Job Purpose
SXSW is seeking a Visual Designer who is responsible for developing creative concepts and art assets for Content Department campaigns across sxsw.com and social media channels managed by SXSW, LLC. This role is for a highly skilled designer with attention to detail and brand cohesiveness. In this fast-paced, constantly evolving ownership role, the Visual Designer evaluates content needs to generate creative, multi-platform content that supports marketing and editorial efforts.
Duties & Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Generate strong visual assets for sxsw.com and various social media platforms, including Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, YouTube, and Threads.
- Contribute to the monthly Content Department needs to support Brand and business goals, including brand awareness, editorial curation, and audience engagement.
- Work with the Content Team to turn brand strategy and creative ideas into compelling design experiences that adhere to the Brand Guidelines. Includes coordination on collecting data points and campaign ideas with Editors for generating assets (i.e., graphics, vertical templates, static/animated).
- Assist with templates and deliverables related to motion graphics for videos.
- Propose big ideas backed by audience data on how design elements can better serve audience reach and engagement across digital platforms.
On-Site Event Responsibilities
- Extended hours during the event (i.e., on-site) from March 12–18, 2026
- Curate and edit photos and videos in real-time, adhering to the SXSW style guide, which will be used on the website and social media
- Coordinate with the Photography Department to create Photo Galleries and other visual assets as needed
- Create visual assets to support late-breaking announcements and important event updates.
- Help create and publish content across platforms, from daytime Conference sessions to nightly festival and awards coverage.
- Occasionally, help capture vertical video for Instagram and TikTok in real-time
Qualifications & Skills
Qualifications include:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
- Fluent in the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, After Effects, and Photoshop.
- Proficiency in Premiere Pro is a plus
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Passion for design, social media, and creativity is a must.
- Ability to work under pressure in a high-stress environment to meet deadlines.
- Works well within a team and independently on projects.
- Self-starter who can multitask and solve problems quickly and accurately.
- Experience working at past festivals, publications, and/or social media teams is preferred but not required.
- Basic knowledge of WordPress, Hootsuite, Airtable, and Google Drive is a plus.
- Must have a portfolio of previous work to be considered
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully:
- Prolonged periods of sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer.
- Ability to lift to 20+ pounds occasionally, as needed.
- Operation of standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and printers.
- May require occasional bending, reaching, kneeling, or climbing stairs.
- Ability to work outdoors, including exposure to varying temperatures or noise levels.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Location & Schedule
The position is full-time and located in Austin, Texas. 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.
