Ragdale is a nonprofit artist community located on the former country estate of Arts & Crafts architect Howard Van Doren Shaw and poet and playwright, Frances Wells Shaw. Through residencies, fully funded fellowships, and thematic collaborations, Ragdale annually supports approximately 150 artists, designers, and scholars from around the world, all of whom are seeking time and space to pursue distinctive works of the imagination.
Lake Forest, IL
United States
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.
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.
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