The Texas Tribune, the state’s go-to source for Texas politics and public policy news, is hiring a Deputy Director of Events to oversee the development and execution of all Texas Tribune events and live programs. Each year we host 50+ on-the-record, open-to-the-public events — virtually and in-person. Our signature annual event, The Texas Tribune Festival, is one of the largest editorial events in the nation, boasting hundreds of the biggest names in politics and public policy and attracting thousands of attendees to participate every September.
The Deputy Director of Events works closely with the Director of Events to translate the strategic and editorial vision for events into virtual and in-person programs, as well as analyze event metrics, audience data and attendee feedback to measure success or suggest improvements to help achieve team goals. They work hand-in-hand with the production team to develop new event formats with the goal of reaching new and diverse audiences. The Deputy Director of Events leads cross-departmental projects to ensure events are well integrated with the Tribune’s journalism and brand. The Deputy Director is also a key member of the Festival team. This position reports to the Director & Experiential Producer, Events.
The salary for this position starts at $70,000 + depending on qualifications.
As the Deputy Director of Events, your responsibilities will include:
About The Texas Tribune
Here’s what you should know about the Tribune. From day one we’ve had disruption, innovation and risk-taking in our DNA. We’re ambitious as all get out but still have the punch-above-your-weight mentality of a scrappy start-up. We believe we can meet the demands of our audience and our own expectations for excellence without breaking the bank — or our staff. We understand not everything is a story for us — we have to make choices — but we’re always looking to expand our boundaries. We’re nonprofit because the challenging economic reality for media these days obligates us to find a different way, reliable and sustainable, to fund serious journalism. We’re nonpartisan because we live in the United States of Confirmation Bias — and we don’t need to be part of the problem. We don’t need to be yet another source of information affirming the voices and perspectives that are already in people’s heads. At the same time, nonpartisan is not non-thinking. We call B.S. when B.S. needs to be called.
All of us at the Tribune believe the best way to achieve that mission is to resemble the state we cover. We’re committed to building an inclusive newsroom for people of all backgrounds and ages, and we’re taking steps to meet that commitment. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply for this role, including women, people of color, LGBTQ people and people with disabilities.
Location
The Texas Tribune office is located in downtown Austin, steps away from the Texas Capitol building. This position is based in Austin, but we will consider candidates who are based elsewhere in Texas and can travel occasionally to our Austin office. We have colleagues in the organization that come into the office on a regular basis and colleagues that are based in various cities throughout the United States.
This job is full time and has the following benefits:
Submit your application here by April 24, with a resume and examples of your work, please submit a cover letter detailing your vision for this position and how you would approach the work. We can't wait to hear from you.
The Texas Tribune is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for all, and we encourage applicants of all identities, backgrounds, ages, and abilities to apply. Learn more about The Texas Tribune here.
The Deputy Director of Events works closely with the Director of Events to translate the strategic and editorial vision for events into virtual and in-person programs, as well as analyze event metrics, audience data and attendee feedback to measure success or suggest improvements to help achieve team goals. They work hand-in-hand with the production team to develop new event formats with the goal of reaching new and diverse audiences. The Deputy Director of Events leads cross-departmental projects to ensure events are well integrated with the Tribune’s journalism and brand. The Deputy Director is also a key member of the Festival team. This position reports to the Director & Experiential Producer, Events.
The salary for this position starts at $70,000 + depending on qualifications.
