What are the responsibilities and job description for the Web Editor position at SXSW?
Job Purpose
SXSW is seeking a full-time, motivated Website Editor to spearhead the production and publication of fresh content across sxsw.com. The ideal candidate is a proactive communicator who thrives in a fast-paced, unique environment and is comfortable operating independently to solve website challenges. You will bridge the gap between creative storytelling and technical execution, ensuring our global audience remains engaged with a high-performing, user-friendly digital experience.
Duties & Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Qualifications include:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully:
Work Location & Schedule
The position is full-time and located in Austin, Texas. Core business office hours are from 10 am—6 pm Monday through Friday. Hybrid schedule (In-office requirement in Austin, TX). The schedule is subject to change based on business scaling and project demands. 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 may extend on-site working hours.
SXSW is seeking a full-time, motivated Website Editor to spearhead the production and publication of fresh content across sxsw.com. The ideal candidate is a proactive communicator who thrives in a fast-paced, unique environment and is comfortable operating independently to solve website challenges. You will bridge the gap between creative storytelling and technical execution, ensuring our global audience remains engaged with a high-performing, user-friendly digital experience.
Duties & Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Execute regular updates for sxsw.com by writing, editing, and publishing informational articles.
- Construct digital pages using precise layout formatting and SEO best practices.
- Coordinate with multiple internal teams to publish timely website copy and manage multimedia assets, including photos and videos.
- Refresh the website consistently with the latest news, programming highlights, and session announcements.
- Partner closely with Tech and UX teams to monitor web technology performance and support platform updates as required.
- Manage and resolve internal web support tickets to ensure seamless site operations.
- Implement SEO strategies designed to increase organic traffic and maximize pageviews.
- Generate innovative article concepts that advance core business goals and audience engagement.
- Draft compelling content for site announcements, session formats, and various event highlights.
- Analyze audience development trends and site performance using Google Analytics to inform future content decisions.
- Curate real-time content, including photos, videos, and quotes, directly from SXSW participants.
- Produce timely articles covering programming spotlights and attendee services while maintaining an up-to-date homepage.
- Develop and publish comprehensive coverage spanning daytime Conference sessions to nightly Festival and awards events.
- Facilitate late-breaking announcements and critical event updates to ensure immediate audience awareness.
- Optimize sxsw.com to capture and prioritize essential information for both current and prospective attendees.
- Commit to extended on-site hours during the event window starting in March (dates TBD).
Qualifications include:
- Bachelor's degree (Note: degree(s) in Journalism, Marketing, or Communications are a plus).
- Proven work as a web editor
- Knowledge of SEO strategies
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Passion for writing and creativity is a must
- Ability to work under pressure in a high-stress environment
- 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
- Expert knowledge of WordPress
- Basic knowledge of Hootsuite, Airtable, Google Drive, and Photoshop.
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 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.
- Ability to work outdoors, including exposure to varying temperatures or noise levels during the event.
Work Location & Schedule
The position is full-time and located in Austin, Texas. Core business office hours are from 10 am—6 pm Monday through Friday. Hybrid schedule (In-office requirement in Austin, TX). The schedule is subject to change based on business scaling and project demands. 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 may extend on-site working hours.