Position Title: Safety and Security Patron Screening Supervisor

Department: Safety and Security

Reports To: Associate Director of Safety and Security

Range: $28.00 per hour

Company Description

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.

Beyond presenting outstanding performances by the world’s greatest musicians, our mission as a not-for-profit organization is to develop broader, more diverse audiences and performers in the music

industry with our Reach Teach Play® community engagement and education programs, our Steans Institute’s collaborative and experiential artistic training programs, and more. Together, Ravinia’s initiatives serve tens of thousands of students, families, and emerging professional musicians.

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.

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Associate Director of Safety and Security the Patron Screening Supervisor oversees all contracted patron entry screening operations, walk-through metal detectors, handheld screening devices, and bag inspections. This position is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, courteous, and professional screening operations while maintaining a welcoming environment for guests, staff, artists, and vendors.

The Supervisor leads screening personnel during events in coordination with both Ravinia staff and contracted employees, ensures compliance with venue policies and applicable laws, and responds to security concerns or prohibited item detections in a calm and professional manner.

Staff Supervision

Supervise contract patron screening staff during venue operations and special events.
Oversee the operation of walk-through metal detectors, handheld wands, bag check stations, and credential verification points.
Ensure screening procedures are conducted consistently, professionally, and in accordance with venue policy.
Monitor entry flow to maintain efficient guest throughput while preserving security standards.

Monitor for Compliance and Incident Response

Monitor and respond to alarms, prohibited item discoveries, and screening disputes.
Monitor and coordinate scheduling of staff with contract patron screening vendors.
Coordinate with law enforcement, event security, medical personnel, and venue management as necessary.
Ensure proper documentation of incidents, confiscated items, refusals of entry, and policy violations.
Conduct pre-event inspections and operational readiness checks of screening equipment.
Maintain inventory and accountability of screening equipment and related supplies.
Assist with developing and updating screening procedures.
Monitor staff professionalism, appearance, and compliance with attendance requirements.
Provide exceptional guest service while maintaining security integrity.

Staff Training and Coaching

Train and coach screening personnel on:
- Metal detector operations
- Search procedures
- Customer service expectations
- De-escalation techniques
- Emergency response protocols

Knowledge and Skills

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum [2–3] years of security or event operations experience preferred.
Prior supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
Experience with metal detectors, magnetometers, or access control systems preferred.
Strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to remain calm under pressure in crowded or high-stress environments.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended event hours.
Basic computer and report-writing skills.

Core Competencies

Leadership
Professionalism
Situational Awareness
Customer Service
Communication
Decision-Making
Team Coordination
De-escalation
Attention to Detail

Education and Experience

Must be at least 18 years of age
High School Diploma or equivalent (GED)
Proof of eligibility to work in the United States
Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently
Ability to calmly handle stressful situations and show empathy towards others
Excellent customer service and communication skills
Law enforcement or security experience is a plus

Work Environment

This position operates in a fast-paced indoor and outdoor event environment with large crowds, loud noise levels, varying weather conditions, and frequent interaction with patrons, vendors, and public safety personnel.

Additional Information

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

The Ravinia season runs from June through September. Priority in hiring will be given to applicants who are available to work the entire season.
This position is outdoors and in all weather conditions with prolonged periods of standing and walking.
This position requires mostly afternoon/evening hours. Applicants must be available for both weekday and weekend hours.
Flexible in scheduling that includes evening hours on weekdays and weekends
Participate in pre-employment screenings and background checks

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.

Ravinia Festival

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Safety and Security Patron Screening Supervisor