Senior Vice President, Events & Publicity, Focus Features

Focus Features (www.focusfeatures.com) acquires and produces specialty films for the global market, and holds a library of iconic movies from fearless filmmakers. Our mission: to make a lasting impact on global audiences by creating the home for artists to share distinctive stories that inspire human connection.

Focus Features is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks, and a suite of leading Internet- based businesses. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

Our impact is rooted in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a rich tradition of giving back and ensuring our employees have the opportunity to serve their communities. We champion an inclusive culture and strive to attract and develop a talented workforce to create and deliver a wide range of content reflecting our world.

The Senior Vice President, Events & Publicity oversees the conceptualizing, planning, and executing for all major Focus Features events inclusive of release and awards activity. The position reports to the EVP, Publicity for Focus Features.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Partner with Publicity teams to conceptualize, strategize, develop, and execute all events including premieres, activations, trailer launches, tastemakers, and experiential events.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align event strategy with film campaigns, awards positioning, and corporate priorities.
• Develop innovative, immersive events incorporating thematic design, experiential activations, and emerging technologies to amplify audience engagement and media visibility.
• Utilize data insights and attendee feedback to evaluate success metrics, measure brand impact, and refine future event strategies.
• Oversee event production from concept through execution, ensuring excellence in creative presentation and operational delivery.
• Identify and secure premiere venues, vendors, and production partners for all events.
• Direct development of event collateral, including red carpet branding elements, invitations, credentials, ticketing materials, and signage.
• Oversee and manage invitation strategy and guest curation in collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders. Work with events team in RSVP oversight, seating design, ticketing, will-call, staffing, and comprehensive guest logistics.
• Lead and manage budget negotiations with all vendors for productions; negotiate contracts and ensure compliance with safety, legal, and corporate governance standards.
• Partner with Universal Entertainment Security to design and implement comprehensive security protocols.
• Cultivate and manage senior-level relationships with talent, filmmakers, personal representatives, guilds, and key industry stakeholders.
• Coordinate premiere ticket allocations for charitable initiatives and ensure corporate tax compliance.
• Lead the execution of all awards related events in partnership with the Awards and project teams, including ceremonies, tastemaker events, and industry receptions.
• Oversee nominees, filmmakers, executives, and studio logistics including seating, ticketing, and table placements for all award shows and ceremonies, including (but not limited to) the Golden Globes, Independent Spirit Awards, Directors Guild of America, Producers Guild of America, and The Actors Awards, etc. 
• Manage studio engagement with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, including Oscar ticketing, Governors Awards participation, and overall Academy relations.
• Partner with Universal Events on joint initiatives including the Universal Entertainment Golden Globe After Party, Oscar celebrations, BAFTA events, tastemakers, international film festivals, and CinemaCon.
• Collaborate with the international teams on the studio presence at major international film festivals with seating, events, dinners, and other industry events. 
• Collaborate with project teams on CinemaCon and key industry conventions.
• Serve as a central clearinghouse for cross-divisional screenings supporting Comcast, Government Affairs, Community Relations, and additional stakeholders.
• Lead and mentor the Events team of two, including a Director and Coordinator of Events & Publicity.

Basic Requirements: 

• Minimum of 10+ years relevant event planning experience, with experience in Event Production and knowledge of working on major studio events. 
• Extensive experience in managing teams both in-house and vendors hired, to produce flawless cutting-edge events. 
• Must be able to work extended hours and travel where required. 

Desired Characteristics: 

• Strong communication skills and a proactive approach to building and fostering working relationships. 
• Must be able to effectively manage a team. 
• Must be able to cultivate strong internal and external relationships.  
• Ability to work in a fast, dynamic environment, and with competing priorities. 
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience.

Additional Requirements:

Hybrid: This position currently has a hybrid schedule, which requires contributing from the office a minimum of four days per week. The Company reserves the right to change in-office requirements at any time.

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website. 

Salary range: $260,000-$340,000 (bonus and long-term incentive eligible)

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, or arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].