Head of Digital Media Capture & Licensing – Austin

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

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.