Festival Associate Manager, Events

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Festival Associate Manager, Events is charged with the planning and execution of assigned events during the Sundance Film Festival.

Working closely under the direction of the Manager, Event Operations, the Festival Associate Manager supports the Institute’s commitment to providing a successful and positive in-person Festival experience for all artists and patrons.

This temporary position works full time (40 hours per week) from Wednesday, October 14, 2026 to Friday, February 19, 2027 and requires extended hours, including evenings and weekends to meet key deadlines and respond to on-call needs as assigned. The majority of this position’s work can be conducted remotely out of any of our operating states, until the department comes together in Boulder, CO in January to support the in-person elements of the Festival.

Top priorities include but are not limited to…

• Planning and implementing logistical needs for assigned events.

• In collaboration with Marketing: Creating and editing event invitations using the Zkipster platform.Working with event hosts on guest list curation, invitation copywriting, and communication timelines

• Developing and executing event programs, including run of shows and program remarks.

• Maintaining and updating budgets for assigned events, and supporting the Manager, Event Operations with processes and tracking department budget and expenses.

• Providing ongoing and timely communications with venue managers, vendors, and the Festival Operations team regarding each event’s structure and needs.

• Supporting the Event Department with various projects, including supporting team members event execution tasks.

• Coordinating with Marketing to create event collateral, including assisting with developing the messaging and design, gathering feedback and approvals, and ordering and compiling materials.

• Documenting assigned events and items surrounding their details such as banquet event orders (BEO), evaluation sheets, alcohol sheets, vendors, event correspondences, attendance (RSVP vs. actual), and issues as they arise.

• Providing event management to deliver successful events.

• Managing volunteer and staff support for each event, working closely with the Volunteer Department to acquire adequate volunteer coverage for Festival event needs, creating schedules, submitting evaluations, and providing ongoing and accurate information to department volunteers and timely responses to their inquiries.

• Obtaining necessary permits, equipment rental orders, production assistance needs, signage orders, security needs, and evacuation plans while overseeing that all equipment and furniture are ordered, delivered, and returned by set deadlines.

• Ensuring all stakeholders are updated on planning, schedules, and logistical needs to plan, order, and track various event items, including signage, sponsor activations, photography and content, and guest transportation.

• Completing a comprehensive written wrap report.

• Supporting Event Department operations, r Manager, Event Operations, and Associate Director, Event Operations as assigned

You have the following direct or transferable skill sets:

• Legal authorization to work in the United States.

• 3 years experience planning and executing events.

• Outstanding verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills to work with a variety of people.

• Strong customer support skills including the ability to mitigate conflict and facilitate positive customer relations.

• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize.

• Ability to maintain confidential information.

• Working knowledge of Airtable, Google Workspace, including Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Calendar.

• Have familiarity with with online events using Zoom Webinar or equivalent

You will be successful in this role if you...

• Jump in quickly to support the team and show initiative in the planning of your assigned events.

• Adapt to changing and developing circumstances and processes.

• Collaborate and communicate within the Events and Partnerships team and with other departments

• Help create the event experience for both digital and in person events and align it to the 2027 Sundance Film Festival vision.

In addition to an hourly pay of $24.50, this position* is eligible for benefits & perks, highlights include:

• Paid sick leave and Institute holidays

• Employee assistance program

• Employee Wellness Initiatives

• Sundance Film Festival passes and benefits (varies each year)

*Applications open 09/11/2026 and will be accepted for at least one week