Employment Opportunities

Program Facilities Coordinator

Ragdale’s Program Facilities Coordinator reports to the Artistic Director, and collaborates with the Residency Manager, Chef, Housekeeping, and Maintenance staff. This position ensures the safe use and upkeep of Ragdale facilities in support of the artists in residence program, educational programs, public engagement and special events. As a residential program that houses participants on campus for various lengths of time, a critical role of this position is to serve as a point of contact for individuals staying on campus when other staff are not available, being responsive to time sensitive questions and connecting the needs of these individuals with the Artistic Director. Additionally, this position collaborates with Ragdale staff to maintain a productive and efficient experience by helping to ensure the upkeep of physical spaces and the safe use of studios and equipment.  The program facilities coordinator will be responsible for a wide variety of tasks, ranging from administrative and record keeping to hands-on work organizing studios, storage areas, and common spaces. Successful candidates should be self-motivated, collaborative, and able to work with diverse groups of people from broad backgrounds all in support of Ragdale’s mission.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Roles and Responsibilities

The Program Facilities Coordinator is responsible for the following:

  • Reside on campus and serve as a point of contact for individuals staying on campus when staff are not available, being present for time sensitive questions and connecting the needs of these individuals to the Artistic Director.

  • Serve as the point of contact for residents in helping communicate and resolve housekeeping requests and facility needs or repairs. Collaborate with maintenance and housekeeping staff to address and resolve issues in a timely manner.

  • Maintain a facilities handbook and make necessary updates on processes and procedures, vendors contacts, and health and safety practices, as requested by the Artistic Director. 

  • Oversee inventory of stocked food supplies in two shared resident kitchens and communicate restocking needs to Ragdale Chef

  • Order housekeeping supplies and maintain inventory of stocked cleaning items. Assist housekeeping staff with light cleaning on turnover days between sessions, helping to prepare residential spaces and facilities for incoming program participants. Check each room during turnovers for essential items and inspect each studio for specific needs.

  • Make small repairs as needed to studios and residential spaces, including but not limited to patching/repainting studio walls, replacing lightbulbs, and minor repairs as directed by Ragdale property associates.

  • Manage audio/visual equipment for public events (mic, sound system, projectors, monitors) and serve as staff lead for AV needs during targeted events.

  • Assist Residency Staff as needed with set up for program orientations, meet & greet events, and check-out at the conclusion of programs. Additionally assist with general activities related to health, safety and security; including being aware of emergency protocol and procedures.

  • Assisting with special events as needed (these include fundraisers and education programs).

  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and skillsets

  • Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of individuals;

  • Strong attention to detail and the ability to work independently on a diverse set of projects;

  • Proficiency with basic computer skills and digital file management;

  • Strong organizational and time management skills;

  • Familiarity and willingness to learn facility systems (health and fire safety, HVAC, electrical, other utilities used by residents) and the ability to perform routine maintenance such as painting and minor repairs;

  • Awareness and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion;

  • Professional attitude and an understanding of social dynamics and boundaries;

  • Ability to lift 50 pounds, work on ladders, and maintain stamina in a workplace that requires traversing uneven terrain and flights of stairs;

  • Fluency speaking Spanish a plus but not required

Compensation and Benefits

This is a part-time (24 hours/week) in-person position with a flexible schedule based on the program calendar and potential outside employment from Ragdale. Schedule to be set with the Artistic Director.

The salary for this part-time position is $20,000 (paid bi-monthly) with the additional benefit of on-site, private living accommodations in a historic home on campus (inclusive of utilities including gas, electric, internet, and parking).

Estimated start date: January 2025

About Ragdale

Ragdale is a nonprofit artists’ residency program and community located in Lake Forest, Illinois on the former Arts & Crafts country estate of architect Howard Van Doren Shaw and poet and playwright, Frances Wells Shaw. Over 150 residencies, numerous fellowships, and a variety of themed residencies are offered annually to creative professionals of all types, making Ragdale one of the largest interdisciplinary artists’ communities in the country. Ragdale also hosts the public year-round for a variety of on campus events and activities as well as conducts student and teacher programs on and off campus. The operation is run by a professional staff, a Board of Trustees, interns, and a cadre of volunteers.

How to apply

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled. For FULL consideration, please send a cover letter, resume to Regin Igloria, Artistic Director at regin@ragdale.org with the subject line: Program Facilities Coordinator.  No phone calls please.

If the candidate’s letter and resume reflect a fit for the position, they will be contacted for an interview.

Ragdale is committed to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. As an organization we are dedicated to the fair and equal treatment of all our employees without regard to age, gender identification, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, maternity status, parental status, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. All are welcome.