Audio Lead Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Description

Job Title: Audio Assistant Lead

Division: Technology
Department: Technical Productions
Reports to: Audio Lead
Position Type: Unpaid Volunteer
Location: Expected to be on-site during convention dates, including the day before and the day after for setup and teardown.

Anthro SoCal is a community-driven convention celebrating furry fandom through art, performance, gaming, and social connection. Our success depends on the dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteer team. Anthro SoCal was formally known as Another Furry Con in 2024-2025.

The Audio Assistant Lead is the second-in-command and tactical backbone of the audio team. This role is designed for a skilled technician and leader who thrives in the fast-paced environment backstage, bridging the gap between the Audio Lead's high-level designs and the real-time needs of performers and stage management. You will serve as the primary floor general for back-of-house audio operations, ensuring technical standards are flawlessly maintained. Crucially, you must possess the technical aptitude and leadership presence to seamlessly step in and command the team if the Audio Lead is unavailable.

• Year-round: None.
• As convention approaches: Attend online staff meetings and trainings when requested.
• Convention weekend: On-site presence is required with flexible hours. Must plan to work the minimum volunteer hour requirement posted on the website.
• Pre and post-convention: On-site presence is required to assist with setup and teardown activities the day before and the day after the event.

Your role focuses on backstage execution, talent coordination, and leadership support:

• Leadership Support & Succession: Work side-by-side with the Audio Lead to support all aspects of system design, team management, and operations. You must be fully prepared to take over full leadership responsibilities in the event that the Audio Lead is unavailable.
• Back-of-House Technical Management: Station yourself backstage to actively monitor audio systems, manage signal flow, and rapidly troubleshoot any back-of-house or on-stage audio issues as they arise.
• Talent & Performer Coordination: Coordinate directly with incoming talent, guests, and performers regarding their specific microphone preferences, monitoring needs, and instrument/backline equipment requirements.
• Stage Management Collaboration: Work closely with the Stage Management team to synchronize cues, ensure audio standards are consistently met, and maintain smooth transitions between panels and performances.
• Schedule Maintenance Support: Assist the Lead in overseeing the volunteer shift schedule, ensuring audio operators are in position and tracking team attendance using team spreadsheets.

Required:

• Leadership Experience: Proven ability to manage a team of technical volunteers, delegate tasks effectively under pressure, and maintain high morale in a hectic backstage environment.
• Organizational Prowess: Strong organizational and logistics skills; you must be comfortable reading and managing spreadsheets for team shift-tracking.
• Problem-Solving: The ability to "think on your feet" and execute immediate technical or staffing workarounds when equipment fails or a volunteer misses a shift.
• Professionalism: Excellent interpersonal skills to handle interactions with performers, stage managers, and convention leadership with a calm, reassuring, and authoritative demeanor.

Preferred:

• Management Experience: Prior experience in an assistant lead, stage manager, or similar capacity for live events.
• Convention Knowledge: Firsthand understanding of convention programming paces, performer dynamics, and the unique needs of fan-driven events.
• Conflict Resolution Skills: The ability to stay grounded and de-escalate high-stress situations backstage between talent, crew, or scheduling friction.
• Technical Aptitude: Strong fundamental knowledge of wireless microphone systems, frequency monitoring, stage monitor mixing, and basic audio troubleshooting.

While this is an unpaid volunteer position, we provide:

• Free convention membership and staff perks.
• Staff hospitality (meals/snacks during your shifts at-con).
• Exclusive staff events and social opportunities.
• Recognition in convention materials.
• Experience in event management and team leadership.
• A supportive, creative community environment.
• References and recommendation letters upon request.

Anthro SoCal is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, experiences, and skill levels. All volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.