Design Manager Assistant - Special Events

gotlight1; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dynamic work environment

Growth opportunities

Collaborative team culture

Job summary

Got Light is seeking a Design Manager Assistant for special events in the San Francisco Bay Area. This on-site role supports the Design Manager, executing projects with technical skill and professional conduct.

You will lead crews, patch lighting systems, and ensure safe, high-quality event execution. The position requires 2+ years in live event production, proficiency with Leprecon/ColorSource/MA3, and strong organizational abilities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of professional experience in live event production, lighting, or a related field.
• Proficiency with lighting consoles, including Leprecon, ColorSource, and/or MA3.
• Solid working knowledge of power distribution, DMX, and basic AV systems.
• Experience leading crews or managing specific scopes of work on-site.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to execute and relay direction with precision.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Reliable transportation for travel to event sites throughout the Bay Area.
• Ability to work independently within an assigned scope with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Operate and patch lighting consoles, power distribution, DMX, and basic AV systems on-site.
• Lead assigned crews for delegated scopes with clear instructions as guided by the DM.
• Maintain proactive communication with the Design Manager and follow internal processes.
• Manage on-site logistics, gear, power, and venue sweeps during install and strike.
• Ensure safety, cleanliness, and organization throughout events.

Skills

Lighting consoles

Crew leadership

DMX / power distribution

Communication

Independent work

Flexible schedule

Tools

Leprecon

ColorSource

MA3

Job description

ABOUT US:

Got Light applies a fresh approach to lighting, audio, video, staging, and drape in the special event and wedding industry. We produce hundreds of events each year including some of the most notable events in the City, including major opening parties and social galas. Our company promotes team-building and maintains high employee retention rates by consistently creating a fun and dynamic work environment.

Make Art. Have Fun. Be Proud.

ABOUT THIS JOB:

The Design Manager Assistant (DMA) - Special Events is a manager support role on Got Light’s field team. The DMA works directly under the Design Manager (DM), executing assigned projects on-site with a high degree of technical competence and professionalism. This is an internally-focused role: the DMA does not communicate directly with clients, external vendors, or other co-vendors. All external-facing responsibilities remain with the DM. The DMA’s success is measured by the quality of project execution, adherence to Got Light’s Signature Style, and the strength of internal team communication.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Technical Knowledge & Equipment Operation

• Solid foundational knowledge of Got Light’s signature style
• Solid working knowledge of Leprecon, ColorSource, and MA3 consoles.
• Ability to power, patch, and operate Leppy Dimmer Packs and ETC Sensor Dimmer Racks (12, 24, and 48 channel).
• Patch, program, and run basic cues on the MA3.
• Patch and operate the ColorSource console (Pearl).
• Astera fixtures: pair and control via app; basic patching and control on the MA3 via CRMX.
• Provide basic AV support (audio and video troubleshooting), as needed.
• Familiarity with power distribution safety: cable types, gauges, load limits, generator operation, metering, load balancing, and safe use of Zip.
• Operation of personnel and scissor lifts
• Call focuses in alignment with Got Light’s signature style (FW, SW, DF, trees, bars, etc.)
• Completion of Got Light rigging best practices workshop.

Internal Communication & Reporting

• Maintain clear, proactive communication with the DM
• All communication with clients, venue staff, and outside vendors is handled exclusively by the DM
• Read and process Event Deets Package and Show Notebooks prior to each event, in collaboration with the DM
• Report any issues or complications—even those unrelated to Got Light—to the DM immediately.
• Be familiar with Got Light Employee Handbooks & Policies.

Crew & Project Management

• Lead assigned crews for delegated scopes, providing clear and direct instructions, as guided by the DM.
• Delegate effectively to crew members within your assigned scope, as determined by the DM.
• Demonstrate strong time management and delegation skills throughout the event.
• Understand and follow union regulations when applicable.
• Coach and refresh crew skills on-site as needed within your scope.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment throughout install and strike.
• Perform or assign venue sweeps at installation and strike.
• Handle any internal logistics issues—gear, power, trucks—within the scope assigned by the DM.

Closeout

• Report back to the DM on project completion and any issues encountered.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 2 years of professional experience in live event production, lighting, or a related field.
• Proficiency with lighting consoles, including Leprecon, ColorSource, and/or MA3.
• Solid working knowledge of power distribution, DMX, and basic AV systems.
• Experience leading crews or managing specific scopes of work on-site.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to execute and relay direction with precision.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Reliable transportation for travel to event sites throughout the Bay Area.
• Ability to work independently within an assigned scope with minimal supervision.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• A dynamic and creative work environment within a thriving event production company.
• Opportunities for growth and development in a high-energy industry.
• A collaborative team culture where your contributions directly impact the success of our events.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Regular bending, lifting, stretching, and reaching both below the waist and above the head.
• Ability to push/pull/lift up to 70 pounds
• Engage in full manual dexterity in both hands and wrists

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENT:

• Following a conditional offer of employment, Got Light conducts a routine background check in compliance with the California Fair Chance Act.

COMPENSATION:

• $42 – $48/hr

Got Light is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, marital status, protected medical condition or any other basis as defined by state, federal or local law. Got Light provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in both the hiring process and during employment as required by applicable federal, state and local laws.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment any qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.