Associate Director, Talent & Programming

Job Summary

The Associate Director of Talent & Programming oversees talent sourcing, logistics management, and programming development for large-scale culinary and wine events. This role is responsible for curating high-quality programming while ensuring seamless execution of cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, and talent-driven experiences.

Working closely with editorial, event, public relations, and cross-functional teams, this position shapes event schedules, manages talent relationships from outreach through on-site execution, and leads a small team to deliver exceptional programming.

This is a hybrid role with in-office and remote flexibility.

• Lead talent sourcing efforts across chefs, winemakers, beverage professionals, and culinary personalities
• Identify, prioritize, and secure high-profile talent aligned with programming goals
• Maintain strong relationships with talent, agents, publicists, and industry partners
• Support editorial-driven talent initiatives and outreach efforts

• Collaborate with editorial teams to develop and curate event programming schedules
• Assess programming needs, event flow, and capacity requirements
• Ensure programming is diverse, innovative, and aligned with brand standards

• Oversee production and execution of seminars and demonstrations
• Manage talent logistics including scheduling, travel coordination, and on-site support
• Partner with production and operations teams to ensure seamless event execution
• Serve as primary point of contact for talent during planning and on-site activities
• Ensure exceptional hospitality and talent preparedness

• Manage and mentor direct reports, providing guidance and development opportunities
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Editorial, PR, Operations, Production, Sponsorship, and Marketing
• Oversee talent-related budgets including forecasting, expense tracking, and reconciliation
• Support sponsorship execution as needed
• Ensure clear communication across teams to facilitate smooth execution Qualifications

  Education:
  Bachelors degree preferred in marketing, communications, or a related field; equivalent experience 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

  Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Strong understanding of culinary, wine, and beverage industries, including emerging trends
  • Proven ability to manage complex logistics and multiple stakeholders
  • Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure live event environments
  • Flexibility to work non-traditional hours during peak planning and event execution periods