Director of Lighting

Job Description

Job Description

Cincinnati, Ohio | Full Time

About Access Audio

Access Audio is a faith-based, full-service production company based in Cincinnati, Ohio. We provide professional audio, lighting, video, and consulting for entertainment, corporate, nonprofit, and worship events.

We exist to serve our clients with excellence. That means best-in-class equipment, experienced and respectful team members, thoughtful preparation, and the creativity to make every event exceptional.

We care deeply about what we do and how we do it.

The Role

We are seeking a full-time Director of Lighting to lead and grow our lighting department. This is not a “keep the lights on” position. It’s a build-and-lead role.

You will serve as the on-site lighting director and programmer for live events while also developing the systems, internal strategy, and team structure that will allow the department to scale. You will be a key leader in our organization and will have a major voice in how Access Audio’s lighting services evolve.

For events where lighting is the primary discipline, the Director of Lighting may serve in a production management role. You will advance the event with the client, define lighting scope, quote lighting-only event packages, coordinate staffing and logistics, and lead execution from pre-production through strike. You will quarterback lighting-driven projects, ensuring crew structure, schedules, and pricing align with client goals while maintaining Access Audio’s high standards for quality, safety, and professionalism.

Access Audio is in a season of rapid growth. That means there is real opportunity here, but it also means we are still building structure as we grow. If you enjoy taking initiative, creating systems, and building something meaningful alongside a team, you’ll thrive in this role.

This position reports to the Director of Production.

What We’re Looking For

This role requires someone who can lead with confidence, operate with excellence, and be excited to serve.

Humility is the number one personality trait we’re looking for. We want a leader who is creative, skilled, and driven, but also grounded, teachable, and committed to serving clients and teammates well.

We also need a true self-starter. This is not a role where someone will hand you a checklist every day. You will be trusted to see what needs to happen and drive it forward.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• You’ll build something real: The lighting department has a foundation, but you will have the opportunity to shape it, grow it, and lead where it goes next.
• You’ll have a voice: Your recommendations on inventory, workflow, systems, and department strategy will matter here.
• You’ll lead, not just operate: This is a leadership role with real ownership and responsibility.
• You’ll work with great people: We take excellence seriously, and we value respect, teamwork, and strong character.
• You’ll be part of meaningful work: We’re mission-driven, and we care about how we serve and how we treat each other.

What You Will Do

Department Leadership and Growth

• Lead the day-to-day direction of the lighting department
• Build and refine procedures for prep, load-in, show execution, strike, and return-to-service
• Develop training processes and help recruit and mentor lighting technicians
• Establish and maintain department standards for quality, safety, and organization
• Recommend and plan future lighting inventory purchases based on company needs and strategy
• Improve systems for shop workflow, equipment tracking, and maintenance

Client and Show Leadership

• Advance lighting needs directly with clients, including run of show, staffing, arrival times, power requirements, and venue logistics. The ability to communicate with humans is a must.
• Translate creative vision into executable lighting plans. The ability to take existing lighting inventory and come up with fresh looks is key.
• Analyze lighting and rigging plots and proactively resolve potential issues
• Interface directly with production managers, technical directors, stage managers, and clients
• Provide creative design ideas during preproduction, setup, and rehearsals
• Ensure lighting elements are executed safely, professionally, and at a high standard.

Live Event Execution

• Hang, focus, patch, program, and operate lighting systems for live events. The ability to run a crew of people is the focus here.
• Serve as on-site lighting director or technician as required
• Operate a variety of lighting consoles and fixtures, including rented systems
• Maintain a calm, solutions-oriented presence in live production environments

Shop and Inventory Management

• Prep, test, and pack lighting equipment for rentals and shows. We’re looking for impeccable lighting inventory.
• Anticipate contingencies and ensure order accuracy
• Inspect, test, and return equipment to service following events
• Perform preventative maintenance and facilitate repairs
• Help prioritize and delegate daily workflow to maximize productivity

What Success Looks Like

• The lighting department becomes more organized, consistent, and scalable
• Lighting techs beneath you grow in skill, confidence, and professionalism
• Equipment is maintained, show-ready, and improving over time
• Events are executed smoothly, safely, and at a high creative standard
• Clients feel confident, cared for, and well-served
• Systems and standards improve as the company grows
• You are happy and have a good work/life balance

Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum two years of recent lighting design and technology experience across a variety of event venues
• Demonstrated ability to independently set up and tear down lighting systems
• Experience leading and developing other A/V/L team members

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of entertainment lighting, event power distribution, and rigging systems
• Proficiency in Vectorworks for drafting lighting plots, designs, and renderings
• Ability to tech and maintain lighting inventory, including moving lights. Perform basic repairs and routine maintenance in-house. Facilitate outside repair of larger issues.
• Experience with LED wall products and their interface with lighting
• Familiarity with GrandMA and HOG, as well as other lighting platforms
• Working knowledge of live event production logistics
• Mac and PC file management and system familiarity

Professional Skills

• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail
• Self-starter who can work independently and solve problems quickly
• Strong communicator with team members, clients, and vendors
• Adaptable and steady under pressure in live production environments
• Builder mindset: you enjoy creating systems, improving processes, and driving progress
• Humble, service-oriented, and team-first

Additional Requirements

• Alignment with and passion for Access Audio’s mission
• Commitment to “The Hills We Die On”
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Ability to drive a non-CDL 24 foot box truck
• Ability to operate a fork truck
• Availability to work weekdays, weekends, and some evenings
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Ability to climb ladders and stairs
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to pass a basic background check

Compensation and Schedule

This is a full-time position that includes both shop and show work. Hours vary based on event schedules and client needs.

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with skills and experience. Access Audio offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan options, and ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

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