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Set Design Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

TLN Media

Video Producer

Tinley Park, IL · On-site

... * Assist with pre-production planning, including creative development, scheduling, equipment preparation, set design, and production logistics. * Collaborate with producers, directors, writers ...

IMEG Corporation

Electrical Project Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$98K - $128K/yr

Proficiency of Smart Engineering Design Assist (SET) Tools within Revit for electrical calculations, coordination, properties, etc. Ability to train and mentor less experienced staff Excellent ...

IMEG

Electrical Project Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$98K - $128K/yr

Proficiency of Smart Engineering Design Assist (SET) Tools within Revit for electrical calculations, coordination, properties, etc. Ability to train and mentor less experienced staff Excellent ...

IMEG

Electrical Project Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$98K - $128K/yr

Proficiency of Smart Engineering Design Assist (SET) Tools within Revit for electrical calculations, coordination, properties, etc. • Ability to train and mentor less experienced staff • ...

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All JobsSet Design JobsSet Design Assistant JobsSet Design Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Set Design Assistant information

What is a set design assistant?

Set Design Assistants are professionals who support set designers and production teams in creating the physical environments for film, television, theater, or events. Their responsibilities include helping with research, sourcing materials, creating models or sketches, and assisting with the construction and dressing of sets. They play a key role in ensuring sets meet the creative vision and practical needs of a production, often working closely with various departments and under tight deadlines.

What are some common challenges faced by a set design assistant and how can they be effectively managed?

Set Design Assistants often encounter tight deadlines and rapidly changing design requirements, which can make managing tasks and communication challenging. To succeed, it's important to stay highly organized, regularly communicate with the set designer and other team members, and be adaptable to last-minute changes. Proactively seeking clarification on assignments and maintaining detailed notes can help ensure that the designer's vision is accurately realized. Building strong working relationships with the construction and props teams also supports smoother workflow and problem-solving on set.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a set design assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Set Design Assistant, you need a solid grounding in art, design principles, and spatial awareness, often supported by a degree in theatre design or a related field. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as basic model-making and drafting skills, is typically required. Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities help you collaborate effectively with designers, directors, and production crews. These skills ensure that creative visions are translated accurately and efficiently into practical, visually compelling sets that support the production.

What is the difference between Set Design Assistant vs Set Designer?

AspectSet Design AssistantSet Designer
CredentialsRelevant education in theater, design, or architecture; often entry-levelAdvanced education or extensive experience in set design
Work EnvironmentAssist in creating and organizing set elements, working under supervisionLead the design process, responsible for overall concept and execution
Industry UsageCommonly employed in theater, film, and TV productions as support staffPrimary role in designing and planning sets for productions

The Set Design Assistant typically supports the Set Designer by handling tasks like research, sourcing materials, and preparing set pieces. The Set Designer takes the lead in conceptualizing and creating the overall set design. Both roles are essential in production, but the Assistant focuses on execution and support, while the Designer is responsible for the creative vision.

How to get into set design assistant with no experience?

To become a set design assistant, gaining relevant skills such as knowledge of design software like SketchUp or AutoCAD, and understanding of construction and materials, is helpful. Entry-level candidates often start by volunteering or interning on film, theater, or television productions to build experience and industry connections. Developing a portfolio of design ideas and demonstrating strong organizational and communication skills can also improve chances of entry into the field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Set Design jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Set Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Set Design Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Set Design Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution.

Production Coordinator - Pipeline

Jack Morton Worldwide

Chicago, IL • On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Experience Without Limits
Come shape the future of brand experience.

At Jack Morton, we design and build head-turning, smile-inducing, impact-driving brand experiences that redefine what experiential marketing can achieve. We help our clients unlock the full value of experiences by turning bold ideas into meaningful connections.

That takes a team that's bold, curious, and acts as one. We build on each other's ideas, challenge conventions, and show up for one another every day. Here, you'll do your best work, grow quickly, and partner across clients, disciplines, and global teams to bring new ideas to life.

This is a place where curiosity drives what's next, boldness raises the bar, and every win is shared. Where ownership is expected, egos are left at the door, and the work reflects the passion and talent of the people behind it.

Experience without limits—in your work, your growth, and your impact.

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

*This is a freelance position

*Compensation range for this role is $30 - 40/hr, commensurate with experience

This role is right for you if:
You're someone who loves planning events and all the work that goes into making them happen. You will be responsible for assisting the production team in bringing to life all of Jack's creative sparks and thoughtful insights by ensuring flawless execution of assigned deliverables. You will demonstrate an understanding of the production process and are focused on learning and supporting the team.


What you'll be doing:

General Team Support

  • Support the team to execute project components
  • Coordinate communications between team members and assist in client communications (scheduling meetings for groups, booking conference rooms, prep and print materials)
  • Ownership of meeting notes, organize follow-up action items, and circulate to teams
  • Track progress of projects to ensure timelines are followed and updated accordingly
  • File and folder nomenclature policing

Financial + Related Administration:

  • Create and maintain tracking reports of event outreach, contract status, legal reviews, and venue/organizer/permit payment, etc.
  • Proofreading support, formatting clean-up as needed for SOW documents
  • Research and book or hire external resources as needed/directed (crew members, local purchases and rentals, facilities, travel, etc.)
  • Team timesheet tracking and report assembly as directed
  • Process invoices and assist in reconciling costs against budget as directed

Creative + Recognition

  • Assist with event and opportunity research, presentation assembly, ideation and other creative development tasks
  • Build post-event reports and case studies to share across the agency (and presenting in all-staff meetings)
  • Graphics coordinating – organizing designs for client reviews, tracking approval status, sending to printers or developers as directed

What you'll bring to Jack:

  • Experience or Degrees in Events, Hospitality, Theater (Stage Management, Set Design, Lighting Design, etc.), orCommunications
  • Excellent attention to detail in any project you complete
  • Expert scheduling and note-taking skills
  • Ability to work under tight deadlines
  • Problem solver ready to tackle any challenge
  • Willingness to learn and follow processes
  • Ability to be proactive, anticipate needs, and be resourceful
  • Great communicator, both written and verbal, with the ability to manage up and sideways effectively
  • Technical skills required: Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Adobe Acrobat, Budgeting software (Procim is a bonus!), Expense reporting software, travel booking software.

Who you are:

  • Extraordinary! Both as a person and a multi-tasker.
  • Detail-oriented. You leave nothing to chance.
  • Creative problem solver. You're able to change course at the drop of a hat.
  • Cool under pressure. Ready to respond to any situation that might pop up.
  • Inclusive: you actively support and engage in creating and sustaining a workplace that fosters creativity and innovation.

#LI-MS1

We make our careers website accessible to any and all users. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact us at jobaccomodations@jackmorton.com. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or vendors; rather it is strictly for applicants who require special assistance accessing our employment website. Due to volume, messages sent to this email address that are not related to an accommodation cannot be answered.

***JOB SCAM ALERT***

We have recently become aware that individuals not associated with Jack Morton have fraudulently used our name – and the names of some of our employees – to solicit applications for fake jobs, to conduct fake job interviews and to make fake job offers. Any request to schedule an interview and any bona fide offer of employment will only come from an authorized representative of Jack Morton with an email address "@jackmorton.com" or "@jackmorton.co.uk" or "@impact-xm". We will never require an applicant to provide credit card or banking information to cover any supposed advance costs.

If you have provided personal information in connection with a fake job offer or interview and you are concerned, we suggest that you take appropriate action.

Jack Morton takes these activities very seriously and are taking appropriate steps to shut down this fraudulent activity.

We urge you to be careful when sharing your personal information and to be aware of scams involving fake job postings and job offers.