Manager, Programming

Blavity Inc. is seeking a contract Manager, Programming to support the curation and execution of speaker-driven programming across AfroTech and other live events. The role involves managing speaker experience, session logistics, and content accuracy from planning to on-site delivery, working closely with the Senior Manager, Programming.

Location: Remote (US)

Salary: $45/hr

Responsibilities

• Draft initial program agendas by theme or topic as directed by the executive team and Senior Manager, translating strategic programming priorities into organized session structures.
• Support the development and organization of session tracks, agenda grids, and programming schedules in alignment with leadership-defined themes and goals.
• Assist in managing the call for proposals (CFP) process, including tracking submissions, coordinating reviews, and communicating outcomes to applicants.
• Maintain programming documentation across events, including session descriptions, speaker bios, format details, and content updates.
• Ensure programming content meets quality standards and reflects the educational and experiential goals of each event.
• Serve as the secondary point of contact for confirmed conference speakers, supporting the Senior Manager in managing all communication from booking confirmation through on-site execution.
• Coordinate speaker rehearsals, run-of-show logistics, briefing documents, and presentation material collection.
• Collect, organize, and route all speaker-submitted assets (bios, headshots, decks, AV requirements, session descriptions) using established systems and naming conventions.
• Track speaker status and outstanding materials in Sessionboard and internal tracking tools, flagging gaps before they become problems.
• Independently manage programming for one-day events and virtual summits, owning the full project from initial agenda development through post-event wrap.
• Develop session plans, source and confirm speakers, manage logistics, and coordinate with Operations and AV for assigned smaller events.
• Maintain clear communication with internal stakeholders on event timelines, content decisions, and deliverables for each project.
• Support on-site programming and talent management across assigned events, ensuring speakers are prepared, briefed, and supported day-of.
• Assist with real-time session adjustments, content issues, and run-of-show coordination in partnership with Production and AV teams.
• Capture on-site learnings and post-event feedback to support continuous improvement for future events.

Requirements

• 3-5 years of experience in conference programming required. Candidates must have direct, hands-on experience managing speaker-driven event content and session logistics for conferences or large-scale live events.
• Experience drafting agendas, session tracks, or programming plans from strategic direction.
• Familiarity with the call for participants (CFP) process and experience managing speaker communications across multiple events or tracks.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; able to manage multiple workstreams and deadlines without losing accuracy.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including editing session descriptions and managing professional correspondence with speakers.
• Experience with event management software (Sessionboard or similar) and virtual platform tools.
• Proficiency in Google Suite (Google Sheets especially) and Asana; comfortable working in established systems and maintaining data integrity within them.
• Ability to work independently and own smaller projects from start to finish.
• Genuine connection to Black culture, tech, and the AfroTech community; passion for producing events that reflect and serve our audience.

Benefits

• This is a fully remote, U.S.-based contract role with occasional travel required for events.
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Approximately 20 hours per week.
• Compensation: $45 per hour.
• Strong potential for extended engagement based on performance.

Additional Information

• Contractors will be responsible for providing their own equipment, including but not limited to laptop computers, cell phones, or any other electronic equipment required to perform their role.