Experiential Events Manager

SXSW•Austin, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

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. The role ensures product requirements are clear, fulfillment workflows are followed, event project plans are built and maintained, and deliverables are completed on time and to specification. The manager leads project planning and delivery for client-hosted events and partner experiences, develops operational documentation, translates sold assets into executable plans, and coordinates logistics with internal teams. The position also supports production and logistical execution for major activations, manages operating budgets and client portals, and maintains tracking systems for fulfillment status and risks. During the annual conference and festival, the manager serves as an on-site delivery coordinator for assigned events and experiences, confirming venue readiness and deliverables, supporting experiential operations spaces, coordinating rapid-turn needs, and escalating delivery risks. This is a full-time position based in SXSW’s Austin, Texas office. Additional hours are required from January through March, including evenings and weekends, and extended on-site hours during the March event.

Requirements

At least 2 years of experience in project coordination, event operations, account management, or a related client-facing operations role.
Strong project management discipline, including timelines, dependencies, documentation, and deadline enforcement.
Ability to maintain accurate, up-to-date trackers and databases and provide clear stakeholder visibility across multiple concurrent workstreams.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to set clear expectations with internal teams.
Proficiency in Google Workspace.
Comfort working in fast-moving environments with shifting priorities and tight deadlines.
Self-motivated, accountable, and committed to reliable delivery.
Ability to work additional hours from January through March, including evenings and weekends, and extended on-site hours during the March event.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the role, including prolonged sitting or standing at a desk, working on a computer, occasionally lifting up to 10 pounds, and occasionally bending, reaching, kneeling, or climbing stairs.
Ability to work outdoors, including exposure to varying temperatures or noise levels.

Nice To Haves

Experience in large-scale live events or creative industries.
Airtable experience.
HubSpot experience.

Responsibilities

Lead project management for client-hosted events and partner experiences, overseeing scope, timelines, dependencies, and delivery readiness.
Develop and maintain project documentation, including venue one-sheets, site plans, run-of-show schedules, and standard operating procedures.
Work with Partnerships and Account Management teams to turn sold assets into actionable event plans.
Coordinate site visits, ongoing logistics, and cross-functional planning sessions with production and event operations teams.
Provide production and logistical support for SXSW exhibitions, Clubhouses, and the Congress Avenue Block Party.
Manage operating budgets, online client portals, and customer service communications to track deliverables accurately.
Ensure timely delivery of operational materials, including load-in/out documents, parking passes, venue instructions, and signage orders.
Maintain centralized databases, issue logs, and decision logs that provide internal visibility into fulfillment status, blockers, and outcomes.
Serve as the on-site delivery coordinator for assigned client-hosted events and partner experiences during the annual conference and festival, supporting the Account Manager during client-facing moments.
Confirm on-site operational readiness, including venue readiness, signage placement, load-in progress, and adherence to run-of-show schedules.
Support on-site execution of Experiential Operations spaces, including Clubhouses, the Congress Avenue Block Party, and Exhibitions, as needed.
Coordinate rapid-turn needs with Production, Event Operations, and Planning, and escalate quickly when delivery risk is high.