Director of Programming

Job Description

Job Description

About Us:
Ravinia believes in the power of shared, live-music moments to inspire ourselves, our communities, and the world. The nonprofit’s 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 America’s 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 world’s 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 résumé, cover letter, and any relevant work samples to jobs@21cmediagroup.com by 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 Ravinia’s 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 (Chicagoland’s 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 Ravinia’s 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:

• Bachelor's 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 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM), flexibility is essential. During the summer concert season (June–September), late evenings, weekends, and some holidays may be required. Additionally, occasional weekend and evening work may be necessary year-round, depending on Ravinia's 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.