[Hiring] Senior Event Branding & Production Specialist @TED Conferences

Ideas Change Everything.

We believe this to our core. And we’re proud to play a role in discovering, debating and sharing the best of them. 

TED is devoted to curiosity, reason, wonder and the pursuit of knowledge — without an agenda. We welcome all who seek a deeper understanding of the world and connection with others, and we invite everyone to engage with ideas and activate them in your community.

TED is seeking a creative and detail-oriented Senior Event Branding & Production Specialist to join our Event Operations team. This role is pivotal in crafting TED’s event branding and visual communication strategies, overseeing the production and delivery of event visual assets. With a strong foundation in project management, graphic production, and hands-on graphic design experience, this position ensures all visual deliverables meet the highest standards of quality, sustainability, and brand consistency.

The ideal candidate excels at managing multiple complex projects in a fast-paced environment, demonstrates exceptional organizational and communication skills, and has a solid background in graphic design or print production. They will partner with internal teams and external vendors to create seamless visual experiences that enhance TED’s events. This position will pay a flat project fee based on $35-$40/hour.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Collaboration & Branding:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive visual strategy for TED events that aligns with the organization’s brand values and event objectives.
• Lead brainstorming sessions to conceptualize unique and cohesive visual themes that enhance audience engagement and storytelling.
• Contribute to TED’s event branding and visual communication strategies by collaborating with internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with in-house and external teams, including graphic designers and vendors, to ensure TED’s branding guidelines are upheld across all activations and deliverables, while refining artwork for production to meet technical specifications.
• Analyze audience insights and event goals to tailor visual communication strategies that resonate with diverse global audiences.
• Revise and adapt TED’s branding guidelines and templates to align with individual event needs.

Project Management:

• Develop, manage, and adhere to production budgets, ensuring accurate cost tracking and transparent reporting to stakeholders.
• Act as the primary liaison between internal teams and external vendors, coordinating production schedules, logistics, and approvals.
• Maintain detailed project trackers, creative briefs, and asset management systems to ensure deadlines and deliverables are consistently met.
• Streamline requests and approvals through a centralized system for visual assets, improving efficiency and clarity across teams.
• Negotiate vendor pricing to achieve cost-effective solutions without compromising quality or timelines.

Production Oversight:

• Lead the end-to-end production process for printed and digital event materials, including sourcing vendors, approving proofs, and monitoring quality.
• Recommend materials, finishes, and installation options to meet design and functional requirements.
• Manage logistics for the delivery and installation of visual assets at event sites, ensuring all elements are accurately placed and meet brand standards.
• Conduct thorough quality checks and address any discrepancies with vendors promptly.

Graphic Design:

• Design visual assets, including signage, collateral, and digital materials, that align with TED’s branding and event themes.
• Collaborate with the creative team to produce innovative and visually compelling designs for events.
• Oversee the adherence to established style guides, mood boards, and prototypes to ensure design concepts are communicated effectively to stakeholders
• Explore emerging design trends and technologies to introduce innovative visual elements that elevate the TED event experience.
• Ensure all graphic designs meet technical requirements for production and delivery.

Sustainability Commitment:

• Research and implement eco-friendly production practices, including the use of sustainable materials and processes.
• Collaborate with vendors to identify environmentally responsible solutions and integrate them into project plans.
• Develop strategies to minimize waste, such as recycling programs and reusable or biodegradable materials.
• Stay informed about industry innovations in sustainable production to continuously improve TED’s environmental impact.

Required:

• 5+ years of proven experience in print production management preferably in events or marketing.
• Strong understanding of production processes, materials, and timelines.
• Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Proficiency in project management tools and software.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with Google Suite and Airtable.
• Proficiency in graphic design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite.
• Expertise in coordinating large-scale environmental graphics or event branding.
• Knowledge of sustainable production practices.

Key Competencies:

• Highly detail-oriented with a strong commitment to quality.
• Adaptable and able to work under pressure in dynamic environments.
• Collaborative team player with a proactive mindset.

Mission-oriented: You should have a strong belief in TED’s mission and values

WHY WORK FOR US

TED is a global community, welcoming people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world. We believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and, ultimately, the world. TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics — from science to business to global issues — in more than 100 languages. Everything we do is driven by this goal: How can we best spread great ideas?

If you’re excited about shaping the tools that power TED’s world class events and enabling teams across a truly mission-driven organization to deliver impact at scale, we’d love to hear from you!