Program Assistant

Part time, Temporary (April-August 2025)

This position is funded by the Illinois Arts Council Youth Employment in the Arts program. It is open to individuals aged 18–22, per grant requirements.

The Program Assistant contributes to High Concept Labs’ (HCL’s) mission and programs by ensuring that the studio facilities, program related communications, intake systems, and documentation services meet the ongoing needs of artists in residence and support the engagement of HCL’s audience and stakeholders.

The Program Assistant will support the coordination and implementation of program plans, attending and documenting program-related planning meetings with staff and artists as needed. The Program Assistant will also regularly organize, maintain, and clean the HCL studio, equipment, and supplies, suggesting and implementing improvements when possible. The ideal candidate will have some nonprofit or administration experience, preferably in the performing arts, and will utilize attention to detail and problem-solving skills to support the successful implementation of HCL’s residency and public programs. This position reports to the Artistic Director. The work of HCL staff is interdependent, and this position will work in cooperation with all staff, volunteers, artists, and contractors.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Routine cleaning, organizing, and maintenance of the HCL Lab

  • Organizing equipment, supplies, and storage spaces

  • Manage studio reservations, communicating with appropriate staff and artists as needed

  • Administrative support for studio rentals

  • Organizing photo and video documentation and distributing to artists

  • Support communications with artists in residence, program partners, and vendors

  • Hands on support at HCL public programs, including artistic events, fundraising events, and studio rentals

  • Other duties as assigned by Artistic Director or Managing Director

Qualifications & Preferred Skills

  • Must be between 18-22 at the time of hire.

  • Familiarity with and appreciation for time-based art including sound, video, performance, and other experimental performing arts

  • Knowledge of video, projection, and sound equipment (microphones, wireless transmitters, mixers, speakers, etc.)

  • Proficient with Google Workspace, YouTube, WeTransfer; General comfort with digital technology and ability to learn new software

  • Strong written and verbal communication

  • Excellent project management, deadline management, and attention to detail

  • Commitment to accessibility and customer service

  • Evening and/ weekend availability

  • Access to a reliable transportation

Schedule & Location

This position requires a blend of remote and in-person work and participating in various evening and weekend events. Exact schedule will be determined upon being presented with a job offer. Onsite work locations include the HCL Lab at Mana Contemporary (2233 S Throop), the HCL office within the Harris Theater (205 E. Randolph St.), and partner organizations including Experimental Station (6100 S Blackstone).

Compensation 

Compensation is $18 per hour for 10-12 hours of work per week (175 hours total), paid on a bi-weekly basis. This position will end no later than August 30, 2025.

To Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume to apply@highconceptlabs.org. For questions, please contact Artistic Director, Aquil Charlton, at aquil@highconceptlabs.org.

Applications review will begin Monday, March 17 and continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date for this position is on or near April 1.

We are committed to providing a diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive workplace. High Concept Labs is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We strongly encourage all interested candidates, including but not limited to those who identify as Black, Latinx, and Indigenous, others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, to apply for this role.