ANIME Impulse Programming Manager

Job Description

Job Description

About ANIME Impulse

ANIME Impulse is one of North America’s most vibrant pop culture festivals, celebrating the best of anime, gaming, cosplay, and digital creators. As part of the IMPULSE Universe family of live experiences (including K-PLAY! FEST and Collectors Expo), we’re redefining what the modern convention can be: blending fandom, entertainment, and cultural discovery into one unforgettable weekend.

The Role

We’re searching for a Events Programming Manager to lead the creative heartbeat of ANIME Impulse. This is not just about booking guests, it’s about shaping the overall attendee experience. You’ll oversee all talent programming, cross-collaborate with marketing, pitch in on creative vision planning, and help evolve the event’s overall direction and brand.

This role requires someone who lives and breathes anime, video games, and pop culture; someone who can anticipate industry trends before they go mainstream. From anime studios to mobile gaming giants, from voice actors to vTubers, you’ll be the bridge connecting fandoms to unforgettable moments.

What You’ll Do

• Lead Programming Vision: Design the overall programming experience for ANIME Impulse; from panels and meet & greets to digital creator showcases and live activations.
• Talent & Guest Strategy: Scout, negotiate, and manage talent relationships — including voice actors, content creators, streamers, and VTubers.
• Industry Partnerships: Build strategic collaborations with Japanese anime studios, publishers, and production houses as well as Chinese and Korean mobile game companies to bring exclusive content and experiences to the show floor.
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, design, and merchandising teams to align campaigns, event storytelling, and on-site engagement.
• Trend Forecasting: Track fan trends, anime/game releases, and online culture to position ANIME Impulse as a first-mover in new content and fandom experiences.
• Merchandising Integration: Collaborate with the merchandising division to develop exclusive event items and IP collaborations tied to programming.
• Brand Expansion: Support in exploring spin-off events, digital campaigns, and new global partnership opportunities under the ANIME Impulse brand.

Who You Are

• A culture-savvy strategist who knows both the anime and gaming ecosystems (Japan, China, Korea, Southeast Asia, and the U.S.).
• Experienced in talent booking, creative programming, or partnership development, ideally within events, entertainment, or digital media.
• Fluent in the “language of fandom,” you understand how fans think, engage, and share.
• Highly organized, yet creatively driven, you thrive at the intersection of structure and spontaneity.
• Comfortable in negotiations, creative brainstorming, and leading a team through execution.
• (Bonus) You have existing industry contacts within anime studios, vTuber agencies, or mobile gaming publishers.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• You’ll get to create the future of anime and pop culture conventions, not just follow trends.
• You’ll work directly with leading IPs, studios, and creators from both East and West.
• You’ll join a passionate, creative team that celebrates innovation, authenticity, and fandom culture every single day.
• Competitive salary, health benefits, and opportunities for travel and cross-brand collaborations within IMPULSE Universe.

How to Apply

Send us your resume, a short cover letter, and (optional but encouraged) a quick paragraph or link showing your favorite programming concept, guest lineup, or pop culture partnership idea you’ve ever seen — or would love to make happen.

Let’s make pop culture history together :)

Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In Person