Sr. Director of Product

Position Senior Director of Product Location: Austin, TX Job Id: 266 # of Openings: 1 Job Purpose SXSW is seeking a Senior Director of Product to lead the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of major event technology and product initiatives that support the SXSW attendee experience. This is a highly visible player‑coach role that leads product and project management teams while driving critical cross‑functional initiatives from strategy through execution. The role also includes hands‑on product management responsibility for key projects and initiatives. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in live events, entertainment, media, or event technology, along with strong industry relationships and a proven ability to build trusted partnerships across internal teams, external vendors, sponsors, and technology providers. Responsibilities Lead and coach project and product management teams while also owning and driving select high‑priority initiatives directly. Oversee end‑to‑end delivery of complex event technology, product, and operational programs across planning, development, launch, and live‑event execution. Manage the company’s full tech roadmap. Drive major strategic initiatives, collaborating with cross‑functional stakeholders to balance business goals, operational needs, and user experience priorities. Establish discipline across the annual roadmap. Standardize requirements, prioritization, project planning, reporting, and retrospectives. Drive process improvement. Manage vendor relationships, including the Request for Proposal process, vendor evaluation, software cost reduction, contract support, budget oversight, performance management, and issue resolution. On‑Site Event Responsibilities Serve as a key on‑site leader during SXSW’s 15‑day live event, supporting tech readiness, stakeholder communication, escalation management, and real‑time problem solving. Qualifications & Skills 10+ years of experience in project delivery, product management, event technology, live events, media, entertainment, or a related industry. Proven success leading complex, cross‑functional technology, product, or operational initiatives in high‑pressure, deadline‑driven environments. Experience operating as a player/coach, with the ability to lead teams while also personally driving critical initiatives. Strong existing network within the event technology or live event ecosystem, with demonstrated ability to build new relationships quickly. Significant experience with vendor management, RFPs, budgeting, contracts, and external partner accountability. Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate competing needs into clear priorities and executable plans. Strong understanding of UX principles and industry trends. Experience with Agile, hybrid, and traditional project delivery models – either a PMP/CSM or on‑the‑job equivalent experience. Excellent communication, leadership, negotiation, and problem‑solving skills. Physical Requirements Prolonged periods of sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer. Ability to lift up to 10 pounds occasionally, as needed. Manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc. May require occasional bending, reaching, kneeling, or climbing stairs. Required to work on‑site during the 15 days of SXSW and SXSW EDU. Work Location & Schedule The position is full‑time and located in our Austin, Texas office. Core business office hours are from 10 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday. You must be available to work additional hours from January through March, including evenings and weekends. You must also be available for the March event, which will have extended on‑site working hours. Benefits Competitive benefits package to all full‑time staff includes: Employer‑Paid Medical Employer‑Paid Life Insurance Employer Contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA) Optional Discounted Vision Plan Short and Long Term Disability Paid Time Off Paid Holidays 401K Unique and Collaborative Work Environment #J-18808-Ljbffr