Event Operations Manager
South By Southwest
Austin, TXThis is a Full Time Job
(S) Seasonal Manager, Event Operations
Job Purpose
The seasonal Manager, Event Operations is a professional with extensive expertise in event operations, logistics, administration, and personnel management. In this role, you will lead a team of seasonal and contracted staff, ensuring the achievement of goals and objectives while adhering to event timelines. The ideal candidate will manage day-to-day tasks that enhance departmental productivity and contribute to the success of both the team and the areas under their supervision.
Duties & Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Oversee and support staff in planning and executing catering, accessibility, and event status operations.
• Manage contract negotiation and execution for Event Operations vendors, while maintaining strong vendor relationships.
• Collaborate with relevant departments to develop and enhance functional plans for event operations.
• Support departmental administrative and project-based work, using project management skills to enhance team productivity and ensure accountability for overall effectiveness.
• Reinforce both internal and external customer service efforts.
• Partner with department leadership to achieve budgetary goals.
• Attend required training, continuing education, and meetings.
• Support the achievement of departmental and organizational goals.
• Foster a culture of safety by implementing safety measures and utilizing the provided resources.
• Uphold company policies and procedures, serving as a role model for others.
On-Site Event Responsibilities
• Oversight of onsite event operations for your areas of responsibility.
• Problem-solving to maintain and prevent disruptions to volunteer and event operations.
• Use of identified reporting methods to document operational challenges or request assistance.
• Providing customer service and support to event attendees, personnel, and volunteers.
• Reinforcing company policies and procedures, and acting as a role model for others.
Qualifications & Skills
Qualifications include:
• Prior experience managing personnel
• 5 years of event operations and event logistics experience
• Ability to expand upon existing skills to execute unfamiliar tasks
• Outstanding internal and external customer service skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to write, edit, and produce grammatically correct documentation and plans in the English language
• Highly organized with keen attention to detail
• Confidence in making decisions while working under pressure
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Comfortable working with a team and independently
• Ability to prioritize and manage timelines
• Knowledge of Google Workspace, MS Office, Airtable, and a willingness to learn new software
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 lift up to 15 pounds occasionally, as needed.
• Manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc.
• 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
The position is full-time and located in Austin, Texas. Core business office hours are from 10 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday. You must be available to be in the office Monday - Thursday and work additional hours from January through March, including evenings and weekends. You must also be available for the March event, which will have extended working hours on-site.
