Senior Vice President of Events and Publicity

This is a Full Time Job

The Senior Vice President, Events & Publicity oversees the conceptualizing, planning, and executing for all major Focus Features events inclusive of release and awards activity. The position reports to the EVP, Publicity for Focus Features.

Essential Responsibilities
• Partner with Publicity teams to conceptualize, strategize, develop, and execute all events including premieres, activations, trailer launches, tastemakers, and experiential events.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align event strategy with film campaigns, awards positioning, and corporate priorities.
• Develop innovative, immersive events incorporating thematic design, experiential activations, and emerging technologies to amplify audience engagement and media visibility.
• Utilize data insights and attendee feedback to evaluate success metrics, measure brand impact, and refine future event strategies.
• Oversee event production from concept through execution, ensuring excellence in creative presentation and operational delivery.
• Identify and secure premiere venues, vendors, and production partners for all events.
• Direct development of event collateral, including red carpet branding elements, invitations, credentials, ticketing materials, and signage.
• Oversee and manage invitation strategy and guest curation in collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders. Work with events team in RSVP oversight, seating design, ticketing, will-call, staffing, and comprehensive guest logistics.
• Lead and manage budget negotiations with all vendors for productions; negotiate contracts and ensure compliance with safety, legal, and corporate governance standards.
• Partner with Universal Entertainment Security to design and implement comprehensive security protocols.
• Cultivate and manage senior-level relationships with talent, filmmakers, personal representatives, guilds, and key industry stakeholders.
• Coordinate premiere ticket allocations for charitable initiatives and ensure corporate tax compliance.
• Lead the execution of all awards related events in partnership with the Awards and project teams, including ceremonies, tastemaker events, and industry receptions.
• Oversee nominees, filmmakers, executives, and studio logistics including seating, ticketing, and table placements for all award shows and ceremonies, including (but not limited to) the Golden Globes, Independent Spirit Awards, Directors Guild of America, Producers Guild of America, and The Actors Awards, etc.
• Manage studio engagement with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, including Oscar ticketing, Governors Awards participation, and overall Academy relations.
• Partner with Universal Events on joint initiatives including the Universal Entertainment Golden Globe After Party, Oscar celebrations, BAFTA events, tastemakers, international film festivals, and CinemaCon.
• Collaborate with the international teams on the studio presence at major international film festivals with seating, events, dinners, and other industry events.
• Collaborate with project teams on CinemaCon and key industry conventions.
• Serve as a central clearinghouse for cross-divisional screenings supporting Comcast, Government Affairs, Community Relations, and additional stakeholders.
• Lead and mentor the Events team of two, including a Director and Coordinator of Events & Publicity.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:
• Minimum of 10 years relevant event planning experience, with experience in Event Production and knowledge of working on major studio events.
• Extensive experience in managing teams both in-house and vendors hired, to produce flawless cutting-edge events.
• Must be able to work extended hours and travel where required.

Desired Characteristics
• Strong communication skills and a proactive approach to building and fostering working relationships.
• Must be able to effectively manage a team.
• Must be able to cultivate strong internal and external relationships.
• Ability to work in a fast, dynamic environment, and with competing priorities.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience.

Additional Requirements:

Hybrid: This position currently has a hybrid schedule, which requires contributing from the office a minimum of four days per week. The Company reserves the right to change in-office requirements at any time.