As the Deputy Director of Events, your responsibilities will include:
- Work with the Events Director to develop an annual events suite based on the Tribune’s editorial vision, strategic priorities and revenue goals
- Oversee the production and execution of Tribune events and live programs, including virtual events, in-person venue planning and on-site production (including some travel)
- Develop new event and live engagement models consistent with key audiences as outlined in the strategic plan and in line with newsroom goals and coverage priorities
- Analyze event metrics and audience data against event goals and produce post-event reports for internal and external stakeholders
- Work across teams to set up efficient and effective workflows for event production, marketing and sponsorship asset management
- Manage the daily responsibilities of event managers/producers and events fellow(s)
- Collaborate with the Tribune’s Sponsorship and Development teams to strategically integrate sponsors into events and reach revenue goals
- Develop and maintain event moderation and production best practices, and share them with Revenue Lab
- In close collaboration with the Director of Events, Chief Communications Officer and the Chief Creative Officer, oversee the execution of the Tribune brand identity and voice for live programs across products and platforms
- Support professional and personal development opportunities and feedback for Tribune reporters and editors to practice public speaking, presentation and on-stage moderation
- Manage event expenses to budget, including submitting production invoices
- Anticipate needs and troubleshoot to ensure that all events run smoothly
- Oversee programming at the Texas Tribune Festival, including serving as a speaker point-of-contact and managing contractors for program production support
- BA/BS degree and 4+ years of relevant experience OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
- 4+ years event planning and production experience including virtual event experience
- 4+ years in management and/or an aptitude for building and leading teams
- Aptitude for developing, building and stewarding internal and external stakeholders
- A valid driver’s license for in-town and out-of-town travel
- Superior project and time management skills, excellent writing and communication skills
- Organized and detail-oriented, highly effective at juggling multiple projects on time and on budget
- Willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed, approximately 15 - 20 nights each year
- Facility with Google Suite, Splash, Zoom, Mailchimp, Airtable, Basecamp and Salesforce
- Strong discretion and courtesy when dealing with all Tribune contacts and relationships
- Proven ability to remain cool and calm under pressure and work well both independently and on teams
- Possess a high degree of adaptability to a continually changing environment
- Energized by working in a fast-paced, non-profit journalism environment and have a sincere interest in going above and beyond to further a mission that you believe in
- Willingness and ability to adapt to increased demands during Festival planning/production (aka be in “Festival Mode”)
- Committed to working with intention and rigor, have a great sense of humor and view yourself as someone still learning and growing
About The Texas Tribune
Here’s what you should know about the Tribune. From day one we’ve had disruption, innovation and risk-taking in our DNA. We’re ambitious as all get out but still have the punch-above-your-weight mentality of a scrappy start-up. We believe we can meet the demands of our audience and our own expectations for excellence without breaking the bank — or our staff. We understand not everything is a story for us — we have to make choices — but we’re always looking to expand our boundaries. We’re nonprofit because the challenging economic reality for media these days obligates us to find a different way, reliable and sustainable, to fund serious journalism. We’re nonpartisan because we live in the United States of Confirmation Bias — and we don’t need to be part of the problem. We don’t need to be yet another source of information affirming the voices and perspectives that are already in people’s heads. At the same time, nonpartisan is not non-thinking. We call B.S. when B.S. needs to be called.
All of us at the Tribune believe the best way to achieve that mission is to resemble the state we cover. We’re committed to building an inclusive newsroom for people of all backgrounds and ages, and we’re taking steps to meet that commitment. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply for this role, including women, people of color, LGBTQ people and people with disabilities.
Location
The Texas Tribune office is located in downtown Austin, steps away from the Texas Capitol building. This position is based in Austin, but we will consider candidates who are based elsewhere in Texas and can travel occasionally to our Austin office. We have colleagues in the organization that come into the office on a regular basis and colleagues that are based in various cities throughout the United States.
Benefits
This job is full time and has the following benefits:
- Medical, vision and dental insurance
- A $50-a-month cellphone stipend
- 20 days of paid time off each year
- 12 paid holidays
- Up to 16 weeks of paid family leave plus four weeks of additional job protection
- Annual 401(k) match of $2,000
- Support for professional training and career development
- Remote working flexibility
Submit your application here by April 24, with a resume and examples of your work, please submit a cover letter detailing your vision for this position and how you would approach the work. We can't wait to hear from you.
The Texas Tribune is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for all, and we encourage applicants of all identities, backgrounds, ages, and abilities to apply. Learn more about The Texas Tribune here.