Director of Digital Media Capture & Licensing

Sxsw Inc; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Staff Badge Perks

401K

Unforgettable Experiences

Job summary

SXSW is seeking a Director of Digital Media Capture & Licensing to own photography operations, licensing, and asset governance for its Austin-based events. This role manages large teams, multi-venue coverage, and vendor relations, ensuring high-quality imagery and compliant licensing across all festival activities.

The position requires strong leadership, budgeting, and process discipline, with on-site oversight during peak event periods and collaboration with legal and content teams.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in large-scale photography/production management.
• Experience leading contract teams at live events.
• Budgeting, purchasing, and vendor management experience.
• Proven ability to build multi-venue coverage schedules.

Responsibilities

• Direct photography operations across SXSW conferences and events.
• Build and maintain the event coverage schedule.
• Administer the enterprise DAM and metadata governance.
• Lead on-site photography operations during events.
• Manage video production coverage and deliverables.
• Oversee budget, contracts, and invoicing.
• Coordinate image delivery and licensing with partners.

Skills

Photography management

Team leadership

Budget management

Vendor relationships

DAM / metadata governance

Scheduling expertise

Education

Bachelor’s degree in photography or related field

Tools

Relational databases

Low-code platforms

Photo editing software

Job description

March 15–21, 2027 | Austin, TX

Buy Now — Badge prices increase in 5 Days 17 Hours 48 Mins 7 Secs

Careers

SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries.

Join the SXSW Team

We Embrace Unexpected Discoveries

SXSW is committed to the discovery and development of diverse talent. We believe that when creative people express their individuality, it births new ideas, challenges bias, signals inclusion, promotes diversity and awakens a culture rooted in belonging.

SXSW is responsible for providing a space for creatives to thrive by bringing their unique personalities to the table to create an unprecedented culture unlike any other. We are intentional about building an environment more representative of the communities we serve because it creates a stronger and more creative workplace proven to deliver the best results.

SXSW is committed to the discovery and development of diverse talent. We believe that when creative people express their individuality, it births new ideas, challenges bias, signals inclusion, promotes diversity and awakens a culture rooted in belonging.

SXSW is responsible for providing a space for creatives to thrive by bringing their unique personalities to the table to create an unprecedented culture unlike any other. We are intentional about building an environment more representative of the communities we serve because it creates a stronger and more creative workplace proven to deliver the best results.

Diversity: The presence of differences that represent society at all levels.

Increasing diversity means we decrease conformity, while leading to more engagement, innovation and creativity.

Equity: Our commitment to eliminate barriers and ensure opportunities for everyone.
Increasing equity ensures impartiality and fairness for all communities. We pledge to remove structural inequities in the employee life cycle, build policies that ensure accessibility for all, and take continual steps to confront bias in decision making.

Inclusion: The actions taken to be sure everyone feels invited, embraced, and valued.
Increasing inclusion affirms that our SXSW community feels a shared belonging, respected, and valued with equitable opportunities to contribute their individuality to the organization and advance their skill sets and careers.

Culture and Values

Our Culture

Curious
Our staff’s deep interests and creative passions are often reflected in their work. We thrive in an open-minded environment, where we believe in continuously exploring new ideas, knowledge, and skills.

Independent
SXSW is authentic and unlike any other experiences, and we celebrate its originality. We like to figure things out, and we value independent thinking to solve problems and fuel innovation, creativity, and growth.

Inclusive
We celebrate the unique identities, contributions, perspectives, and lived experiences of the SXSW community. By cultivating an inclusive environment, we unlock a wealth of talent and create a vibrant experience where everyone can succeed.

Adaptable
Our business is never static. We are resilient, we find ways to adjust, and we embrace the dynamic, ever-changing nature of our world.

Hard-working
We embrace challenges and have high expectations. We are passionate and dedicated to doing what it takes to deliver a stellar SXSW experience.

Collaborative
We believe that collaboration brings about remarkable results. We value teamwork and seek diverse perspectives to support the success of creative people.

Our Values

Creativity
We foster discovery and shine a light on artists and innovators whose work is fresh, non-obvious, and pushes boundaries. We believe original thinking drives visionary problem solving and positive change.

