
Film & TV Programming Coordinator
South By Southwest
Austin, TXThis is a Full Time Job
SXSW Film & TV Submissions & Programming Coordinator
Job Purpose
SXSW is seeking a Film & TV Submissions & Programming Coordinator to support the Film & TV Festival by managing the full lifecycle of film submissions and assisting in programming operations. This role ensures the smooth intake, tracking, and assessment of thousands of festival entries each season, while also facilitating the internal systems that support programming decisions and scheduling. The position serves as a primary point of contact for submitting filmmakers and helps maintain organizational tools to ensure seamless department workflows.
Duties & Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Manage the official SXSW Film & TV email account and the filmtvprogramming inbox, responding to all external inquiries, broken link reports, extension requests, and fee waiver inquiries.
• Prepare and send official notification letters to filmmakers as programming decisions are finalized.
• Import incoming film submissions into the internal FileMaker database on a daily basis and perform regular audits of application records to ensure accuracy.
• Lead the yearly update and testing of the Film & TV Submission Applications.
• Track total submissions, categorize entries by format, genre, and key metrics, and compile comparative statistics for internal reporting.
• Maintain and update the Film & TV Submissions Source of Truth and the Film & TV Screening Schedule Source of Truth.
• Organize the Film & TV team meeting calendar, prepare meeting agendas, take comprehensive notes, and track department history.
• Maintain the Feature Programming Airtable with updated records, filters, and views while assisting in building the Film & TV Screening Schedule.
On-Site Event Responsibilities
• Maintain full availability throughout the SXSW Film & TV Festival & Conference, including evenings and weekends.
• Provide comprehensive on-site support to the Film & TV Programming Team.
• Manage detailed daily scheduling and arrange transportation logistics.
• Facilitate the Alum Q&A process and coordinate Alum Moderators.
• Coordinate filmmaker dinner logistics and assist with hosting the events.
• Manage intro and Q&A deliverables during the festival.
• Create and manage external-facing Airtable views that highlight accepted projects by theme, genre, or community focus.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure smooth on-site operations and data integrity across scheduling tools.
Qualifications & Skills
• Experience in film festival operations, event coordination, or similar fields preferred.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Close attention to detail in data entry and scheduling.
• Ability to maintain a professional and calm demeanor under pressure, particularly during high-volume periods and the festival itself.
• Strong organizational instincts and interest in process improvement.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize competing deadlines across multiple projects.
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with film festival operations and submission processes preferred.
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 to 50 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.
Work Location & Schedule
The position is full-time and located in our Austin, Texas office. Core business office hours are from 10 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday, and we work in person. You must be available to work additional hours from January through March, including evenings and weekends. You must also be available for the March event, which will have extended on-site working hours.
Additional Information
SXSW is a unique convergence of original music, independent films, and emerging technologies. The SXSW Film & TV Festival celebrates the art and craft of storytelling through film and television, showcasing a diverse range of projects from around the world.