Program Assistant (Must be 18-22 years old) | HCL
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.HCL Mission High Concept Labs strengthens the creative sector by providing accessible residency programs for artists across disciplines interested in experimentation, discovery, exchange, and risk. Through these residencies, HCL meets artists where they are while promoting visibility for the creative process and advocating for critical investment across every stage in the development of new work.
For more information about High Concept Labs, please visit https://highconceptlabs.org.
OverviewThe 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 LabOrganizing equipment, supplies, and storage spacesManage studio reservations, communicating with appropriate staff and artists as neededAdministrative support for studio rentalsOrganizing photo and video documentation and distributing to artistsSupport communications with artists in residence, program partners, and vendorsHands on support at HCL public programs, including artistic events, fundraising events, and studio rentalsOther duties as assigned by Artistic Director or Managing Director
Preferred Skills & Qualifications
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 artsKnowledge 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 softwareStrong written and verbal communicationExcellent project management, deadline management, and attention to detailCommitment to accessibility and customer serviceEvening and/ weekend availabilityAccess 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.
