Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Hourly
Range $20.25 - $27.00
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Professional development opportunities
Employee Discounts
Work-life balance
Job Description
SXSW is a globally recognized festival and conference held annually in Austin, Texas, renowned for its diverse range of programming that includes film, music, interactive media, and innovative technology. As a premier destination for discovery and creativity, SXSW gathers some of the brightest minds and most influential thought leaders from across the world, setting trends and fostering innovation and collaboration within various industries. Established as a cultural and professional hub, the SXSW event serves not only as an entertainment spectacle but also as a dynamic platform where pioneering ideas and groundbreaking projects are introduced and explored.
The Innovation Conference Department at SXSW is a specialized team focused on curating inspiring, creative, and forward-thinking content. This team is dedicated to developing conference programming that attracts innovators and visionaries, ensuring that SXSW continues to be a leading force in shaping the future of technology, business, and creative industries. Within this context, the role of the Conference Coordinator is critical to the success of the Innovation Conference programming, which requires meticulous planning, strong organizational skills, and effective communication.
The SXSW Conference Coordinator is a full-time position stationed at the Austin, Texas office, responsible for supporting the Innovation Conference Department throughout the year. This role demands a comprehensive approach to managing the lifecycle of conference programming, starting from the initial ideation phase through to the successful execution of sessions on-site during the SXSW event. The Coordinator acts as a key liaison between speakers, session organizers, and internal teams, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned with deadlines, deliverables, and event logistics. A core element of this position involves maintaining accurate and detailed records of speaker information and program data, supporting effective communication channels, and managing the flow of inquiries with professionalism and efficiency.
Operationally, the Conference Coordinator is tasked with coordinating day-to-day logistics for the conference team, tracking project progress, and assisting with the curation of session content. On-site responsibilities include overseeing the programming at assigned venues to ensure sessions run on time, handling attendee engagement, troubleshooting any issues that arise, and providing exceptional customer service to participants and staff. The role requires someone who can thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, balancing multiple priorities with a positive and adaptable attitude.
The ideal candidate for this position exhibits exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and a self-motivated approach to work. Strong professional networking abilities, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving skills are essential to navigate the complexities of conference production. Proficiency with business software such as the Microsoft Office Suite and collaboration tools like Google Docs, Slack, and Airtable is required to support effective workflow and communication. Experience in conference or event planning and public-facing roles are preferred but not mandatory.
The Conference Coordinator must be available for an extended work schedule from January through March, including evenings and weekends, and must commit to on-site work during the 15 days of the SXSW and SXSW EDU events. This period involves extended hours and hands-on management of event logistics to guarantee a smooth and successful conference experience. SXSW offers reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions, emphasizing inclusivity within the work environment.
This role offers a unique opportunity to be part of an internationally acclaimed conference that shapes industry conversations and influences cultural and technological trends. Joining the SXSW team as a Conference Coordinator means contributing to the innovation landscape while building meaningful connections and professional expertise in event coordination and production.
The Innovation Conference Department at SXSW is a specialized team focused on curating inspiring, creative, and forward-thinking content. This team is dedicated to developing conference programming that attracts innovators and visionaries, ensuring that SXSW continues to be a leading force in shaping the future of technology, business, and creative industries. Within this context, the role of the Conference Coordinator is critical to the success of the Innovation Conference programming, which requires meticulous planning, strong organizational skills, and effective communication.
The SXSW Conference Coordinator is a full-time position stationed at the Austin, Texas office, responsible for supporting the Innovation Conference Department throughout the year. This role demands a comprehensive approach to managing the lifecycle of conference programming, starting from the initial ideation phase through to the successful execution of sessions on-site during the SXSW event. The Coordinator acts as a key liaison between speakers, session organizers, and internal teams, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned with deadlines, deliverables, and event logistics. A core element of this position involves maintaining accurate and detailed records of speaker information and program data, supporting effective communication channels, and managing the flow of inquiries with professionalism and efficiency.
Operationally, the Conference Coordinator is tasked with coordinating day-to-day logistics for the conference team, tracking project progress, and assisting with the curation of session content. On-site responsibilities include overseeing the programming at assigned venues to ensure sessions run on time, handling attendee engagement, troubleshooting any issues that arise, and providing exceptional customer service to participants and staff. The role requires someone who can thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, balancing multiple priorities with a positive and adaptable attitude.
The ideal candidate for this position exhibits exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and a self-motivated approach to work. Strong professional networking abilities, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving skills are essential to navigate the complexities of conference production. Proficiency with business software such as the Microsoft Office Suite and collaboration tools like Google Docs, Slack, and Airtable is required to support effective workflow and communication. Experience in conference or event planning and public-facing roles are preferred but not mandatory.
The Conference Coordinator must be available for an extended work schedule from January through March, including evenings and weekends, and must commit to on-site work during the 15 days of the SXSW and SXSW EDU events. This period involves extended hours and hands-on management of event logistics to guarantee a smooth and successful conference experience. SXSW offers reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions, emphasizing inclusivity within the work environment.
This role offers a unique opportunity to be part of an internationally acclaimed conference that shapes industry conversations and influences cultural and technological trends. Joining the SXSW team as a Conference Coordinator means contributing to the innovation landscape while building meaningful connections and professional expertise in event coordination and production.
Job Requirements
- Education equivalent to a high school diploma or bachelor’s degree preferred
- Experience working in event coordination or conference support roles
- Strong communication skills both written and verbal
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and common collaboration platforms
- Capacity to work extended hours including evenings and weekends from January to March
- Availability to work on-site in Austin Texas during SXSW and SXSW EDU events
- Physical ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods and lift up to 10 pounds
- Manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment
- Willingness to assist with various tasks and adapt to changing needs during event production
Job Qualifications
- Leverage strong professional networking skills
- Demonstrate a collaborative team-oriented approach
- Thrive in high-pressure environments by multi-tasking effectively while maintaining a positive adaptable attitude
- Exhibit exceptional attention to detail self-motivation and strong time management and prioritization skills
- Apply critical thinking and creative problem-solving to navigate complex challenges and high-pressure situations
- Communicate effectively across all in-person written and verbal channels
- Demonstrate proficiency with business software Microsoft Office Suite and essential collaboration tools Google Docs Sheets Slides Slack Airtable
- Experience in a public-facing role is preferred
- Experience in conference or event planning is preferred
Job Duties
- Maintain records and databases ensuring meticulous data entry accurate speaker records and timely information processing as the program evolves
- Support the year-round administrative lifecycle of the SXSW Conference team actively assisting with the advancement planning and operational execution of conference tracks
- Coordinate day-to-day logistics for the conference team including tracking deliverables monitoring timelines and assisting with the session curation workflow from the ideation phase through to the on-site experience
- Deliver exceptional high-touch customer service to speakers session organizers and prospective participants serving as a reliable and professional primary point of contact
- Facilitate clear timely communication with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure alignment on deadlines asset collection and event logistics
- Manage a high volume of daily email correspondence and inquiries efficiently maintaining organized communication channels and ensuring timely responses during peak times
- Oversee programming taking place at assigned venues
- Ensure conference sessions run on time
- Track attendee engagement
- Troubleshoot on-site issues related to conference programming
- Provide customer service to registrants and speakers
- Assist staff with requests as needed
Job Criteria
Experience
No experience required
Job Location
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