Job Purpose
The Seasonal Visual Designer is responsible for developing creative concepts and art assets for content marketing campaigns across websites and social media channels managed by SXSW, LLC. This role is for a highly-skilled designer with attention to detail, brand cohesiveness, and significant emphasis on transforming the user experience using data and research to make design decisions. In this fast-paced, constantly evolving ownership role, the Visual Designer evaluates marketing needs to generate creative multi-platform content to support year-round marketing efforts.
Duties & Responsibilities
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Generate strong visual assets for sxsw.com, including SEO cards, infographics, and more across blogs and pages.
- Produce static graphics for various social media campaigns considering unique requirements for multiple platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok.
- Collaborate with the Experience Department to help fulfill graphic design elements across the SXSW universe.
- Work with marketing to turn brand strategy and creative ideas into great design experiences that follow established 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 video.s
- Contribute to monthly Content Department campaign needs and season-long design campaigns to support Brand and business goals, including brand awareness, informing our audience, and generating revenue.
- Propose big ideas, backed by audience data, on how design elements can better serve marketing reach and engagement across digital platforms.
On-Site Responsibilities
- Extended hours during the event (i.e., on-site) from March 7–15, 2025
- Curate and edit photos and videos in real-time, adhering to the SXSW brand guide, that will be used on the website and social media
- Coordinate with the Experience Department to create photo galleries and other visual assets as needed
- Create visual assets to support late-breaking announcements and important event updates.
- Assist in creating and publishing 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.
- Help monitor SXSW's social media accounts for community engagement and customer service needs.
Qualifications & Skills
Qualifications include:
- Bachelor's degree
- Fluent in the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator and Photoshop. Proficiency in After Effects and Premiere Pro 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 social media teams is preferred.
- Basic knowledge of WordPress, Hootsuite, Airtable, and Google Drive.
Physical Requirements
Sitting and standing for long periods is frequently required, with or without accommodation. Manual dexterity is required for keyboard, computer, and office equipment use. Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds. This position may require you to stay 10 days away from home during the event.
Work Location & Schedule
The position is located in Austin, Texas. Core business office hours are Mon-Fri, 10 am – 6 pm. Must be available to work additional hours from January – March, including evenings and weekends. Must be available for the March event; extended working hours on-site. This full-time, seasonal position runs from January 2025 through April 2025.
