Safety and Security Patron Screening Supervisor

About Ravinia

At Ravinia, we believe in the transformative power of shared, live-music moments and their ability to inspire individuals, strengthen communities, and foster a more connected world. Our 36-acre park is home to North America's longest-running outdoor music festival and its most artistically diverse. Over 100 different events, featuring a mix of classical, rock, pop, jazz, R&B, indie, and country performers, make up a typical summer season across our open-air and indoor stages, including the annual residency of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Beyond presenting outstanding performances, our mission as a not-for-profit organization is to develop broader, more diverse audiences and performers in the music industry through our Reach Teach Play® community engagement programs and the Steans Institute's collaborative artistic training programs. Together, these initiatives serve tens of thousands of students, families, and emerging professional musicians.

About the Role

The Safety and Security Patron Screening Supervisor serves as the operational leader for all contracted patron entry screening activities during our summer season. Reporting to the Associate Director of Safety and Security, you will be the face of our security protocols, ensuring that our screening operations are safe, efficient, courteous, and professional.

In this role, you will lead screening personnel during events, coordinating closely with Ravinia staff and contracted vendors to maintain a welcoming environment for guests, staff, artists, and vendors. Your day-to-day involves overseeing the operation of walk-through metal detectors, handheld wands, and bag check stations while monitoring entry flow to balance guest throughput with strict security standards. You will be responsible for responding to alarms, prohibited item discoveries, and screening disputes with calm professionalism, ensuring that security integrity is never compromised while providing exceptional guest service.

Work Environment

This position operates in a fast-paced indoor and outdoor event environment characterized by large crowds, loud noise levels, and varying weather conditions. The role requires frequent interaction with patrons, vendors, and public safety personnel. As the Ravinia season runs from June through September, this is a seasonal position that involves prolonged periods of standing and walking outdoors in all weather conditions. The schedule primarily consists of afternoon and evening hours, requiring availability for both weekday and weekend shifts.

Hiring Process

The Ravinia season runs from June through September. Priority in hiring will be given to applicants who are available to work the entire season. Interested candidates must be prepared to participate in pre-employment screenings and background checks.

Our Commitment to Diversity

Ravinia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly believe 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Work location

Work model: On-site

1540, McDaniels Avenue, Highland Park, Lake County, Illinois, 60035, United States

Highland Park, Illinois

Key Responsibilities

check_circleSupervise contract patron screening staff during venue operations and special events
check_circleOversee operation of walk-through metal detectors, handheld wands, and bag check stations
check_circleMonitor entry flow to maintain efficient guest throughput while preserving security standards
check_circleRespond to alarms, prohibited item discoveries, and screening disputes in a professional manner
check_circleCoordinate scheduling of staff with contract patron screening vendors
check_circleConduct pre-event inspections and operational readiness checks of screening equipment
check_circleMaintain inventory and accountability of screening equipment and related supplies
check_circleTrain and coach screening personnel on metal detector operations and de-escalation techniques
check_circleEnsure proper documentation of incidents, confiscated items, and policy violations

Requirements

verifiedHigh school diploma or equivalent (GED)
verifiedMust be at least 18 years of age
verifiedProof of eligibility to work in the United States
verifiedAbility to read, write, and speak English fluently
verifiedParticipate in pre-employment screenings and background checks

Nice to Have

Minimum 2–3 years of security or event operations experience. Prior supervisory or leadership experience. Experience with metal detectors, magnetometers, or access control systems. Law enforcement or security experience.

Skills, education and keywords

Skills: Metal Detectors, Magnetometers, Access Control Systems, Search Procedures, De-Escalation Techniques, Emergency Response Protocols, Report-Writing.

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) required.

Frequently asked questions about Safety and Security Patron Screening Supervisor at Ravinia Festival

What does a Safety and Security Patron Screening Supervisor at Ravinia Festival do?expand_more

In this Safety and Security Patron Screening Supervisor at Ravinia Festival role, you will supervise contract patron screening staff during venue operations and special events; oversee operation of walk-through metal detectors, handheld wands, and bag check stations; monitor entry flow to maintain efficient guest throughput while preserving security standards; and respond to alarms, prohibited item discoveries, and screening disputes in a professional manner.

What are the requirements for this Safety and Security Patron Screening Supervisor role?expand_more

To qualify for the Safety and Security Patron Screening Supervisor at Ravinia Festival position, applicants should have: High school diploma or equivalent (GED); Must be at least 18 years of age; Proof of eligibility to work in the United States; Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently; and Participate in pre-employment screenings and background checks.

Where is the Safety and Security Patron Screening Supervisor role at Ravinia Festival located?expand_more

Safety and Security Patron Screening Supervisor at Ravinia Festival is based in 1540, McDaniels Avenue, Highland Park, Lake County, Illinois, 60035, United States. This is a on-site role.

Is this Safety and Security Patron Screening Supervisor job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more

Ravinia Festival has listed this Safety and Security Patron Screening Supervisor role as on-site.

How much experience is required for this Safety and Security Patron Screening Supervisor role?expand_more

Safety and Security Patron Screening Supervisor at Ravinia Festival typically requires 2–3 years of relevant experience at the mid level level.

What skills do you need for the Safety and Security Patron Screening Supervisor role at Ravinia Festival?expand_more

Key skills for Safety and Security Patron Screening Supervisor at Ravinia Festival include Metal Detectors; Magnetometers; Access Control Systems; Search Procedures; De-Escalation Techniques; Emergency Response Protocols; and Report-Writing.

What education is required for Safety and Security Patron Screening Supervisor at Ravinia Festival?expand_more

Educational requirements for this role: High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) required.

What category does the Safety and Security Patron Screening Supervisor role belong to?expand_more

Safety and Security Patron Screening Supervisor at Ravinia Festival is part of the hospitality & catering job category on Recrutus.