Careers
Forefront Networks is currently hiring in multiple departments. Click below to review the overview of the role and the job requirements. In addition, full time employees enjoy:
- Ownership of programs and goals, with the ability to help shape strategies
- High levels of autonomy and mentorship
- Employer-paid health benefits and paid time off
+ Creative Department: Mid-Level Art Director
About Forefront:
Forefront Networks is an independent agency based in Austin that specializes in large-scale public events, exclusive private events and activation concepting, design and execution. Beautifully showcasing brands is our passion. We firmly believe that experiences build connections and forge community. We care deeply about creating experiences that move people and businesses and set the bar for everyone else.
Responsibilities:
- Development and execution of a broad range of creative asks ranging from logo design, brand guides, digital needs and merchandise where necessary.
- Responsible for the daily creative execution of projects including new design, reviewing projects, incorporating comments, and ensuring consistency across project materials
- Ensure projects are on time and meet the highest standards of design excellence
- Understand brand strategies and how the assets created help solve client’s business challenges
- Present creative work to clients, referencing brand strategies
- Work on project execution, guide installers, attend photo/video shoots (as opportunities present); engage with photographers, illustrators in a supervisor support role
- Work collaboratively with all cross-functional team members including Experiential and Event Producers, Account Management and Marketing
- Support new business efforts and/or conceptual work
- Help to manage freelancers, and more junior team members
- Create experience concepts that meet business goals and deliver on insights in an unexpected way
- Ability to clearly explain your creative ideas using a variety of methods (sketching, Photoshop, photography, illustration, etc.)
- Remain up-to-date with new ideas, techniques and styles within the industry and from other avenues of inspiration
Requirements:
- An amazing portfolio that showcases experience across a variety of projects that range from graphic design, branding, conceptual chops, spatial design and some digital.
- 7 -10 years experience in either graphic design, advertising or experiential design.
- Conceptual thinking at both the insight and executional levels
- Strong skills in the Adobe Design Suite of programs, especially in Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Bonus points for skill with SketchUp or AfterEffects but not necessary
- Comfortable with MS Office and Google Slides
- Strong attention to detail
- Collaborates easily across multiple disciplines
- Position based in Austin, but open to remote
- Available to work evenings and weekends when necessary
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-intensity environment
- Good at taking the initiative
- Ready to lend a hand when needed on a small team of do-ers.
- Is solution-obsessed; can handle set-backs with composure and is able to change direction quickly when called for
- Excellence with communication across departments, with vendors, and with clients
- Great at anticipating deadlines and taking steps to effectively deliver on-time
+ Account Coordinator
At Forefront Networks we produce large-scale public events, intimate private events, and provide comprehensive event services to corporate clients. We are currently looking for a high energy administrative and sales-minded professional to join our team as an Account Coordinator. As the Account Coordinator you are responsible for supporting Account Directors and the Corporate Partnerships Team to achieve success with clients and the overall sales process. Examples of the events you will work on include: The Trail of Lights in Austin, TX, Live in the Vineyard and Live in the Vineyard Goes Country in Napa Valley, CA, to name a few.
Account Coordinator
1-3 years administrative or sales experience
Based in Austin, TX
Reporting to the Chief Growth officer and Account Directors of Forefront’s Corporate Partnerships Team, the Account Coordinator will work alongside Account Directors to help plan and manage various account activities while interfacing with other teams including marketing, finance, events, creative, and experiences. This role requires great organizational skills, tool proficiency, charisma, salesmanship, strategic thinking, problem solving, teamwork, discipline, financial acumen, hustle, grit, and thoughtful creativity.
Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Sales & Fulfillment Support
- Attend client meetings with Account Directors as requested
- Recap meetings and distribute updates to internal teams
- Support Account Directors in keeping CRMs up to date
- Support Account Directors in keeping account plans up to date
- Conduct various research exercises related to account growth
- Modify and ready proposal and recap decks for presentation
- Support contracting workflows
- Ensure sponsorship & hospitality benefits are properly communicated across teams
- Support fulfillment workflows & fulfillment teams
- Support internal communication within team and across teams ensuring all relevant parties have current information
- Support account forecasting, sales planning, and related reporting
- Learn the sales cycle and selling process and contribute to client pitches and sales initiatives
- Support Account Directors in internal meetings including client service projects and other project meetings
- Identify process improvement and efficiency opportunities
- Manage account budgets and reporting to managers regularly on budget issues
- Create work schedules and project plans to meet deadlines
Qualifications
- Proven track record of success in an administrative or sales role
- Experience in crafting proposals with an eye for design
- Familiarity with Salesforce, lead flow, account management, pipeline and forecasting
- Strong knowledge of PC software programs, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Adobe Acrobat
- Experience working in an environment where administrative coordination is critical to success
- A passion for sales and goal achievement
- 1-3 years administrative or sales experience
- Ability to successfully task manage and complete all assignments
- Experience prospecting companies to identify connection and engagement opportunities
- Ability to communicate at various levels of an organization
- Be meticulous with details
- Have excellent presentation, written and verbal communication skills
- Be flexible and enjoy working with people
- Effective time management skills, with strong organization and prioritization abilities
- Four-year degree in Business, Communication or Marketing required
- Attention to detail to ensure clients receive the correct advice and support
- Problem-solving skills to help clients who may experience issues
Personal Attributes
- Initiative; be self-motivated and driven to succeed
- A positive “can do” attitude
- A team player who enjoys winning
- Dedicated to driving success for clients
- Tenacious, hard -working, self-starter, self-motivated,
- Able to work independently without much supervision
- Passionate about understanding and helping with clients’ needs and challenges
- Continuous leader, curious, stays one step ahead of the client, and trusted advisor
- Charismatic, well presented and articulate
- Fun to work with - sense of humor
- Strong integrity, always striving for excellence
Forefront Networks offers a fast paced and dynamic work environment, with a focus on exceeding both individual and team expectations. If you enjoy talking with people, are passionate about events, and are creative about positioning companies and brands, thrive in both an entrepreneurial environment and team atmosphere, this is the job for you.
Benefits:
- Competitive base salary
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans
+ Business/Financial Analyst
Forefront Networks produces large-scale public events, exclusive private events, and provides event services to corporate clients including sponsorship sales, activation design, event production, marketing programs, virtual events, and gifting solutions. The goal of every Forefront employee is to ensure the company retains existing clients, expands its client base and increases customer satisfaction through successful projects while facilitating further growth. The ideal candidate will possess excellent planning and execution abilities to oversee all aspects of project and financial planning, reporting and analysis. This role will closely work with all departments and work directly for the Chief Financial Officer and support the executive staff, senior business executives and the rest of the company personnel.
DUTIES:
- Partner and collaborate with leadership across the company and provide them with strategic insights and data-driven recommendations for their most critical business issues
- Prepare timely reports, which include category dashboards, key metrics, financial results, and variance
- Provide support with preparation of financial plan, forecasts and budgets
- Identify initiatives to continuously improve, automate, and scale forecasting and reporting tools, processes, and methodologies
- Prepare and enhance quarterly executive management reporting packages
- Support acquisition due diligence and integration efforts
- Assist with special projects and ad hoc requests and perform other job responsibilities, as needed
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to work well in a variety of different cross-functional teams and build strong working relationships with key constituents across the organization
- Financial modeling and analysis techniques including advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel
- Results-oriented with a strong sense of urgency and ability to perform in a fast-paced environment
- Analytical thinking with an excellent ability to put complex ideas into clear frameworks, and to use data to drive strategic objectives and priorities
- Strong drive for data integrity, process definition, and organizational alignment.
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics or other related discipline
- 1-3 years of experience in a Finance role at medium to large size company, public or private
Forefront is looking for a leader and a team player with a ‘can do’ attitude, someone who says yes more than no. Multiple assignments in process at one time is the norm, and fast turnover is often a requirement, meaning that organization and a keen eye for detail are mandatory. A creative person at heart with the right level of practicality will succeed in this role. Forefront believes that “Best is Standard” and contributing positively to that existing culture is key.
What do we have to offer?
- Work with the best of the best
- A collaborative, respectful environment where your voice will always be heard
- Competitive salaries plus incentive programs
- Generous PTO and Holiday policy
- Dog-friendly workplace
- Free parking
- 100% coverage of employee
- Promote from within philosophy
- Volunteer program
Forefront Networks is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment with the best employees. Therefore, we provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
+ Local Market Sales Manager
At Forefront Networks we produce large-scale public events, intimate private events, and provide comprehensive event services to corporate clients. We are currently looking for a high energy sales professional to join our team as a Local Market Manager. As the Local Market Manager you are responsible for selling through various programs at local events including: sampling, vendors, food trucks, group sales, and some local sponsorships. Examples of the events you will work on include: The Trail of Lights in Austin, TX, Live in the Vineyard and Live in the Vineyard Goes Country in Napa Valley, CA, and Keep Austin Weird Presents: The Twist ‘N Snap Crawfish Boil in Austin, TX to name a few.
