Garden Show & Lighting Production Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Garden Show & Lighting Production Manager: Bring the Magic to Light!Filoli is a vibrant, historic estate where breathtaking horticulture meets world-class public experiences. We are looking for a Garden Show & Lighting Production Manager—a unique role that bridges the gap between botanical beauty and high-energy theatrical production.If you have a deep passion for plants but your true superpower is coordinating massive lighting grids, managing vendors, and bringing large-scale, immersive public events to life, you’re exactly who we’re looking for. You will lead the operational development, installation, and strike of Filoli's signature seasonal attractions, including our beloved Holiday Lights and Nightfall experiences.The Perfect Blend: We put a high emphasis on show production, lighting/electrical infrastructure, and event logistics. You don’t need to be a botanist, but you do need to know your way around an electrical panel and respect the delicate nature of a historic formal garden.

The Details

• Location: Woodside, CA
• Schedule: Full-time, Exempt (40 hours per week, flexible schedule with frequent evenings and weekends).
• Compensation: Salary range of $102,000 to $115,000 + full benefits (see below).

What You’ll Do

• Creative & Strategic Leadership: Collaborate with senior leadership and the experience team to ideate and execute property-wide seasonal displays, plant programs, and jaw-dropping lighting concepts.
• Show Production & Logistics: Direct the master calendar for major installations. Coordinate lighting production schedules, seasonal staffing, equipment logistics, and vendor workflows across the Formal Garden, Production, Natural Lands, and the Historic House.
• Keep the Garden Safe (PUGs): Update and enforce Property Use Guidelines (PUGs) so external vendors know how to install massive light shows without harming our historic green spaces.
• Budgeting & Resource Strategy: Partner with the Director of Horticulture to forecast and manage seasonal budgets with high accountability, overseeing large-scale procurement for over 350+ annual container displays, spring bulbs, and holiday lighting infrastructure.
• People Leadership: Mentor, coach, and develop a diverse team of horticulture staff, supervisors, and seasonal crews. We practice Radical Candor here—caring personally while challenging directly to build high-trust teams.

What You Bring to the Table

• The Experience: Minimum of 5 years conceptualizing, managing, and evaluating complex public events or programs (think public gardens, large attractions, or music venues), including at least 2 years of direct supervisory experience.
• Production Savvy: Strong hands-on background in lighting, event production, vendor coordination, and electrical infrastructure.
• Tools of the Trade: High proficiency with Google Suite/MS Office, and a love for structured organization using Monday.com and RACI frameworks.
• Communication & Emotional Intelligence: Ability to lead with empathy, adapt your communication style (SDI-informed), and foster a culturally competent, inclusive environment aligned with Filoli’s DEAI objectives.
• Agility: A valid driver's license and the flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays during peak event seasons.

Physical Requirements & Work EnvironmentThis is an active, outdoor-heavy role. To succeed, you’ll need the ability to:

• Navigate uneven terrain, climb ladders (up to 16 feet), and scale scaffolding (up to 25 feet).
• Lift or exert up to 75 lbs occasionally, and 50 lbs frequently.
• Work outdoors in a dynamic seasonal environment where ear/eye protective gear is sometimes required.

What’s in it for You?We take care of the people who make the magic happen. This position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Flexible Spending Plan (Flex Plan)
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Generous paid time off: Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holiday Pay

Ready to Light Up the Garden?If you're an organized production pro with a love for natural beauty and a collaborative spirit, we want to hear from you! Apply today to join the team behind Northern California's most beautiful seasonal displays.