Community
We recognize the power of human connections and shared experiences—from within our SXSW team and participants from around the world—to help fulfill our purpose. By fostering a sense of belonging, we can unleash potential that contributes to the progress of creative people everywhere.

Individuality
We celebrate self-expression and value each other’s differences and unique perspectives. We believe that embracing individuality means creating an inclusive and supportive experience for all.

Human Potential
We view what’s ahead as a big opportunity. We advance the ideas and accomplishments of forward thinkers and believe in the power of humans to do the impossible to create a better future.

Company Perks & Applicant Questions

Company Perks

We offer acompetitive benefits packageto all regular, full time staff that includes but is not limited to:

• Company-Subsidized Medical Plans
• Employer Paid Dental
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Employer Contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Optional Discounted Vision Plan
• Short and Long Term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• 401K
• Staff Badge Perks
• Unique and Collaborative Work Environment
• Unforgettable Experiences

Applicant Questions

What happens after I apply?
Once you submit your application it will be reviewed by a member of the Human Resources Team. Your amazing skill set is compared to job requirements and core competencies to determine job fit. If the application is complete and in line with the job requirements you will receive a call for a brief phone interview. The final step is a face to face interview with the hiring manager.

Who can I speak with if I have additional questions?
All questions regarding the job opening, response timeline, feedback, and the hiring process can be directed to the Human Resources Department. Please email [e-mail] .

What does it mean to be seasonal?
The technical definition is a staff member who works 6 month of the year or less. At SXSW being a seasonal employee means so much more than that! Seasonal staff join the company in anticipation of the event and add great value. Although the employment may be short-lived, it’s a great way to learn the industry and be a part of a world renowned global event. Have additional questions? Feel free to reach out to our Human Resources Department. Please email [e-mail] .

Internships

At SXSW, we take pride in offering internships that are comprehensive learning experiences. Our interns are an integral part of a team that produces a world-class international event. We offer opportunities in Brand & Marketing, Innovation, the Music and Film Festivals, Conference Programming, and more.

As a SXSW intern, you can expect to:

• Explore your chosen industry and learn how it interacts with other disciplines
• Network, making professional connections inside and outside the company
• Expand your portfolio and resume, putting your efforts on display to a discerning global audience
• Develop and prove your professional skills alongside supportive, invested colleagues and mentors
• Experience the whole of the SXSW Conference and Festivals, as both an intern and an attendee with complimentary access

“As an intern, the management team really opens you up to be a part of the culture” –Glassdoor Review

“Great opportunity to look inside what makes one of the world’s largest festivals.” –Glassdoor Review

Note: All internships paid at $12/hr. Enrollment in a college or university is required to be considered for an internship.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering for SXSW is a great way to meet new people, showcase SXSW and Austin to our global community, and earn great perks to attend SXSW or SXSW EDU!

Learn more about badge types and how you can earn the opportunity to attend SXSW at sxsw.com/volunteer .

Current Career Opportunities

Explore available positions and submit your resume. If there are no positions listed below, please check back for updates.

Position:Director of Digital Media Capture & Licensing Location: Austin, TX
Job Id:311 # of Openings:1 SXSWDirector of Digital Media Capture & Licensing SXSW is seeking a Director of Digital Media Capture & Licensing who will own how SXSW captures and manages its visual records across four functions: photography operations for multiple photo crews, enterprise DAM administration and governance of 850K+ assets, video production management, and Event Recording & Licensing (ERL).

