Director, Event Production

Summary

Join Blavity, Inc. as their Director of Event Production, Live Events and lead the production and logistics for their growing portfolio of live events, including AfroTech Conference and Blavity Fest. You will be responsible for seamless event execution, overseeing production elements, developing scalable systems, managing vendor relationships, and leading a team. As the right hand to the VP of Live Events, you will manage event budgets, track expenses, and analyze event performance. The ideal candidate is a highly organized, solutions-driven production leader with deep experience in large-scale event logistics and operational execution. This fully remote, U.S.-based role offers a competitive salary and equity.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in event management, business, marketing, hospitality, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in live event production, event operations, or logistics, with a focus on large-scale conferences or festivals
• Extensive experience managing event production teams, AV, staging, logistics, and vendor relations
• Strong budget management and financial planning expertise for high-profile events
• Experience working with convention centers, hotels, special event venues, and large-scale event spaces

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, production, and execution of all Blavity live events, ensuring high-quality attendee experiences
• Manage event logistics, including venue coordination, permits, vendor contracts, staffing, and security compliance
• Oversee AV production, staging, lighting, and technical execution, ensuring seamless integration of all production elements
• Act as the primary on-site lead, troubleshooting issues and ensuring smooth event operations
• Create event planning templates and scalable systems to enhance efficiency across multiple events
• Develop and implement risk management strategies and contingency plans
• Manage event budgets, ensuring all costs align with financial goals and event profitability
• Track expenses, reconcile invoices, and provide leadership with financial insights to inform event strategy
• Analyze event performance metrics (ROI, attendee engagement, cost per attendee, etc.) to optimize future productions
• Source, vet, and manage production vendors, AV teams, fabrication partners, and experiential agencies
• Lead negotiations for venues, technical services, and production contractors, ensuring top-tier execution while optimizing costs
• Oversee experiential activations, sponsorship fulfillment, and custom brand integrations at events
• Directly manage an Event Producer and contractors providing strategic leadership and hands-on mentorship
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, content, creative, and sponsorship teams to align event execution with Blavity’s broader brand and business objectives
• Lead production and logistics meetings with internal teams, vendors, and stakeholders
• Ensure effective communication and coordination between all event stakeholders, vendors, and team members

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in sponsorship fulfillment and branded integrations at events
• Prior experience managing B2B or culturally focused events in media, tech, or entertainment industries
• Strong leadership, team management, and mentorship abilities
• Exceptional problem-solving, multi-tasking, and organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication and negotiation skills
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with tight deadlines
• A deep understanding of Black culture and the importance of culturally relevant experiences
• A healthy appreciation of GIFs and Black culture

Benefits

• Fully remote, U.S.-based role
• Occasional travel may be required
• Annual salary range for this role is $120k-$140k and company equity