Manager, Programming

Blavity Inc.

Contract Manager, Programming overseeing speaker-driven programming across AfroTech and Blavity live events. Managing logistics, communication, and documentation for successful event execution.

Posted 5/12/2026contractRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $45 per hourWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support the curation and execution of speaker-driven programming across AfroTech and other Blavity live events.
Manage the speaker experience, coordinate session logistics, and keep programming content accurate and on track from planning through on-site delivery.
Serve as the secondary point of contact for speakers, supporting the Senior Manager, Programming.
Independently manage programming for smaller events such as one-day activations and virtual summits, owning those projects from agenda development through execution.
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, ensuring programming content meets quality standards and reflects the educational and experiential goals of each event.

Requirements

What you’ll need

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

Comp & perks

Contractors will be responsible for providing their own equipment.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

conference programmingsession logisticsagenda developmentprogramming planscall for proposals (CFP) processevent content managementsession tracksprogramming documentationdata integrity

Soft Skills

organizational skillsattention to detailwritten communicationverbal communicationproject managementindependencemultitaskingediting skills