Festival Manager, Media Accreditation

About the role

This temporary, full-time position (40 hours per week) runs from Wednesday, September 2, 2026 through Friday, February 12, 2027. While much of the day-to-day work may be performed remotely leading up to the Festival, the role requires onsite presence in Boulder, CO at key points and extended hours—including evenings and weekends—to meet deadlines and respond to on-call needs.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and complete information for all global journalist and publicist accreditation applicants in the database.
• Develop and engage with target media to apply for accreditation.
• Oversee the press accreditation office at the Festival and manage timely requests.
• Plan, compose, and manage all communications relevant to accreditation, including invitations to apply and badge participation details.
• Work closely with Technology Services to maintain the online press application, document issues, and troubleshoot as they arise.
• Process accreditation applications, make recommendations, and lead application review meetings.
• Communicate Festival details, accreditation types, and logistical information with media and publicists.
• Track, parse, and report press corps demographic data for journalists and publicists.
• Submit credential information and collaborate with the Ticketing team to meet deadlines.
• Use the Content Management System (CMS) and PressApp to input approved applicants and manage their registration process.
• Serve as the main point of contact for journalists and publicists regarding questions, concerns, and application status both leading up to and onsite at the Festival.
• Handle credential distribution and organization onsite for accredited press and publicists.
• Advise the Press Office team and other Institute departments on accredited press details, including partners.
• Pitch and coordinate press in advance of and during the Festival, including securing coverage, interviews, onsite staffing, and supplying information to journalists.
• Draft and collaborate on press announcements, including press releases, media alerts, and pitches.
• Collaborate on the kickoff press event, including sending invitations, tracking RSVPs, and managing inquiries.
• Support press lines, screenings, and events as assigned.
• Export and share the latest versions of internal and external press lists for stakeholders.
• Distribute screening attendance data to publicists.
• Manage a seasonal team member in all accreditation duties, providing direction, feedback, and support.
• Oversee volunteers in the Press Office during the Festival.
• Collaborate on press office preparation in advance of the Festival and serve as the main point of contact in the Press Office onsite.
• Manage multiple internal inboxes to assist with questions or issues from press.
• Provide a comprehensive written wrap report as directed.

Requirements

• Legal authorization to work in the United States.
• 3 years of experience in media relations, communications, publicity, public relations, marketing, or a related field.
• Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to audit work for accuracy.
• Strong fluency and capability with Google Suite.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to work nights and weekends around events and key deadlines.
• Working knowledge of databases; proficiency in Google Products and media tracking platform Cision preferred.

Success Factors

• Support the accreditation of the 2027 Sundance Film Festival press corps, including in a fast-moving environment.
• Demonstrate attentiveness to detail in daily work with autonomy.
• Effectively research media contacts and handle outreach, ideally with working knowledge of press.
• Seamlessly manage priorities with strict time constraints.
• Productively manage a team member remotely.
• Exhibit the ability to be productive with minimal supervision.
• Contribute to the overall success of the team through support and collaboration.

Benefits

• Paid sick leave and Institute holidays.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee Wellness Initiatives.
• Sundance Film Festival passes and benefits (varies each year).

Pay

Weekly pay of $1,111.23.

Schedule

Full-time (40 hours per week) from Wednesday, September 2, 2026 through Friday, February 12, 2027. Must be based within a commutable distance to Boulder, CO.