Local Market Sales Manager
1-3 years sales experience
Based in Austin, TX
Reporting to the Vice President of Corporate Partnerships, the Local Market Sales Manager will plan, manage and execute various event centric and transactional local selling initiatives. This role requires charisma, salesmanship, strategic thinking, problem solving, teamwork, discipline, organization, financial acumen and thoughtful creativity.
Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Sales
- Create and manage a pipeline of prospects for each program in order to grow the program client base and ensure sales target attainment
- Manage the full sales-cycle, including pipeline generation, contract negotiation and other deliverables for closing and payment
- Develop and actively pursue lists of targeted accounts and create plans of action to outreach and sell into each
- Prospect for potential customers using various direct methods such as calling and face to face meetings, and indirect methods such as networking and special events
- Qualify leads to generate new opportunities with prospects and then convert those prospects into signed customer contracts
- Follow-up on all sales leads within your assigned territory to generate new prospects including marketing generated leads and web leads
- Present program opportunities and work with the marketing team to prepare and present proposals & sales materials
- Develop contracts, manage contract negotiations to deliver signed contracts
- Participate in invoice fulfillment
- Maintain records to produce accurate pipeline and sales forecast reports
Account Management
- Manage accounts on-site at events or from the office including pre-event meetings, setup support, on-site logistics assistance, and post-event feedback
- Renew and solidify relationships to grow program success
- Build strong relationships with clients and prospects, as well as, work closely with the Forefront Networks sales force to prospect and close sales
- Coordinate with marketing and operations to ensure clients receive promised deliverables and get the most out of all programs with us
Qualifications
- Proven track record of success in sales
- Experience working with accounts and companies in Austin, TX
- 1-3 years sales experience, including cold calling and expertise in lead generation
- Ability to consistently fill pipeline and drive revenue opportunities
- Experience prospecting companies to identify connection and engagement opportunities
- Ability to communicate at various levels of an organization
- Be meticulous with details and possess solid closing and follow-up skills
- Have excellent presentation, written and verbal communication skills
- Be flexible and enjoy working with people
- Effective time management skills, with strong organization and prioritization abilities
- Familiarity with Salesforce, lead flow, account management, pipeline and forecasting
- Strong knowledge of PC software programs, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel and
- Ability to utilize search engines and other business resources to gather relevant data and facts and be able to synthesize and apply the information appropriately
- Four year degree in Business, Communication or Marketing required
Personal Attributes
- Initiative; be self-motivated and driven to succeed
- A positive “can do” attitude
- A “Hunter” who enjoys opening doors and closing the deal
- Dedicated to driving success for clients
- Tenacious, hard -working, self-starter, self-motivated,
- Able to work independently without much supervision
- Passionate about understanding and helping with clients’ needs and challenges
- Continuous leader, curious, stays one step ahead of the client, and trusted advisor
- Charismatic, well presented and articulate
- Fun to work with - sense of humor
- Collaborative team player
- Strong integrity, always striving for excellence
Forefront Networks offers a fast paced and dynamic work environment, with a focus on exceeding both individual and team expectations. If you enjoy talking with people, are passionate about events, and are creative about positioning companies and brands, thrive in both an entrepreneurial environment and team atmosphere, this is the job for you.
Benefits:
- Competitive base salary and unlimited commission structure
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans
+ Account Director - Corporate Partnerships
5+ years of experience required
Work from anywhere
- Austin (Headquarters), Denver, Nashville, Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio preferred
- If not based in Austin, TX - travel to Austin headquarters monthly
About Forefront
Forefront Networks produces large-scale public events, exclusive private events, and provides event services to corporate clients including sponsorship sales, activation design, event production, marketing programs, virtual events, and gifting solutions. Account Directors at Forefront are responsible for selling sponsorships and corporate hospitality for portfolio events including the Austin Trail of Lights in Austin, TX, Live in the Vineyard, and Live in the Vineyard Goes Country in Napa Valley, CA, to name a few. Account Directors at Forefront are also responsible for selling solutions to our clients to meet their event-related and experiential marketing needs.
