Associate Director, Talent & Programming

Job Title

Job Description

About The Position | Major Goals and Objectives and Location Requirements:

The Associate Director of Talent & Programming oversees all talent sourcing, talent logistics, and programming development across the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen and the Food & Wine Classic in Charleston and other Food & Wine events as needed. This role is responsible for curating compelling, high-quality programming that reflects the Food & Wine brand, while ensuring seamless execution of all cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, and talent-driven experiences.

Working closely with the Food & Wine editorial team, event directors, PR, and external partners, this role helps shape the weekend schedules, manages talent relationships from outreach through on-site execution, and leads a small team to deliver best-in-class programming across both events.

Schedule Requirements:

Hybrid 3x a week - (New York) 

In-office Expectations: This position is hybrid in-office, with the ability to work remotely for up to 2 days per week.

About The Team | The Team and/or Brand:

The Event Marketing team is the driving force behind successful events.  The team is responsible for a wide range of activities, from conceptualization to execution and post-event analysis.  The team is key to orchestrating cross-functional collaboration. The team strategizes with the sales and marketing teams to create compelling event messaging and memorable experiences that align with the company's goals, drive attendee engagement, and generate tangible results.

About The Position’s Contributions:

• Talent Sourcing

  • Lead talent sourcing efforts across chefs, winemakers, beverage professionals, and culinary personalities for both Food & Wine eventsWork with the Food & Wine editorial team and PR to identify, prioritize, and secure celebrity and high-profile talent aligned with brand and programming goalsMaintain strong relationships with talent, agents, publicists, and industry partnersSupport Editorial-driven talent initiatives and celebrity outreach as needed

• Programming Development & Curation

  • Collaborate closely with the Food & Wine editorial team to brainstorm, develop, and curate weekend programming schedulesWork with the Event Directors to assess programming needs, capacity, flow, and event-specific prioritiesEnsure programming is diverse, innovative, and consistent with Food & Wine standards

• Talent & Programming Logistics

  • Oversee the management, production, and execution of all wine seminars and cooking demonstrations across both eventsOversee all talent logistics including scheduling, travel coordination, and on-site needsPartner with production, operations, culinary teams, to ensure all talent needs are met for onsite appearancesServe as a primary point of contact for talent during planning and on-site executionProvide excellent hospitality and ensure talent is prepared for onsite appearance 

• Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Manage and mentor two direct reports, providing clear direction, feedback, and development opportunitiesWork closely with event directors, Editorial team, PR, Operations, Production, Sponsorship, and Marketing teamsManage oversight of talent-related budgets, including forecasting, expense tracking, and reconciliation, ensuring alignment with approved financial parametersSupport sponsorship team with sponsorship execution at seminars, if applicableEnsure clear communication across teams to support smooth execution and timely decision-making

The Role’s Minimum Qualifications and Job Requirements:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree preferred in marketing, communications, or a related field; relevant work experience and qualifications will be equally considered

Experience:

• 7+ years of experience in talent management, event programming, editorial programming, or live event production

• Experience working with high-profile or celebrity talent preferred

• Prior people management experience required

Specific Knowledge, Skills, Certifications and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of culinary, wine, and beverage industry including trends and upcoming talent

• Proven ability to manage complex logistics and multiple stakeholders simultaneously

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust across teams and with talent

• Comfortable working in fast-paced, high-pressure live event environments

• Ability to work non-traditional hours during planning peaks and event execution

% Travel Required (Approximate):

• Travel required, including extended time on-site in Aspen and Charleston during event periods

It is the policy of People Inc. to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Company will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Accommodation requests can be made by emailing [email protected].

The Company participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: https://www.e-verify.gov/employees

Pay Range

The pay range above represents the anticipated low and high end of the pay range for this position and may change in the future. Actual pay may vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to work location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of People Inc's total compensation package for employees. Other compensation may include annual bonuses, and short- and long-term incentives. In addition, People Inc. provides to employees (and their eligible family members) a variety of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, unlimited paid time off (PTO), adoption or surrogate assistance, donation matching, tuition reimbursement, basic life insurance, basic accidental death & dismemberment, supplemental life insurance, supplemental accident insurance, commuter benefits, short term and long term disability, health savings and flexible spending accounts, family care benefits, a generous 401K savings plan with a company match program, 10-12 paid holidays annually, and generous paid parental leave (birthing and non-birthing parents), all of which may vary depending on the specific nature of your employment with People Inc. and your work location. We also offer voluntary benefits such as pet insurance, accident, critical and hospital indemnity health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance.