Lead TV Programmer

Sxsw Inc; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Lead TV Programmer at SXSW is a high‑visibility role based in our Austin, Texas office. You will oversee TV programming across the Film & TV Festival and Conference, leveraging deep industry experience to shape a compelling festival slate and related discussions.

The position requires 5+ years in TV programming, strong project management, and the ability to cultivate relationships with networks, showrunners, and talent.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in TV festival/programming.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Attention to detail in scheduling and data entry.
• Ability to multitask across multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Track and screen current and upcoming TV work.
• Book showrunners, writers, and cast for SXSW.
• Develop bold ideas for festival programming.
• Cultivate relationships with press and media.
• Coordinate logistics and adhere to schedules.
• Host events and moderate Q&A sessions.
• Work with Airtable to manage projects.
• On-site duties during the event.

Skills

TV programming

Communication

Detail‑oriented

Multitasking

Team collaboration

Festival operations

Tools

Airtable

Job description

March 15–21, 2027 | Austin, TX

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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: Lead TV Programmer Location: Austin, TX
Job Id: 299 # of Openings: 0 SXSW Lead TV Programmer
Job Purpose
SXSW is seeking a Lead TV Programmer to oversee TV programming across the Film & TV Festival and Conference, leveraging deep television industry or live‑events experience to build on a 15-year commitment to TV's role in the cultural conversation. This is an opportunity to revolutionize further how the world views and talks about television as a creative medium, and it calls for someone with an open mind and big ideas about how to celebrate TV in a festival context.

SXSW is responsible for increasing the quantity and quality of TV programming at SXSW, both in terms of what is screened (world premieres of new series, returning seasons of acclaimed shows, top‑tier international productions, impactful reunions) and how it is discussed. That will entail seeking out and screening the best work being produced for TV in all its forms (scripted, nonfiction/reality, animation, limited series, variety/talk shows) and inviting the talent — showrunners and stars — to represent that work via behind‑the‑scenes panels, Q&As with creators, and deep‑dive conversations.

The ideal candidate would have 5+ years of professional experience booking or programming TV‑focused functions (festivals, markets, conferences, etc.). Understanding the TV awards season is essential, as SXSW is an unrivaled launchpad for Emmy consideration and motivates the industry's top talent to attend SXSW and share insightful, newsworthy updates on their current projects and broader careers. Your personal network should include contacts with the major networks and streamers, high‑end talent agents, and representatives of leading TV industry events.

Based out of SXSW's Austin headquarters, this full‑time role reports to and works closely with the Director of the Film & TV Festival.

Duties & Responsibilities
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Track and screen a high volume of current and upcoming work from networks and streamers.
• Bring the medium's best new shows, limited series, documentaries, and more to SXSW for world premieres of unreleased episodes.
• Book TV's most talented showrunners, writers, and cast to SXSW to join substantial discussions about their creative process (more than just a promotional opportunity; SXSW brings together savvy audiences, aspiring storytellers, and industry pros).
• Generate bold new ideas about how festivals can represent a medium that spans many hours (if not years/seasons).
• Share a deep understanding of TV industry history and trends, including an ability to foresee how the medium is evolving and translate that into informative panels.
• Cultivate relationships with a wide range of press and media, giving them reason to attend and cover the TV program at SXSW.
• Recruit relevant journalists, experts, and thought leaders to host provocative (but always respectful) conversations at both the festival and conference.
• Demonstrate professionalism and poise when presenting before large audiences, including the capacity to moderate thoughtful Q&As.
• Devise forward‑thinking processes to solicit, evaluate, and curate a high volume of episodic, nonfiction, animated, and limited‑run work to screen at SXSW.
• Inspire enthusiastic, TV‑savvy colleagues; recruit freelance screeners to manage the expanding volume of work being considered.
• Ability to adhere to a disciplined programming schedule with multiple deadlines across timelines.
• Keen attention to detail and the ability to confirm, advance, and manage key logistics for the TV program, leveraging internal tools, processes, and resources.
• Familiarity with Airtable to track projects and share contacts with co‑workers in the Film & TV programming department.

On‑Site Event Responsibilities

• Maintain full availability throughout the SXSW Film & TV Festival & Conference, including evenings and weekends.
• Introduce and host select TV events, while overseeing a wide range of moderators across the Festival & Conference.
• Delegate duties to team members, seasonal staff, and volunteers, while remaining responsible for multiple elements running concurrently.
• Assist with hosting TV events, acting as a professional and welcoming Film & TV Team ambassador.

Qualifications & Skills
Qualifications include:

• 5+ years of experience booking or programming TV‑focused events, festivals, or conferences.
• 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 up to 10 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.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Location & Schedule
This is a year‑round, full‑time position based in our Austin, Texas office. Core business office hours are 10 am — 6 pm, Monday through Friday. 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.