Job Brief
We are looking for an Account Director to undertake account management responsibilities. Duties will involve both managing relationships with clients and guiding internal account support personnel. An effective Account Director has great aptitude in building and maintaining customer relationships. They also possess excellent planning and leadership abilities to coordinate and integrate internal resources required to provide solutions for Client opportunities.
As the key point of contact for the client, the Account Director will coordinate the resources needed to service projects, build strategic operational plans, and balance the expectations of clients with the execution of creative work.
The goal is to ensure that the Forefront retains existing clients, expands its client base and increases customer satisfaction through successful projects, facilitating further growth.
Account Director Duties and Responsibilities
- Create detailed sales business plans including budgets and activities for each account in the assigned portfolio
- Set up goals and objectives for each account and communicate to internal support teams
- Manage the entire sales cycle including finding prospects and leads, identifying new sales opportunities, developing compelling proposals, contracting each project, ensuring objectives are accomplished, and building strong trust-based client relationships.
- Serve as the primary interface between client and internal support team providing regular feedback and insight throughout the project
- Understand customer requirements and needs to offer suitable solutions that generate new business
- Identify opportunities to up-sell and cross-sell
- Ensure the timely delivery of services and products to clients
- Resolve issues to maintain and strengthen customer trust
- Communicate overall quarterly/annual progress/KPIs to senior management and external stakeholders
General Activities
- Taking a lead in clients’ marketing, event and experiential strategies
- Leading a matrixed team to provide the utmost level of client service
- Liaising with clients on a day-to-day basis
- Promoting the expansion of business with existing clients
- Working with other team members to generate new accounts
- Completing projects to a specific schedule and within an agreed budget
- Using skills to push clients, and Forefront, creatively and strategically
Qualifications
- 5-10 years of experience in Account Director or similar role with proven track record of success
- Background in events, experiential, brand activations, and/or integrated marketing campaigns
- Solid understanding of budgeting and progress reporting
- Sense of ownership and pride in performance and the impact on company-wide success
- Enthusiastic and passionate team player
- BS/BA in business administration, sales or relevant field
- Persuasive and confident in approach to creative projects
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Effective matrixed team management capabilities and organizational skills
- Keen attention to detail and budgetary restraints
- Knowledge of performance evaluation techniques and metrics
- Aptitude in fostering long-term relationships
- Ability to travel as needed
Skills Required
- Strong negotiation skills
- Outstanding knowledge of MS Office
- Knowledge of CRM software - Salesforce.com is a plus
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Time-management skills
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
+ EXPERIENTIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR
Forefront is looking for an Experiential Events Coordinator who will enthusiastically undertake responsibilities surrounding support for event services projects and events. An effective Experiential Events Coordinator has great aptitude in organizing and detail coordination.
The Experiential Events Coordinator will assist in developing creative activations from concept to execution, sourcing and coordinating vendors, the build out of events and surrounding activations, and coordination of field-staff. The Coordinator has a background in events and marketing projects, understands concepts of project and event work flow, and is passionate about developing innovative and engaging solutions that improve all aspects of live event production.
The Event Services Coordinator performs the tasks and responsibilities assigned by VP of Event Services. This role requires attention to detail, flexibility, creativity, and the ability to meet deadlines while staying within budgets.
