Editor-In-Chief
South By Southwest
Austin, TXThis is a Full Time Job
Job Purpose
The Editor-in-Chief will lead SXSW's year-round editorial strategy, driving the vision and managing day-to-day content creation to engage our audience, enhance brand visibility, and support audience growth, retention, and revenue. With a background in journalism or media, this role requires a strategic thinker who can oversee content across multiple platforms, ensuring it aligns with audience interests and SXSW's goals. This role will guide a team of content creators and strategists, fostering innovation and collaboration to produce high-quality videos, photos, articles, and graphics that promote key initiatives and support organic audience development.
Duties & Responsibilities
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Lead and refine SXSW's editorial strategy to create valuable content that strengthens brand authority and supports business goals.
• Develop series, formats, and evergreen content that engages audiences year-round, collaborating with programming teams as needed.
• Establish guidelines and best practices for staff social accounts to support SXSW's content strategy and growth.
• Maintain editorial standards and creative briefs, ensuring voice, tone, and style consistency across all content.
• Oversee daily content production, ensuring it meets quality standards and is timely and relevant to the audience.
• Manage and execute the annual content calendar, collaborating with the SVP of Content to align with SXSW event themes.
• Lead audience development and growth strategies, working with marketing and analytics teams to track progress and optimize content.
• Mentor and manage a team of strategists and content creators, fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and professional growth.
Qualifications & Skills
Qualifications include:
• 8 years experience creating or editing content, ideally in the music, film, TV, or the changemaker/entrepreneurial space, strongly preferred
• The ability to lead teams through times of transition
• An entrepreneurial attitude and creative vision
• Proven success in setting targets and creating data-informed editorial strategies that lead to audience growth across platforms and mediums
• Strong collaboration skills and experience working across cross-functional teams, with proven ability to advocate for your vision while empathizing with other teams' needs.
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously and under tight deadlines.
• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or related field required; Graduate degree a plus
• Knowledge of SEO, online marketing/advertising, and marketplace solutions is preferred.
Physical Requirements
This position frequently requires sitting or standing for long periods, and manual dexterity is needed for keyboard and computer use. It also requires spending upwards of 14 consecutive days away from home.
Direct Reports
• Content Creation Team
• Video Production Team
• Web & Data Analytics Team
• Photography Director
Work Location & Schedule
SXSW is located in Austin, Texas. Core business office hours are from 10 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday. Fully remote work may be considered if permanent residence is in Texas. The hybrid role includes three days in the office and two days remotely for Austin residents. You must be available to work additional hours from January through March, including evenings and weekends.
