Director of Talent and Content

About the position

We are seeking an experienced industry professional with a strong background in talent (celebrity) relations and content management within the entertainment and live events sector. The successful candidate will focus on Talent and Content initiatives across a portfolio of large-scale B2C entertainment events in North America. They will be responsible for developing innovative programming strategies while ensuring the Talent acquisition approach supports the programming goals. On the Talent side, the Director will work closely with the Strategy & Business Development Director, and the President of B2C North America to establish celebrity content objectives, oversee guest acquisition strategies, and negotiate contracts. They will spend a large portion of their time with the team and at events, ensuring oversight and confidence in critical on-site processes. On the Content side, the Director will work with the content team led by a Senior Content Manager and their team to integrate innovative content into the event schedules, driving audience growth. This role requires collaboration with Show Management, Marketing, and Sponsorship teams to ensure alignment with strategic objectives and KPI’s.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Strategy & Business Development Director on celebrity and guest operations at Fan Expo HQ events.
• Lead and manage on-site talent activities from pre-set up to close out.
• Connect with the team at summits and other meetings across various North American locations.
• Develop guest lists for content genres and liaise with booking agents and talent agencies.
• Oversee guest contract negotiation and ensure accuracy, working with legal counsel as needed.
• Manage the project timeline for events involving celebrity content.
• Provide reports and feedback to Event Directors and Managers.
• Identify opportunities for departmental improvement and development.
• Prepare reports on department activities, performance, and opportunities.
• Support recruitment, training, and mentoring of staff.
• Ensure adherence to event budgets and negotiate contracts effectively.
• Promote a strong team environment through recognition and reward.
• Develop content strategies with the team for shows across central genre pillars to attract new demographics and drive attendee growth.
• Monitor trends in pop culture and report on competitor activity.
• Work with the Sponsorship team to create content-led sponsorship opportunities.
• Propose innovative ideas for content innovations and localized programming.
• Oversee and manage the Content Team and related consultants to ensure efficient processes.
• Build relationships with key content partners across primary genres.
• Collaborate with Sponsorship and Marketing teams to align content strategy with campaign messaging.
• Assist Show Managers in implementing programming content efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Analyze and report on content successes and areas for improvement post-show.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of management experience in the entertainment industry, with strong project management and leadership skills.
• Experience working with celebrity talent and executing media or live events reliant on such talent.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Proven ability to implement and drive team programs and procedures.
• Skilled at managing and developing geographically dispersed teams.
• Demonstrated attention to detail in guest services and amenity placements.
• Experience increasing revenues and improving team performance.
• Extensive and frequent travel across North America, including weekends (approximately 17+ shows per year).

Nice-to-haves

• Toronto-based candidates preferred (2-3 days in the office per week); remote work acceptable with occasional travel to Toronto/New York additional to shows.

Benefits

• Freedom & flexibility: colleagues rate us highly for the flexibility and trust they receive, and we support a range of working patterns.
• Great community: a welcoming culture with in-person and online social events, our fantastic Walk the World charity day and active diversity and inclusion networks.
• Broader impact: take up to four days per year to volunteer, with charity match funding available too.
• Career opportunity: the opportunity to develop your career with bespoke training and learning, mentoring platforms and on-demand access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning.
• Time out: 15 days PTO rising to 20 after three years and 25 after six years, plus 10 national holidays, a birthday leave day and the chance to work from (almost!) anywhere for up to four weeks a year.
• Competitive benefits, including a 401k match, health, vision and dental insurance, parental leave and an ESPP offering company shares at a minimum 15% discount.
• Strong wellbeing support through EAP assistance, mental health first aiders, free access to a wellness app and more.
• Recognition for great work, with global awards and kudos programs.
• As an international company, the chance to collaborate with teams around the world.