Manager, Programming

Blavity Inc.•,

1d•Remote

About The Position

Blavity Inc. is seeking a contract Manager, Programming to oversee the curation and execution of speaker-driven programming for events like AfroTech and other Blavity live events. This role involves managing the speaker experience, coordinating session logistics, and ensuring programming content is accurate and on schedule from planning through on-site delivery. The Manager, Programming will act as the secondary point of contact for speakers, working closely with the Senior Manager, Programming. Additionally, this individual will independently manage programming for smaller events, such as one-day activations and virtual summits, taking ownership from agenda development to execution. The ideal candidate possesses direct conference programming experience, excels under pressure, communicates effectively with speakers and internal teams, and can manage multiple tasks simultaneously without compromising detail. Direct experience in conference programming is mandatory; candidates without experience in managing speaker-driven event content, session logistics, or a similar programming function will not be considered. This role reports directly to the VP of Content & Programming.

Requirements

3-5 years of experience in conference programming required.
Candidates must have direct, hands-on experience managing speaker-driven event content and session logistics for conferences or large-scale live events.
Experience drafting agendas, session tracks, or programming plans from strategic direction.
Familiarity with the call for participants (CFP) process and experience managing speaker communications across multiple events or tracks.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; able to manage multiple workstreams and deadlines without losing accuracy.
Clear written and verbal communication skills, including editing session descriptions and managing professional correspondence with speakers.
Experience with event management software (Sessionboard or similar) and virtual platform tools.
Proficiency in Google Suite (Google Sheets especially) and Asana; comfortable working in established systems and maintaining data integrity within them.
Ability to work independently and own smaller projects from start to finish.
Genuine connection to Black culture, tech, and the AfroTech community; passion for producing events that reflect and serve our audience.
Contractors will be responsible for providing their own equipment, including but not limited to laptop computers, cell phones, or any other electronic equipment required to perform their role.
Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

Content curation and agenda development: Draft initial program agendas by theme or topic as directed by the executive team and Senior Manager, translating strategic programming priorities into organized session structures.
Support the development and organization of session tracks, agenda grids, and programming schedules in alignment with leadership-defined themes and goals.
Assist in managing the call for proposals (CFP) process, including tracking submissions, coordinating reviews, and communicating outcomes to applicants.
Maintain programming documentation across events, including session descriptions, speaker bios, format details, and content updates.
Ensure programming content meets quality standards and reflects the educational and experiential goals of each event.
Speaker management: Serve as the secondary point of contact for confirmed conference speakers, supporting the Senior Manager in managing all communication from booking confirmation through on-site execution.
Coordinate speaker rehearsals, run-of-show logistics, briefing documents, and presentation material collection.
Collect, organize, and route all speaker-submitted assets (bios, headshots, decks, AV requirements, session descriptions) using established systems and naming conventions.
Track speaker status and outstanding materials in Sessionboard and internal tracking tools, flagging gaps before they become problems.
Smaller event and virtual summit programming: Independently manage programming for one-day events and virtual summits, owning the full project from initial agenda development through post-event wrap.
Develop session plans, source and confirm speakers, manage logistics, and coordinate with Operations and AV for assigned smaller events.
Maintain clear communication with internal stakeholders on event timelines, content decisions, and deliverables for each project.
On-site programming support: Support on-site programming and talent management across assigned events, ensuring speakers are prepared, briefed, and supported day-of.
Assist with real-time session adjustments, content issues, and run-of-show coordination in partnership with Production and AV teams.
Capture on-site learnings and post-event feedback to support continuous improvement for future events.