Production Events Specialist

TITLE:
 Production Events Specialist

REPORTS TO:
Community Events Manager

LOCATION:
 Mexican Heritage Plaza (1700 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose, CA 95116)

SCHEDULE:
 Expected to work onsite; will have the flexibility for work-from-home days once a week or upon approval from the Community Events Manager

JOB TYPE:
 Full-Time

COMPENSATION:
 $78,000-$88,000 annually ($37.50–$42.31/hour)

POSITION OVERVIEW AND DESCRIPTION:

The School of Arts and Culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza (SOAC) is seeking a motivated individual to join the Community Engagement Team as the Production Events Specialist. The Production Events Specialist leads technical and theater-based rental events at the Mexican Heritage Plaza, serving as the primary point of contact for clients with complex production needs. This position reports to the Community Events Manager and collaborates closely with the Production, Rentals, and Community Engagement teams to ensure seamless event execution, client satisfaction, and continuous process improvement. This individual should have demonstrated experience in theater production.

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:

SOAC envisions a world where creativity inspires compassion and vibrant communities. The organization's mission is to champion community heritage, strength, and resiliency through the activation of arts and culture as a pathway for community preservation and celebration. The organization is guided by the following values:

• LEADERSHIP:
   We believe that a shared leadership model is rooted in and informed by the individual as well as the collective, and we value the leadership held by all members of our team and community.
• VOICE:
   SOAC will use its platform, institutional power, and influence to ensure that the hopes, needs, and concerns of the community we serve are seen and recognized.
• CREATIVITY:
   We believe in the transformative power of the arts. Creativity is the foundation of our humanity.
• HERITAGE:
   Heritage encompasses cultural traditions and foundations that groups share. We connect to our collective past experiences as they inform and help to define current contexts and future hopes. We celebrate our heritage even as we create new experiences.
• INCLUSION:
   Inclusion is a state of belonging. SOAC believes that equitable access to resources ensures a thriving community. Therefore, the Mexican Heritage Plaza is open and welcoming to everyone.
• PLACE:
   The concept of place is broader than a single facility. As an anchor organization for East San Jose, the School of Arts and Culture activates the vibrancy and celebration of our local community. We take pride in the richness and potential of our Eastside neighborhoods.
• SERVICE:
   SOAC considers itself a servant of the community. We recognize that in order to inspire leadership, we must approach every interaction from a place of humility and respect.

With a dynamic staff, SOAC delivers unique classes, activates the Mexican Heritage Plaza (La Plaza) through community events, and offers cultural programs that embrace all, while rooted in Mexican Arts. By activating La Plaza, SOAC serves local residents, artists, and business owners, engaging over 100,000 people annually in community events and arts experiences. For more information, please visit 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Rentals | 75%

• Leads theater and production-heavy rentals at the Mexican Heritage Plaza
• Serves as the primary point of contact for theater and technical event clients, from intake to execution.
• Manages booking process, quotes, contracts, and calendar coordination especially for events with complex production needs.
• Collaborates with the Production team to determine AV/staging needs, staffing levels, and technical feasibility.
• Maintains clear communication with clients to confirm event details, timelines, and day-of requirements.
• Partners with the Community Events Manager and Community Engagement Manager to support and occasionally lead high-capacity rental events (including non-theater).
• Represents SOAC with warmth and professionalism, ensuring client satisfaction and return bookings.
• Conducts walkthroughs and post-event debriefs; flags challenges or recommendations for improvement.
• Supports the Community Events Manager and leadership in the planning and launch of the Plaza's Black Box Theater, including development of rental rates, intake processes, and operational readiness.

Process Refinement | 15%

• Improves rental and production processes to elevate client experience, streamline internal operations, and prepare SOAC for future facility expansion.
• Develops and refines clear, digestible workflows for major productions, including staffing roles, communication protocols, and planning timelines.
• Meets each client where they are by providing personalized support while holding consistent standards across all bookings.
• Elevates the quality and clarity of production logistics, ensuring every team member and client understands expectations.
• Audits and adapts existing systems to be replicable across future facilities such as La Placita Black Box Theater.
• Collaborates with cross-departmental teams to ensure alignment and improve consistency across all rental and production experiences.

Signature Events Support | 10%

• Participates in the execution of SOAC's annual signature events (e.g., Fiesta del Mariachi, Tres Vinos, Chile Mole Pozole, Avenida de Altares, Fiesta Navideña).
• Supports or leads event elements such as layout, vendor coordination, volunteer management, and day-of logistics, while maintaining professional communication with staff, vendors, and community partners. (AND MORE)
• Participates in planning, production, and post-event debriefs; collaborates across departments to ensure smooth execution and continuous improvement.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in a theatrical setting.
• Minimum 2 years of experience working in events venues, with an understanding of rental client coordination, production timelines, and day-of execution.
• Familiarity with backline and stage management protocols to support a range of performances including music, theater, and dance.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills, especially in fast-paced or high-pressure event environments.
• Ability to collaborate across departments, especially with Facilities, Rentals, and Community Engagement teams, to ensure seamless event execution.
• Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Word, and Excel, including the ability to manage calendars, build spreadsheets, and draft clear communications and reports.
• Ability to quickly learn and implement new software tools such as TripleSeat, , or similar platforms for scheduling, tracking, and workflow management.
• Excellent organizational skills, including documentation systems, budget tracking, and continuous process improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and professionally with a wide range of clients and community partners.
• Strong time management and prioritization skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable resolving conflicts and adapting to changing circumstances with grace and professionalism.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Working knowledge of lighting systems, including the ability to run basic lighting cues and communicate effectively with lighting designers or technicians.
• Familiarity with mission-driven programming and the ability to differentiate between market-rate rentals and community-based partnerships.
• Deep expertise in live sound engineering, including multi-channel mixing, EQ management, mic placement, and troubleshooting audio issues under pressure.
• Experience with lighting engineering, including programming lighting scenes, addressing lighting hardware, and operating boards during live events.
• Familiarity with theatrical production schedules, technical riders, and artist logistics.
• Comfort mentoring or supporting part-time event staff (e.g., Event Captains, Ushers) with clear, calm communication and professionalism.
• Passion for arts and culture, and understanding of how cultural identity and representation shape production choices in community-based programming.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical Requirements

• Frequent walking across a large campus and standing for extended periods (up to 6 hours during event execution).
• Regular lifting, carrying, or moving of event-related items (e.g., signs, bins, supplies) up to 25 pounds.
• Occasional bending, reaching, or repositioning equipment or setup materials.
• Sustained periods of computer work and administrative desk tasks.
• Ability to respond quickly and physically to changes in event logistics or emergencies.
• Work is required on evenings and weekends during key community and Plaza events.

Work Environment

• Primarily on-site at the Mexican Heritage Plaza, with frequent in-person engagements with clients, community partners, and event teams.
• Occasional off-site meetings with partner organizations or rental clients.
• May include outdoor work during festivals or public events, sometimes in varying weather conditions.
• Occasional remote administrative work may be possible based on department needs and supervisor approval.
• Regular exposure to loud music, large crowds, and high foot traffic during event periods.

HOW TO APPLY:

Submit a resume and cover letter to
Please CC  and  Applications will be accepted through January 30, 2026. Interviews will take place throughout February 2026, with the goal of having the position filled by the end of March 2026.