Experiential Events Manager

SXSW Experiential Events Manager

Job Purpose

SXSW seeks an Experiential Events Manager to oversee the operational execution of SXSW-owned and operated experiential events and activations, and to manage client-hosted events tied to partner deliverables. This role ensures product requirements are clear, fulfillment workflows are followed, event project plans are built and maintained, and deliverables land on time and on spec.

Duties & Responsibilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead comprehensive project management for client-hosted events and partner experiences, overseeing scope, timelines, dependencies, and delivery readiness.
• Develop and maintain essential project documentation, including venue one-sheets, site plans, run-of-show schedules, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Transform sold assets into actionable, executable event plans in close partnership with the Partnerships and Account Management teams.
• Coordinate site visits, continuous logistics, and cross-functional planning sessions alongside internal production and event operations teams.
• Execute production and logistical support for major activations, including SXSW exhibitions, Clubhouses, and the Congress Avenue Block Party.
• Manage operating budgets, online client portals, and customer service communications to ensure accurate deliverable tracking.
• Ensure accurate, timely delivery of critical operational materials, including load-in/out documents, parking passes, venue instructions, and signage orders.
• Maintain centralized databases, issue logs, and decision logs to provide clear internal visibility into product fulfillment status, blockers, and outcomes.

On-site Event Responsibilities

• Serve as on-site delivery coordinator for assigned client-hosted events and partner experiences during the annual conference and festival, supporting the Account Manager on client-facing moments.
• Perform on-site operational confirmations, including venue readiness, signage placement, load-in progress, and run-of-show adherence.
• Support the on-site execution of Experiential Operations spaces (Clubhouses, Congress Avenue Block Party, Exhibitions) as needed.
• Coordinate rapid-turn needs with Production, Event Operations, and Planning, and escalate quickly when delivery risk is high.

Qualifications & Skills

Qualification include:

• 2 years of experience in project coordination, event operations, account management, or a related client-facing operations role, ideally within large-scale live events or creative industries.
• Strong project management discipline including timelines, dependencies, documentation, and deadline enforcement.
• Proven ability to maintain accurate, up-to-date trackers and databases and provide clear visibility to stakeholders across multiple concurrent workstreams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to set clear expectations with internal teams.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace; Airtable and HubSpot experience strongly preferred.
• Comfortable working in fast-moving environments with shifting priorities and tight deadlines.
• Self-motivated, accountable, and committed to reliable delivery.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully:

• Prolonged periods of sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to occasionally lift to 10 pounds, as needed.
• Operation of standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and printers.
• May require occasional bending, reaching, kneeling, or climbing stairs.
• Ability to work outdoors, including exposure to varying temperatures or noise levels.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Location & Schedule

This is a full-time position based in our Austin, Texas office. You must be available to work additional hours from January through March, including evenings and weekends, and during the March event, which will have extended on-site hours.