
Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Range $90,000.00 - $110,000.00
Work Schedule
Flexible
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
prescription drug coverage
Unlimited paid time off
Adoption or surrogate assistance
Donation matching
Tuition Reimbursement
basic life insurance
Basic accidental death & dismemberment
supplemental life insurance
Supplemental accident insurance
Commuter Benefits
short term disability
long term disability
Health savings account
Flexible spending account
family care benefits
401k Savings Plan with Company Match
Paid holidays
Paid parental leave
Pet insurance
accident insurance
critical illness insurance
Hospital Indemnity insurance
Life insurance
Disability insurance
Job Description
People Inc. is a leading company known for delivering exceptional experiences through its diverse event portfolio. Among its flagship offerings are the Food & Wine Classic events held annually in Aspen and Charleston, renowned for their ability to blend culinary excellence with engaging entertainment in an immersive environment. As a business, People Inc. values innovation, creativity, and collaboration, providing employees with a dynamic work culture focused on the pursuit of excellence in event management and programming. The company prioritizes equal employment opportunity and diversity in the workplace, emphasizing reasonable accommodations and a supportive environment for its workforce.
The role of Associate Director, Talent & Programming - Food & Wine with People Inc. is an exciting opportunity for seasoned professionals passionate about the culinary and beverage industry. This pivotal role is responsible for overseeing talent sourcing, talent logistics, and programming development for key Food & Wine Classic events in Aspen and Charleston, along with other special Food & Wine events as necessary. Located in New York with a hybrid work setting, the position provides flexibility with up to two remote days weekly, demanding strong organizational skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure live event environment. The role necessitates extensive collaboration with multiple teams, including the editorial team, event directors, PR, operations, and culinary professionals, to shape and deliver robust programming that stands out in quality and innovation. The Associate Director leads a small team, manages talent-related budgets, and acts as the primary point of contact for talent, ensuring seamless execution of cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, and other talent-driven experiences. The position offers a salary range of $90,000 to $110,000, reflecting the significant responsibilities and expertise required, alongside a comprehensive benefits package comprising medical, dental, vision coverage, paid time off, tuition assistance, and more. This career path suits individuals with a deep appreciation for food, wine, and event production who are ready to make a lasting impact by bringing top-tier talent and thoughtfully curated programming to vibrant audiences.
The role of Associate Director, Talent & Programming - Food & Wine with People Inc. is an exciting opportunity for seasoned professionals passionate about the culinary and beverage industry. This pivotal role is responsible for overseeing talent sourcing, talent logistics, and programming development for key Food & Wine Classic events in Aspen and Charleston, along with other special Food & Wine events as necessary. Located in New York with a hybrid work setting, the position provides flexibility with up to two remote days weekly, demanding strong organizational skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure live event environment. The role necessitates extensive collaboration with multiple teams, including the editorial team, event directors, PR, operations, and culinary professionals, to shape and deliver robust programming that stands out in quality and innovation. The Associate Director leads a small team, manages talent-related budgets, and acts as the primary point of contact for talent, ensuring seamless execution of cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, and other talent-driven experiences. The position offers a salary range of $90,000 to $110,000, reflecting the significant responsibilities and expertise required, alongside a comprehensive benefits package comprising medical, dental, vision coverage, paid time off, tuition assistance, and more. This career path suits individuals with a deep appreciation for food, wine, and event production who are ready to make a lasting impact by bringing top-tier talent and thoughtfully curated programming to vibrant audiences.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor's degree preferred in marketing, communications, or a related field
- Relevant work experience and qualifications will be equally considered
- 7+ years of experience in talent management, event programming, editorial programming, or live event production
- Experience working with high-profile or celebrity talent preferred
- Prior people management experience required
- Strong understanding of culinary, wine, and beverage industry including trends and upcoming talent
- Proven ability to manage complex logistics and multiple stakeholders simultaneously
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Comfortable working in fast-paced, high-pressure live event environments
- Ability to work non-traditional hours during planning peaks and event execution
- Travel required, including extended time on-site in Aspen and Charleston during event periods
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree preferred in marketing, communications, or a related field
- 7+ years of experience in talent management, event programming, editorial programming, or live event production
- Experience working with high-profile or celebrity talent preferred
- Prior people management experience required
- Strong understanding of culinary, wine, and beverage industry including trends and upcoming talent
- Proven ability to manage complex logistics and multiple stakeholders simultaneously
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust across teams and with talent
- Comfortable working in fast-paced, high-pressure live event environments
- Ability to work non-traditional hours during planning peaks and event execution
Job Duties
- Lead talent sourcing efforts across chefs, winemakers, beverage professionals, and culinary personalities for both Food & Wine events
- Work with the Food & Wine editorial team and PR to identify, prioritize, and secure celebrity and high-profile talent aligned with brand and programming goals
- Maintain strong relationships with talent, agents, publicists, and industry partners
- Support editorial-driven talent initiatives and celebrity outreach as needed
- Collaborate closely with the Food & Wine editorial team to brainstorm, develop, and curate weekend programming schedules
- Work with the Event Directors to assess programming needs, capacity, flow, and event-specific priorities
- Ensure programming is diverse, innovative, and consistent with Food & Wine standards
- Oversee the management, production, and execution of all wine seminars and cooking demonstrations across both events
- Oversee all talent logistics including scheduling, travel coordination, and on-site needs
- Partner with production, operations, culinary teams, to ensure all talent needs are met for onsite appearances
- Serve as a primary point of contact for talent during planning and on-site execution
- Provide excellent hospitality and ensure talent is prepared for onsite appearance
- Manage and mentor two direct reports, providing clear direction, feedback, and development opportunities
- Work closely with event directors, Editorial team, PR, Operations, Production, Sponsorship, and Marketing teams
- Manage oversight of talent-related budgets, including forecasting, expense tracking, and reconciliation, ensuring alignment with approved financial parameters
- Support sponsorship team with sponsorship execution at seminars, if applicable
- Ensure clear communication across teams to support smooth execution and timely decision-making
Job Criteria
Experience
Expert Level (7+ years)
Job Location
Your Profile Is Visible To Hiring Managers Across OysterLink.
We'll match you with best jobs
Get job offers faster


Search For More Opportunities:
How Candidates Get Hired Faster
Apply to 2–3 similar roles
Complete profile & get best matches
Check new opportunities daily