Specific Responsibilities
- Supporting the Event Services team with all projects
- Assist with developing the on-site experience and flow of each event
- Support organizing ongoing project management efforts with detail coordination and input into project management system and folders, reports and ongoing communications
- Assist with input and management of project timelines, budgets & details
- Support the creation and delivery of custom assets and events to a high level of execution, functional and aesthetic quality
- Sourcing of new vendors, solutions and organization of solutions and related costs
- Maintain excellent file organization and follow established processes for asset creation & management, and output
- Assist in the development of vendors, the design, layout and plan for each project
- Assist with the development of ideas and recommendations for projects
- Assist with developing ideas and recommendations for the “look and feel” of the activation and event
- Assisting and performing site inspections and return with recommendations for all relevant aspects of production
- Assist with scheduling and oversight of maintaining display properties
- Assist with designing layouts
- Assist Planning, managing, sourcing and executing any and all design, fabrication, activations, installations, and on-site production needs for each project and event including but not limited to: Design, development, management and installation of activations and display properties
Scheduling of:
- Vendors
- Rentals and tents
- Power and lights
- Staging and audio
- Fencing and security
- Waste management
Assist in management and adhering to the production budget set for each event:
- Sourcing quotes
- Identify cost-saving opportunities
General Responsibilities:
- Assist in developing timelines, adherence to timelines, and management of deliverables assigned
- Assist in sourcing and maintaining vendor list
- Assist with maintaining smooth communication and workflow with team and vendors
- Working with all internal teams regarding logistical needs for any event or activation as assigned
- Assist with sourcing all needs through vendors and ensuring they are appropriately incorporated into the overall projects and events
- Assist with tracking and documenting all relevant invoices to ensure timely payments and processing
- Assisting in tracking budget costs throughout the course of project and communicating scope changes that impact the budget to project leads in a clear manner
- Utilizing strong internal partnership skills while working cross-functionally with the relevant internal teams to ensure that project are implemented with internal stakeholders as required, and that client vision and satisfaction is met
- Exhibiting exceptional written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail
- Maintaining consistent, timely on-site presence for all events and activations produced by Company
- Providing immediate response to requests for assistance to events in progress.
Assist with hiring and management of event staff, on-site teams and temporary resources:
- Assist with identifying needs and development of onsite plan and schedule
- Assist with scheduling of field staff as needed and assigned team
- Supporting the field staff onboarding process
- Tracking hours and payment
- Coordination of team on site
Ideal Skills and Qualifications:
- 1+ years of production experience in events & brand marketing projects
- Experience in production, fabrication and live events
- Ability to execute onsite for multi-day, multi-event experiences
- Ability to engage and work with remote teams across multiple departments
- Problem-solving and project-management skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Time-management skills and the ability to work under pressure
- Problem-solving skills and diplomacy
- Proactive, flexible and target-driven
- Proficiency with Excel and Office 365 products is required
- Build/fabrication experience a plus
- Ability and willing to support load in and out during events
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Willingness to travel and work holidays, nights and weekends
- Ability to travel
Personal Characteristics:
Forefront is looking for a team player with a ‘can do’ attitude, someone who says yes more than no. Multiple assignments in process at one time is the norm and fast turnover is often a requirement meaning that organization and a keen eye for detail are mandatory. A creative person at heart with the right level of practicality will succeed in this role. Forefront believes that “Best is Standard” and contributing positively to that existing culture is key.
+ Event Program Manager
Forefront is looking for a passionate and experienced events program manager to help plan and execute live and virtual events. This role requires excellent and detailed event-planning skills along with the ability to define project milestones and deadlines and coordinate with both internal teams and external contractors.
The ideal candidate can balance creativity with logistics, finance planning, and vendor management duties. They should excel at multitasking and balancing big picture concerns like venue and contractor selection with details like decor and meal planning, effectively utilizing resources and personnel to stage large-scale and intimate VIP live and virtual events.
The Forefront Events Program Manager will work on various programs within the company events portfolio. For 2021, that includes Live In The Vineyard (LITV) and Live In The Vineyard Goes Country (LITVGC) in Napa Valley, California, Keep Austin Weird Day, the Austin Trail of Lights and potentially other events throughout the United States.
This person must be detail oriented, thrive under pressure, have exceptional written and verbal communications skills and be a self starter. This person must also have a passion for people and customer service with a knack for hospitality providing meticulous care, attention, and service.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supporting the brainstorming of event concepts and themes
- Organizing and managing every aspect of an assigned event or program
- Creating event or program timelines and understanding the dependencies for each goal
- Staffing an event or program team appropriately
- Manage team members assigned to completing tasks and deliverables
- Mapping out and ensuring the best possible customer journey from beginning to end
- Anticipating attendee needs and making preparations against potential risk
- Preparing and managing event budgets
- Researching and booking venues
- Organizing suppliers, caterers, staff, and entertainment
- Managing set-up, tear-down, and clean-up operations.