Duties & Responsibilities

• Direct photography operations: plan, staff, and run year-round photography coverage for all SXSW conferences, festivals, and brand events. This includes ~75 contract photographers across four specialized teams; the role holds final on‑site authority and serves as the top escalation point during the event.
• Build and maintain the event coverage schedule: create and update the annual coverage schedule for ~800 photo and ~120 video events. Collect requests from programming and sales teams and move data from programming databases into the asset system so every captured file ties to the event it documents.
• Own the digital asset management system: administer the enterprise system holding 850K+ assets. Set and enforce standards for folder structure, metadata, naming, and permissions across event years, and keep rights and usage information current so assets can be cleared for promotional, editorial, and licensed use.
• Govern event recording and licensing: lead two seasonal staff who review, approve, or deny outside requests to film, record, or license SXSW content. Resolve escalated requests and work with legal and licensing partners on commercial agreements.
• Manage video production coverage: schedule and brief the contracted video production company on where and when to film. Specify the deliverables required for each event, and set file organization and naming standards so recordings arrive ready for the asset system.
• Administer the photography budget and contractor agreements: manage the annual photography budget. Prepare contractor agreements, tax and vendor forms, purchase orders, and event credentials, then review all contractor invoices and submit them to accounting after the event.
• Distribute images to partners and internal teams: deliver event images to the photo agency syndication partner and reconcile royalty-share reports and invoices each season. Fulfill photo requests from content, marketing, PR, and sponsorship teams, and train staff to search for and share images independently.
• Design and automate operational systems: build and maintain databases, intake forms, and automated workflows for scheduling, licensing requests, and photographer administration. Keep process documentation current so operations continue smoothly year to year.

On‑Site Event Responsibilities

• Serve as the final authority and top escalation point for all photography operations across every SXSW team during the event.
• Oversee photography headquarters, where shift leads cover standby photographers, fill coverage gaps, and resolve day‑of issues.
• Supervise the atmosphere and client events photography teams on‑site alongside the photography coordinator, and oversee the high‑profile event team through the coordinator.
• Enforce image quality, delivery deadlines, and upload and metadata standards across all photography teams throughout the event.
• Update the event coverage schedule in real time as programming, venues, and call times change, and communicate changes to photography leads and the video production company.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for photography‑related issues from SXSW staff across all departments.
• Supervise the asset coordinator's on‑site work as photo editor and photo agency liaison, including resolving metadata, file transfer, and takedown issues.
• Coordinate gear delivery, staging, and control room setup with the video production manager and internal facilities staff.
• Triage filming and recording requests directly during peak volume, and make final calls on escalated requests and policy exceptions.
• Coordinate on‑site and post‑event file delivery for approved recording requests with the technology team.

Qualifications & Skills

• 7+ years managing large‑scale photography or media production, including 3+ years leading contract teams of 50 or more at live events, festivals, or conferences.
• Proven experience building multi‑venue coverage schedules from programming data for events with hundreds of sessions.
• Experience directing a third‑party video production company, including scheduling, specifying deliverables, and setting file standards.
• Experience managing a departmental budget and contractor agreements, purchase orders, and invoicing.
• Experience with image syndication or royalty‑share partnerships with a photo agency, a plus
• Enterprise digital asset management, including metadata schema design, taxonomy, folder architecture, user permissions, and governance across multi‑year archives.
• Image rights, usage clearances, and the basics of media licensing for promotional, editorial, and commercial use.
• Event photography standards, including coverage types, shot lists, image quality, captioning, and delivery workflows.
• Knowledge of filming and recording policy, release requirements, and licensing negotiations with outside requesters, a plus.
• Advanced proficiency in relational database and low‑code platforms, including base design, automations, interfaces, and forms.
• Advanced spreadsheet skills, including formulas, data cross‑referencing, and script‑based automation.
• Working proficiency in professional photo ingest, editing, and captioning software.
• Strong written communication for training materials, creative briefs, and process documentation.
• Experience writing API calls for bulk system operations, a plus
• Experience using AI tools to build workflows, documentation, and tools, a plus.
• Ability to hold final authority in a high‑volume live environment and make fast, sound calls under pressure.
• Ability to keep complex schedules accurate as programming changes daily.
• Ability to train users at different technical levels, from new contract photographers to senior staff.
• Ability to work with internal departments, legal, and outside vendors, and to resolve conflicting priorities between them.
• Bachelor’s degree in photography, media production, information science, communications, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Certification in digital asset management or project management, a plus.
• Highly organized, with exceptional attention to detail and strong systems thinking.
• Calm, decisive, and steady as a leader during peak event periods.
• Builds documentation and institutional memory so operations don’t depend on any single person.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds, as needed.
• Manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, and printers.
• 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

This is a full‑time position based in Austin, Texas. 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 require extended on‑site hours.