Freelance Local Event Producer, Santa Barbara CA (contract, revenue share)

Candidates must be local and have in-depth knowledge of Santa Barbara.

About Us

Sofar Sounds is a global community that connects creatives and audiences through unique and intimate experiences. We transform everyday spaces – from living rooms and rooftops to boutiques and museums – into captivating venues for live performances, creating inclusive events that bring people together to create space for discovery, community and connection. Founded in London in 2009, Sofar now operates in 400 cities worldwide. The majority of these cities are run by a globally connected network of independent event organizers, empowered and supported by our team.

We are deeply passionate about the work we do. When we’re not working, you can probably find us at a live show or telling anyone in earshot about the new song we can’t stop listening to. Discovering and supporting artists gets us out of bed every morning – and knowing that we’re creating memorable, intimate fan experiences worldwide drives our work forward.

The Role

As a Freelance Local Producer, you'll help expand Sofar's New York-area presence by building new audiences through the promotion and curation of impactful live programming. You’ll work alongside our NYC team to expand our operations throughout the city and surrounding areas, joining a global network of entrepreneurial community builders and tastemakers who delight in influencing their local cultural landscape. Our event Producers have strong business instincts, cultural fluency, and deep local networks they can activate - from artists and venues to brands and community partners. They’re natural promoters who are passionate about creating impactful and memorable pop-up experiences that provide opportunities for real-life, meaningful engagement. Producers are resourceful, proactive, and driven; whether it’s figuring out how to creatively sell tickets or dealing with a live event curveball, they know how to get things done and thrive on the challenge. 

This is an entrepreneurial, independent role designed for self-starters who want meaningful ownership over how Sofar shows up in their local community. The role requires building new audiences through active promotion and marketing; success will not rely on an existing customer base or passive demand. You’ll be supported by the Sofar team and have access to training, resources, and opportunities to connect with other creators around the world.

If this sounds like it’s up your alley, we can’t wait to meet you! 

*Please note that this is a freelance, commission-based partnership, not a traditional employment role, offering flexibility and ownership in exchange for accountability and initiative. While the schedule is self-directed, much of the work naturally happens during evenings and weekends, when live events and community engagement come to life.

• Develop and execute audience development strategies that expand reach beyond our existing customer base, driving sustained new user acquisition.
• Strengthen Sofar’s brand in your local community, promoting and selling tickets in your designated area with self-directed local marketing tactics.
• Create a vision to build and execute your city’s strategy - number of monthly shows, neighborhoods, show theme ideas, etc. 
• Lead curation and booking your live events with the highest-quality, diverse set of artists and venues, continuing to grow our networks, as needed. 
• Own the staffing and quality of shows in your local market, working to ensure magical experiences that are rooted in hospitality.
• Manage the financial performance of your events, ensuring financial success and health
• Identify and build relationships with local organizations with like-minded audiences to build community, broaden our reach, and co-promote events.
• Collaborate with other local leaders to grow your city through diverse experiences that generate buzz and amplify Sofar’s brand awareness.

• You have deep connections to your local scene and play an active role in building community around it
• You have 3-5 years of experience in live event curation, production, and promotionsYou have experience selling event sponsorships or marketing activations, preferably in the live events or experiential marketing space
• You have a strong pulse on your city, the unique nature of each neighborhood, and where people like to spend their free time
• You’re a natural connector and excel at building relationships with diverse community-driven organizations, media partners, or local businesses that would add strategic and financial value to your vertical's growth
• You understand how to promote and build strategic alliances that will ultimately sell more tickets at our shows
• You take pride in your work and approach every opportunity with professionalism and ownership, ensuring the best experience for artists, venues, partners, and guests
• You have exceptional time management skills and are a clear communicator
• You can work autonomously, but understand the importance of remaining connected to the broader organization

If our mission and job opening resonates, you're encouraged to apply even if your experience doesn't precisely match the job description. We are committed to creating a culture of belonging and building a diverse team that reflects a variety of lived experiences, perspectives, and skills.