- Maintain smooth communication and workflow internally and externally
- Utilizing all adopted project management tools and processes
- Creating and and expressing written plans such as run of shows, timelines, contact sheets, load in and out documents, emergency plans, etc
- Utilizing adopted project management tools and processes
- Providing weekly updates on accomplishments, obstacles and priorities
- Developing post-event reports on the effectiveness of each program
Skills and Qualifications
- 5+ years of live event experience
- Experience in live large-scale and intimate VIP events
- Ability to execute multi-day, multi-event experiences
- Ability to engage and activate remote teams across multiple departments
- Familiarity with hospitality services - lodging, travel, and transportation
- Expertise programming multiple thematics
- Familiar with virtual event programming and execution
- Firm business understanding, financial acumen and alignment to business objectives
- Stellar presentation, problem-solving and project-management skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Negotiation skills when looking for the best price from venues, suppliers and contractors
- Time-management skills and the ability to work under pressure
- Problem-solving skills and diplomacy
- Understanding of event promotion and sponsorship
- Proactive, flexible and target-driven
- Proficiency with google sheets and excel required
- Able and willing to support load in and out during events by lifting and moving products and light infrastructure (boxes, tables, chairs, etc)
- Willing to travel and work holidays, nights and weekends
Personal Characteristics
Forefront is looking for a leader and a team player with a ‘can do’ attitude, someone who says yes more than no. Multiple assignments in process at one time is the norm and fast turnover is often a requirement meaning that organization and a keen eye for detail are mandatory.
A creative person at heart with the right level of practicality will succeed in this role. Forefront believes that “Best is Standard” and contributing positively to that existing culture is key.
+ Production & Operations Manager
About Us
Forefront is an experiential and entertainment agency based out of Austin, Texas, with access to a distinct portfolio of live, virtual and hybrid event platforms collectively designed to build connections between brands and their audiences. We concept and execute a range of experiences that vary in size, scale, budget and audience. We deliver on the goals of our clients; whether focusing on the brand, the guests, or both. We also entertain corporate guests, communities, all facets of the music industry, and media.
Forefront Networks Production & Operations Manager
Forefront is looking for a passionate and experienced event production and operations manager to help plan and execute live and virtual events. This role requires excellent and detailed event-planning skills along with the ability to define project milestones and deadlines and coordinate with both internal teams and external contractors.
The ideal candidate can balance creativity with logistics, finance planning, and vendor management duties. They should excel at multitasking and balancing big picture concerns like permitting, power and infrastructure with details like signage and decor. This candidate will be responsible for effectively utilizing resources and personnel to set the stage for large-scale and intimate VIP live and virtual events.
The Forefront Production & Operations Manager will work on various programs within the company events portfolio. For 2021, that includes Live In The Vineyard (LITV) and Live In The Vineyard Goes Country (LITVGC) in Napa Valley, California, Keep Austin Weird Day, the Austin Trail of Lights and potentially other events throughout the United States.
This person must be detail oriented, thrive under pressure, have exceptional written and verbal communications skills and be a self starter. This person must also have a passion for people, production and operations with a knack for providing meticulous care and attention to all projects.
Specific Responsibilities
Developing the on-site experience and flow of each event:
- Supporting the design, layout and plan for each event
- Providing ideas and recommendations for best flow and experience
- Providing ideas and recommendations for the “look and feel” of the event
- Assisting and performing site inspections and return with recommendations for all relevant aspects of production
- Designing layouts and CADS
Planning, managing, and executing any and all on-site production needs for each event including but not limited to:
- Rentals and tents
- Power and lights
- Staging and audio
- Fencing and security
- Waste management
Oversee hiring and management of staff, on-site teams and temporary resources:
- Identifying needs
- Recruiting and assign team
- Supporting the onboarding process
- Tracking hours and payment
- Managing the team on site
Managing and adhering to the production budget set for each event:
- Sourcing quotes
- Identify cost-saving opportunities
- Developing key relationships with stakeholders
General Responsibilities:
- Establishing and maintaining relationship with city and state agencies, third party contractors and specialized vendors
- Developing timelines, ensure adherence to timelines, and management of deliverables assigned
- Ensuring health and safety regulations are met at each event
- Maintaining smooth communication and workflow for both internal and external clients
- Working with all internal teams regarding logistical needs for any event or activation as assigned
- Sourcing all needs through vendors and ensuring they are appropriately incorporated into the overall event
- Tracking and documenting all relevant invoices to ensure timely payments and processing
- Assisting in tracking budget costs throughout the course of project and communicating scope changes that impact the budget to project leads in a clear manner
- Understanding profit margins and effectively meet or exceed them
- Utilizing strong internal partnership skills while working cross-functionally with the relevant internal teams to ensure that project are implemented with internal stakeholders as required, and that client vision and satisfaction is met
- Exhibiting exceptional written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail
- Maintaining consistent, timely on-site presence for all events and activations produced by Company
- Providing immediate response to requests for assistance to events in progress.
