(S) Seasonal Comedy Fest Operations Associate
SXSW
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
SXSW is seeking a Seasonal Comedy Festival Operations Associate to join the programming team and execute a robust program for the SXSW Comedy Festival. The role supports production logistics from pre-event to on-site, coordinating assets, travel, housing, and registrations while liaising with organizers, artists, and internal teams.
The position begins January 18th as a part-time role and transitions to full-time as the festival approaches, requiring evenings and weekends.
Qualifications
- Experience in large-scale event planning & execution.
- Highly organized with keen attention to detail.
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Communicate comfortably with external parties, including VIP-level talent teams.
- Proficiency with Airtable, FileMaker Pro, and Google Workspace.
- Working knowledge of the Comedy, Podcast, and Film & TV Industry is a plus.
Responsibilities
- Support overall event and show advancement, including coordinating assets, sourcing & ordering props, furniture, and liaising with venues.
- Communicate with organizers, producers, and artists in support of production logistics.
- Liaise with artists, representatives, and internal teams to confirm talent travel, housing, and registration arrangements.
- Manage and organize various resources in preparation for the event using internal systems (Airtable, Google Workspace, FileMaker).
- Attend weekly meetings and venue walk-throughs as needed.
- Work closely with the Comedy Associate Programmer to manage & track invoices.
- On-site: support production of the event, troubleshoot on-site issues, assist registrants, artists, and executives with guest services.
- Coordinate food/beverage, signage, and guest lists for on-site events.
Skills
Tools
Job description
March 15–21, 2027 | Austin, TX
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
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.
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.
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 fulfil 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.
We offer a competitive benefits package to all regular, full time staff that includes but is not limited to:
- Company-Subsidised 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
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 careers@sxsw.com .
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 careers@sxsw.com .
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.
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 .
Explore available positions and submit your resume. If there are no positions listed below, please check back for updates.
Position: (S) Seasonal Comedy Fest Operations Associate Location: Austin, TX Job Id: 315 # of Openings: 1 SXSW Seasonal Comedy Festival Operations Associate Job PurposeSXSW seeks a Seasonal Comedy Festival Operations Associate to join the programming team and produce and execute a robust program for the SXSW Comedy Festival. They support efforts across all elements, including live comedy shows and podcasts. This position plays a crucial role in program execution, supporting production logistics and talent advancement pre-event and on-site. Duties & Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Support overall event and show advancement, including coordinating assets, sourcing & ordering props, furniture, and liaising with venues
- Communicate with organizers, producers, and artists in support of production logistics
- Liaise with artists, representatives, and internal teams to confirm talent travel, housing, and registration arrangements.
- Manage and organize various resources in preparation for the event using internal systems (Airtable, Google Workspace, FileMaker)
- Attend weekly meetings and venue walk-throughs as needed
- Work closely with the Comedy Associate Programmer to manage & track invoices
- Support the overall production of the event, including troubleshooting any on-site issues with programming, and helping registrants, artists, and industry executives with customer service needs
- Support multiple on-site events, including coordinating food and beverage, signage, Comedy Industry Lounge needs, and collating guest lists
- Additional event support duties fulfilled as needed throughout SXSW
- Experience in large‑scale event planning & execution
- Highly organized with keen attention to detail
- Ability to multitask in a fast‑paced environment
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Communicate comfortably with external parties, including VIP‑level talent teams
- Proficiency with Airtable, FileMaker Pro, and Google Workspace
- Working knowledge of the Comedy, Podcast, and Film & TV Industry is a plus
- Prolonged periods of sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer.
- It is frequently required to stand or sit for long periods and travel multiple miles a day between venues during the event.
- Ability to occasionally lift 20+ pounds, as needed.
- May require occasional bending, reaching, kneeling, or climbing stairs.
- Ability to work outdoors, including exposure to varying temperatures or noise levels.
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