Events Associate

The Texas Tribune, the state’s go-to source for Texas politics and public policy news, is hiring an events associate to help with the development and execution of all Tribune events and live programs. We host 50 on-the-record, open-to-the-public events — virtually and in-person — each year. 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 Events Associate reports to and works closely with the Senior Director of Events and Live Journalism to translate the strategic and editorial vision for events into virtual and in-person programs. The person in this role will learn and adapt the Tribune’s event strategy to be responsive to organizational strategy and new audience opportunities. The Events Associate works with internal and external stakeholders; communicates the work of the events team; and analyzes 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 events production team — as well as the Marketing and Communications, Design and Editorial teams — to develop new event formats to reach new and diverse audiences.

Ideal candidates will be committed to working with intention and rigor and view themselves as still learning and growing. They will lead some cross-departmental projects to ensure events are well integrated with the Tribune’s journalism and brand. The Events Associate is a key member of the Texas Tribune Festival team.

The salary for this position will vary according to experience; the minimum is $65,000.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Senior Director of Events and Live Journalism 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.
• Event production, including venue planning and site visits. Travel as needed.
• Research, identify, secure and manage partnerships that best position Tribune to achieve stronger in-person attendance for year-round events across the state.
• Work with the marketing team and other departments to strategize how to find and attract the right audiences for our events.
• Create event promotional materials, including social media, and execute event outreach.
• Provide critical support to the planning and execution of the Texas Tribune Festival.
• Manage speaker scheduling and communications relating to their appearance. Manage event RSVPs and contacts.
• 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.
• Collaborate with the Tribune’s sponsorship and development teams to strategically integrate sponsors into events and reach revenue goals.
• Manage event expenses to budget, including submitting production invoices.
• Anticipate needs and troubleshoot to ensure that all events run smoothly.

Requirements

• BA/BS degree OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Experience promoting events, talent and collaborations in brand messaging across platforms
• Superior project and time management skills and excellent writing and communication skills
• Aptitude for developing, building, and stewarding internal and external stakeholders
• A valid driver’s license for in-town and out-of-town travel
• Organized and detail-oriented, highly effective at juggling multiple projects on time and on budget
• Willingness to travel and work weekends and evenings as needed, approximately 15 to 20 nights each year
• Facility with Google Workspace, Splash, Zoom, AirTable and CMS platforms
• Impeccable discretion and courtesy when dealing with all Tribune contacts and relationships
• Proven ability to remain cool and calm under pressure and work well independently and on teams
• Understanding of news cycles and interest in current events and live journalism
• Energized by working in a fast-paced, non-profit journalism environment and have a sincere interest in going above and beyond to further the Tribune’s mission
• A high degree of adaptability to a continually changing environment, especially the increased demands during Festival production

We know some great candidates won’t check all of these boxes, and we know you might bring important skills that we haven’t considered. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.

Location

This position is based in our headquarters in downtown Austin, steps away from the Texas Capitol.

Benefits

This job is full-time and has the following benefits:

• Medical, vision and dental insurance
• A cellphone stipend
• 20 days of paid time off each year
• Up to 16 weeks of paid family leave, plus four weeks of additional job protection
• 401(k) matching
• Support for professional training and attending industry conferences
• Remote working flexibility

How to Apply

Submit your application by May 26 with a resume and a cover letter explaining why you want to work at The Texas Tribune and describing how your previous experience has prepared you for this role.

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.

We can't wait to hear from you.

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.

The Texas Tribune seeks to ensure that its newsroom and its news coverage reflect Texas by including a wide range of perspectives from people of different backgrounds, ideologies and experiences.

Learn more about The Texas Tribune here.