Vice President, Legal

Sxsw Inc; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Dental

Life Insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Vision Plan

Disability insurance

Parental Leave

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

401K

Staff Badge Perks

Collaborative Work Environment

Unforgettable Experiences

Job summary

SXSW seeks a highly motivated Vice President, Legal to provide day-to-day legal leadership for SXSW. The role requires a commercially minded, deal-focused attorney who collaborates with sales, marketing and operations teams in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities include contract drafting and negotiation, IP ownership and licensing, policy drafting, and coordinating with Penske Media Corporation on cross-brand initiatives. Must manage a junior attorney and support HR on employment matters.

Responsibilities

• Review, markup/draft and negotiate a variety of commercial contracts across multiple departments.
• Advise on IP ownership, licensing, and usage rights for content across SXSW’s events.
• Draft, review and revise website policies including terms of use and privacy policy.
• Safeguard SXSW's intellectual property rights, coordinate trademark filings and enforcement as needed.
• Work with outside counsel on trademark issues, litigation, data privacy, visas, and other matters.
• Manage contracts workflow, train non-legal teams on templates to increase efficiency.

Job description

March 15–21, 2027 | Austin, TX

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:Vice President, Legal Location: Austin, TX
Job Id:308 # of Openings:1 SXSW Vice President, Legal Job Purpose
SXSW is seeking a highly motivated, creative Vice President, Legal with 10-12+ years of applicable legal experience to provide day-to-day legal leadership for SXSW. This role requires a commercially minded, deal-focused attorney who views legal as an engine for business growth, is highly collaborative, and enjoys working in a fast‑paced environment.
SXSW's parent company Penske Media Corporation (PMC) is the supporting company; the VP, Legal will work cross-functionally with the sales, marketing, and operating teams. The Vice President, Legal will provide legal advice, draft and revise contracts, conduct legal risk assessments, assist with copyright and trademark issues, manage the daily workflow of the department, review cutting‑edge legal issues that may impact the business, and assess the legal implications of internal policies and other business decisions in an effort to minimize legal risk and costs.
Duties & Responsibilities
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Review, markup/draft (from forms and from scratch), and negotiate a variety of commercial contracts, including sales and sponsorship agreements, film, TV, and music festival agreements, software and technology license agreements, trademark and content license agreements, talent agreements, independent contractor and venue agreements, and supporting documents across each department.
• Advise on IP ownership, licensing, and usage rights in connection with the creation and distribution of content exhibited across SXSW’s events.
• Draft, review, and revise website policies, including, without limitation, terms of use, privacy policy, and purchase terms.
• Safeguard SXSW's intellectual property rights by coordinating trademark filings, managing SXSW's trademark portfolio, and pursuing enforcement actions as needed.
• Work closely with outside counsel concerning trademark issues, litigation, insurance, data privacy, liquor, visas, and other matters.
• Manage contracts workflow, improve processes, and train non-legal departments to use templates to increase efficiency.
• Collaborate with Penske Media Corporation on cross‑ brand initiatives and coordinate with the PMC Legal team
• Collaborate with non-legal SXSW departments to establish and review company‑wide policies.
• General legal analysis, research, and advice on issues associated with new company initiatives.
• Provide support to HR on employment matters.
• Manage one junior attorney.
• Train non-legal staff on privilege, data privacy, and other legal matters.

Qualifications & Skills
Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10-12 years of experience in a senior legal role, including prior in‑house experience
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in a state bar (Texas law license preferred)

Preferred Experience:

• Experience working in live media and events and/or the entertainment industry
• Deep understanding of intellectual property including trademark protection and enforcement, copyright, rights of publicity, and licensing initiatives
• Strong experience with copyright and trademark law and drafting licenses in the current digital media landscape.
• Experience with data privacy
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with non-legal teams and provide clear, practical legal guidance.
• Experience with employment law and corporate governance is a plus
• Ability to prioritize a wide range of issues

Preferred Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to manage an increased workload during Q1 and Q4 in the run‑up to the annual event
• Ability to manage multiple legal projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
• Highly organized
• Consistent follow-up
• Willingness to speak up in a group
• Familiarity with technical solutions to enhance workflows and willingness to maintain the current systems in place

Direct Reports
Associate General Counsel
Work Location & Schedule
The role is based in SXSW's corporate headquarters in Austin, Texas.
As SXSW values in-person collaboration and team cohesion, employees work onsite 4 days a week (Monday through Thursday) and 1 day remotely (Friday) with a focus on maintaining a vibrant and inclusive culture. Must be available to work additional hours from January–March, including evenings and weekends, in support of the annual event.