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.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced People and Culture Manager to join our team and work under the guidance of the Director of People and Culture.  In this role, you will actively collaborate with Ravinia’s Director of People and Culture and other organizational leaders to shape a supportive organizational culture, drive employee engagement, and implement HR strategies that reflect Ravinia’s values and mission.

In this role, you will have a strong background in HR management, people-centric communication, and interpersonal skills. You will also have a proactive approach to identifying and managing initiatives and a passion for cultivating a workplace culture that inspires care and belonging. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Human Resources Processes

• Partner with the Director of People and Culture to develop and implement HR policies and procedures that align with Ravinia's mission, values, and goals.
• Assist in leading recruitment efforts, including sourcing candidates, conducting interviews, and facilitating the hiring process.
• Contribute to the design and delivery of comprehensive onboarding and training programs to support employee development and retention.
• Provide support and guidance to employees and managers on HR-related matters, including career development, benefits, and employee relations.
• Assist in addressing employee relations issues and resolving conflicts in a fair and timely manner.
• Collaborate with the Director of People and Culture to manage performance appraisal processes and provide guidance to managers on performance management best practices.
• Stay informed about labor laws and regulations to ensure compliance across all HR practices.

Employee Engagement and Workplace Culture

• Support the Director of People and Culture in developing and executing strategies for employee engagement and retention.
• Assist in analyzing HR metrics and trends to identify areas for improvement and implement solutions accordingly.
• In collaboration with the Staff Spirit Committee, plan and execute engaging employee events.
• Partner with the Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, Director of People & Culture, and DE&I Committee Chair to provide strategic leadership of DE&I for Ravinia.
• In collaboration with the President and CEO, and Director of People and Culture, manage the  Ravinia Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Committee, which includes facilitating and directing regular meetings and agendas, scheduling meetings, and managing/assigning responsibilities and duties to members.
• Act as a liaison between leadership, employees, and the community related to DE&I work.
• Coordinate, track, and provide updates on DEI programs and initiatives across the company to increase visibility, participation, and engagement.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in HR management, focusing on employee relations, talent acquisition, and organizational development.
• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
• Experience supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to cultivate and build relationships, adapting interpersonal skills to various audiences.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business goals into HR initiatives.
• Proficiency in HRIS and other HR-related software applications.
• Hospitality, Customer Service, and Arts Administration experience is a plus.

Qualified candidates should upload both a cover letter and a resume

Working Conditions

Embrace and actively support Ravinia’s culture of integrity, professionalism, collaboration, mutual respect, and customer focus.

Schedule Needs

The typical work schedule is weekday office hours; flexibility is required in scheduling for job fair participation, onboarding, orientation days, board meetings, and training. Seasonal hiring and onboarding typically take place in late May through mid-June. 

A hybrid work schedule is available during slower seasons, but it's common for this role to require at least five days in the office to foster collaboration and support operations.

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

Salary Range: $75-$85K

Benefits

Excellent health and welfare benefits, including comprehensive time off (holidays, vacation, sick, and personal days), generous retirement savings plan(401a) and 403b plan, learning and mentorship opportunities, access to various staff working groups, and a general admission season pass to Ravinia events.

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 based on any protected status under federal, state, or local law. We encourage individuals of all identities and abilities to apply.