Artist Merchandise Manager 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

Mid-May through Early-September 2025

PLEASE NOTE: The annual salary posted reflects 16 weeks of work (see below for salary details)

Applications are accepted through April 27, 2025. Early applications are encouraged and appreciated! Applications with resumes and cover letters are preferred.

---

Job Description

The Artist Merchandise Manager works alongside various members of the Production and Artistic departments. The Artist Merchandise Manager is responsible for all aspects of artist merchandise sales at Ravinia. This includes the 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. The Artist Merchandise Manager also oversees a team of Artist Merchandise Sellers.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and communicate with visiting artist merchandise representatives prior to each concert

• Oversee the setup and sales of all artist merchandise

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

• Manage a staff of Artist Merchandise Sellers

• Execute post-concert merchandise settlements

• Sell merchandise prior to, during, and post-concert, as needed

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Experience overseeing and managing staff

• Prior cash handling experience

• Strong math skills

• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Consistent source of transportation at any time of day or night and a reliable cell phone

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

• Experience using the point-of-sale system atVenu

• Background in customer service or sales experience

• Experience using and troubleshooting credit card machines

• Experience working in a fast-paced environment

• Foreign language speakers are encouraged to apply

All hiring is contingent upon receipt of an approved background check. All employees are required to sign an employment agreement and a confidentiality agreement.

---

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 (extensive late nights and weekends). Prolonged periods of standing, the pushing/pulling of carts, and lifting/carrying up to 40 pounds are required.

---

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: $975 per week. This position is not eligible for overtime. Based on the concert schedule, the weekly schedule ranges from 30 to 60 hours.

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