Event Lead (Temporary Position) 

There will be up to 8 Event Leads hired for this event.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Event Lead position is a community-centered, project-based leadership role supporting a sanctioned outdoor music and arts festival facilitated by the Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD).

Event Leads play a critical role in planning, coordinating, and executing Entertainment Zones in partnership with local businesses, performers, artists, and IVCSD staff. This role blends event production, community organizing, creative direction, and on-the-ground leadership.

Event Leads report to the IVCSD Community Programs and Engagement Department and work closely with business partners, security teams, performers, and fellow Event Leads to ensure a safe, inclusive, and culturally grounded festival experience.

 

LOCATION:

Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD)

970 Embarcadero del Mar Suite 101

Isla Vista, CA 93117

Islavistacsd.ca.gov

 

WAGE & BENEFIT RANGE:  

$20.83/hour for pre-event planning work (approximately 5-7 hours a week) and $71.50/hour for day-of-event support (12 hours). This is a temporary, non-exempt position. Overtime will be paid in accordance with California law.

Estimated Day-of-Event Support Compensation:

  • $71.50 x 8 hours=$572.00
  • $107.25 x 4 hours (overtime) =$429.00 
  • Estimated Total: $1001.00

 

About the IVCSD 

 IVCSD VISION STATEMENT:

For Isla Vista, by Isla Vista, building the community we deserve.

 

Isla Vista is a vibrant, close-knit oceanside community in Santa Barbara County, renowned for its youthful energy and adventurous residents. The Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD) was established in 2017 (pursuant to Government Code § 61250), following decades of local efforts toward self-governance. As an unincorporated community, IVCSD is the first local government body dedicated to addressing the unique needs of its residents.

The IVCSD oversees a diverse range of programs and services designed to enhance quality of life, including public safety initiatives, a rental housing mediation program, community beautification efforts, compost collection services, and more. Our budget reflects our commitment to these critical services and ongoing community development.

Our team consists of  dedicated staff supported by a network of contractors and community partners. Together, we work to foster a connected, sustainable, and thriving Isla Vista.

Examples of Duties 

 

  • Collaborate directly with assigned business leadership to plan and execute an Entertainment Zone
  • Serve as the primary liaison between IVCSD, the participating business, performers, and support staff
  • Help curate music, performers, aesthetics, decor, and overall vibe for assigned zones
  • Obtain and coordinate partnerships with local organizations and creatives
  • Direct all logistics before, during, and after the Festival, including:
    • Event setup and breakdown
    • Performance scheduling and event flow
    • Load-in and load-out coordination
  • Plan all decor and visual elements with business approval
  • Manage timelines and ensure alignment with IVCSD’s master event schedule
  • Facilitate safety protocols required for Santa Barbara County permitting
  • Coordinate with IVCSD staff on crowd control, emergency access, sanitation, medical/first aid, and security plans
  • Ensure assigned zones operate within approved capacity, noise, and safety guidelines
  • Directly oversee event support staff and volunteers on the day of the Festival
  • Act as on-site problem solver and point of contact for assigned Entertainment Zones
  • Maintain clear communication with IVCSD staff and medical teams throughout the event
What are we looking for? 

KNOWLEDGE OF:

 

  • Community engagement and/or organizing practices
  • Event planning or live event production
  • Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms)
  • Social media platforms and community outreach tools
  • Zoom or other virtual meeting platforms
  • Familiarity with Isla Vista community culture is strongly preferred


 

SKILL/ABILITY TO:

 

  • Build strong relationships with and negotiate a wide array of partners including youth and families, students, seniors, nonprofits, businesses, property owners, and community groups.
  • Lead others to reach a common goal.
  • Work within a collaborative environment.
  • Represent the District in a professional and courteous manner
  • Perform analytical work and prepare clear and concise reports.
  • Plan, develop, review, and complete projects in a timely manner.
  • Be highly organized and have good time management skills
  • Problem-solve and maintain a solution-oriented mindset to formulate new and innovative solutions.
  • Use both written and oral forms of communication. 


 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

 

  • A resident of Isla Vista
  • Has strong interpersonal and active listening skills
  • Is excited to work within Isla Vista’s unique cultural and community context
  • Thinks creatively and strategically with a solutions-oriented mindset
  • Can work independently and as part of a team
  • Is reliable, responsive, and professional in all communications
  • Maintains confidentiality when handling internal matters
  • Has a passion for community-building and creative collaboration
  • Previous canvassing, organizing, or event experience is a plus


 

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:

 

  • Some completed coursework leading to an undergraduate degree or certificate is preferred but not required.
  • Event planning and/or event support experience
  • Involvement in local organizations is preferred but not required
  • Working on a team and/or independently under a cohort 
  • Some awareness of local permitting requirements is preferred but not required 
  • De-escalation experience is preferred but not required


 

 

IMPORTANT DATES:
Recruitment Opens: January 14, 2026

Deadline for Applications: January 30, 2026
Invitations to Interview: January 30, 2026
Interviews Conducted: February 2, 2026
Target Hire Date: February 5, 2026

 

HOW TO APPLY:

Fill out an application here by January 30th at 9am: https://forms.gle/bu2WWPoH5qLmU2498  

 

All employees of the IVCSD are public servants of Isla Vista and represent a community investment in good governance. As such, employees shall strive to be efficient in their service and conduct themselves professionally and courteously in all dealings with the public and fellow employees. IVCSD Interim Employee Handbook

 

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

This is a non-exempt, at-will position. Employment with the Isla Vista Community Services District is not for a specified term and may be terminated by either the District or the employee at any time, with or without cause or advance notice, in accordance with applicable law.

 

The Isla Vista Community Services District provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, or veteran status