skills and prior cash-handling experience

• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills

• Ability to be on your feet for extended periods of time and lift up to 40 pounds

• Ability to work outside of normal business hours (position requires extensive nights and weekends)

Ideal candidates will also offer some of the following skills/experience:

• Background in retail, customer service, and/or event merchandising

• Experience working in a fast-paced environment

• Experience using the point-of-sale system atVenu

• Foreign language speakers are encouraged to apply

Work Environment

This is a seasonal position based in Highland Park, IL. The position requires the ability to work outside of normal business hours (extensive late nights and weekends). Prolonged periods of standing, pushing/pulling carts, and lifting/carrying up to 40 pounds are required.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $15.75/hour; hours per week vary based on concert schedule (see additional information below). 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.

Benefits: Some meals provided. Free parking at the venue. Eligible for Illinois Paid Leave plan.

Additional Information

Most non-classical artists (e.g. Pentatonix, Stevie Nicks, Little Big Town, John Legend, etc.) performing at Ravinia will bring merchandise to be sold at the venue. The Artist Merchandise Sellers’ schedules are based on these concerts. We try to determine ahead of time which artists will bring merchandise and ask the Artist Merchandise Sellers to commit to as many dates as possible within their window of availability. Ideal candidates can work all events during their period of availability. The number of hours per week depends on that week’s concert schedule. Some weeks throughout the season may be more part-time, while other weeks are more full-time. The Artist Merchandise Seller shifts generally begin between 1pm-3pm on concert days and conclude once tear down is complete post-concert.

All hiring is contingent upon receipt of an approved background 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. 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.