PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Salary : $65,998.40 - $99,049.60 Annually

Location : Surprise, AZ

Job Type : Full-Time Regular

Job Number : 26-00126

Department : SPORTS, ENTERTAIN & CULTURE

Opening Date : 10 / 22 / 2025

Closing Date : 11 / 12 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Arizona

This is an exciting opportunity to shape a brand-new presenting program in the City of Surprise, bringing world-class performances to the Vista Center for the Arts - a premier venue with a 1,300-seat theater and a 200-seat playhouse. You'll help launch and grow a dynamic lineup of concerts, festivals, and community events while partnering closely with venue owners and managers, including staff at the Dysart Unified School District. Unlike many production roles, you won't be tied to facility management; instead, you'll focus on creative, high-impact productions that inspire curiosity, foster inclusion, and connect our community through the arts.

SUMMARY

The Production Coordinator will oversee, coordinate, and execute all production related aspects of Surprise Arts events including arts festivals, arts in parks events, and both touring and local productions as part of the presenting series. Responsibilities include show advance, managing logistics, scheduling crews, overseeing production phases, advising on purchasing of production equipment, and ensuring smooth, safe, high-quality performances.

EDUCATION and / or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or GED, and three (3) years professional experience in technical direction and / or production management in a performing arts facility or similar venue or application. Applicable experience may include lighting and audio implementation and execution, touring technical management, and / or theatrical production organization. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in theatrical production, technical direction, production management or a degree related to the core functions of the position is preferred but not required.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must have at time of hire and be able to maintain a valid Arizona Driver License.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants whose education, training and experience most closely meet the needs of the position may be invited to participate in a selection process to include a panel interview.

Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening may include :

• Criminal Background Screening
• Drug Screen
• E-Verify
• Fingerprinting
• 39 Month Motor Vehicle Department Records Check

To view the full job description, including work environment and physical demands, click HERE

The City of Surprise is an EEO / ADA reasonable accommodation employer.

The City of Surprise offers a broad range of inclusive employee benefits to help employees in their work and personal lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides our employees with competitive compensation, generous benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work / life balance for our diverse workforce. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, retirement, and a variety of work / life programs, including generous paid time off and twelve holidays. For additional benefit information, please

01

I understand all criminal convictions (felonies and / or misdemeanors including DUIs) that occurred as an adult (age 18 or older) must be disclosed when answering Question 7 and disclosed in full detail in Question 8 in the Agency-Wide Questions section of this application. I also understand my failure to disclose a conviction as outlined in Question 8 may be grounds for elimination of further consideration and / or a job offer to be rescinded.

02

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

03

Are you currently employed by the City of Surprise?

04

Select the option that applies to your highest level of education completed :

05

How many years of professional experience in technical direction and / or production management in a performing arts facility or similar venue or application experience do you possess? Applicable experience may include lighting and audio implementation and execution, touring technical management, and / or theatrical production organization.

06

Will you have and be able to maintain a valid Arizona Driver License at the time of hire?

07

I understand that this position requires a valid Driver's License with no major driving citations in the last 39 months.

08

Describe a complex live production or festival where you were responsible for technical production elements from planning through load-out. Describe your roles and responsibilities and the event's outcomes.

09

List the types of production equipment and software you are proficient in and your experience working with these tools (e.g., audio mixing, lighting, rigging, stage management software).

10

Provide an example of when you troubleshot an unexpected technical challenge during an event. How did you resolve it?

11

Share your experience managing production budgets. Include an example of staying within budget while maintaining quality.

12

Our values include inclusion and connection. Describe a time you ensured that an event or production was welcoming and representative of a diverse community including artists, staff, and patrons.

Required Question