- All other duties as assigned including but not limited to supporting any builds or infrastructure needs for the office
Ideal Skills and Qualifications:
- 5+ years of live event production experience
- Experience in live large-scale and intimate VIP events
- Ability to execute multi-day, multi-event experiences
- Ability to engage and activate remote teams across multiple departments
- Specialization in production and operations - layouts, infrastructure, permitting
- Expertise with multiple thematics
- Firm business understanding, financial acumen and alignment to business objectives
- Stellar presentation, problem-solving and project-management skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Negotiation skills when looking for the best price for rentals, suppliers and contractors
- Time-management skills and the ability to work under pressure
- Problem-solving skills and diplomacy
- Proactive, flexible and target-driven
- Proficiency with google sheets and excel required
- Proficiency with 2D and 3D CAD/Design software
- Build/fabrication experience a plus
- Ability and willing to support load in and out during events
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Willingness to travel and work holidays, nights and weekends
- Ability to travel
Personal Characteristics:
Forefront is looking for a leader and a team player with a ‘can do’ attitude, someone who says yes more than no. Multiple assignments in process at one time is the norm and fast turnover is often a requirement meaning that organization and a keen eye for detail are mandatory. A creative person at heart with the right level of practicality will succeed in this role. Forefront believes that “Best is Standard” and contributing positively to that existing culture is key.
+ Business Contracts Manager
Forefront Networks produces large-scale public events, exclusive private events, and provides event services to corporate clients including sponsorship sales, activation design, event production, marketing programs, virtual events, and gifting solutions. The goal of every Forefront employee is to ensure the company retains existing clients, expands its client base and increases customer satisfaction through successful projects while facilitating further growth. The ideal candidate will possess excellent planning and execution abilities to oversee all aspects of client and vendor/supplier contracting for this dynamic experiential agency. This role will closely work with all departments and work directly for the Chief Financial Officer and support the executive staff, senior business executives and the rest of the company personnel.
Duties will involve direct responsibility for:
- Manage the contracting process for clients and vendors/suppliers
- Creating, evaluating, negotiating, revising, and executing several in‐house templates of agreements
- Review contracts to ensure proper pricing and terms
- Streamlining communication and monitoring the contracting processes between client, vendors and contractors and our legal function
- File or collect certificates of insurance per contractual requirements
- Maintaining and reporting contract status updates; maintain related contract documents and correspondence
- Proactively identify and discuss discrepancies or potential legal issues
- Provide guidance, support and assistance to company employees regarding the interpretation of contract terms
- Support billing requirements stated in contracts
- Resolve client and vendor/supplier invoice disputes
- Assist with special projects and ad hoc requests and perform other job responsibilities, as needed
QUALIFICATIONS:
- 5+ years or more of relevant experience in contract administration
- Bachelor’s Degree (Business Administration or Communications) a plus or combination of experience
- Must have a strong understanding of contracting and professional services agreements
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
- Sales & use taxes experience
- Able to understand accounting and revenue recognition
- Superior organizational and project management skills
- Exceptional attention to detail and follow-through abilities
- Adaptable and thrives in a fast-paced environment, able to effectively multi-task, reprioritize and work proactively and independently to meet deadlines and drive agreements to conclusion
- Positive attitude and professional disposition
- Strong computer skills and proficiency in MS applications, Salesforce and Quickbooks,
- Flexibility in work hours and availability
- Experience in paperless environment
Forefront is looking for a leader and a team player with a ‘can do’ attitude, someone who says yes more than no. Multiple assignments in process at one time is the norm, and fast turnover is often a requirement, meaning that organization and a keen eye for detail are mandatory. A creative person at heart with the right level of practicality will succeed in this role. Forefront believes that “Best is Standard” and contributing positively to that existing culture is key.
What do we have to offer?
- Work with the best of the best
- A collaborative, respectful environment where your voice will always be heard
- Competitive salaries plus incentive programs
- Generous PTO and Holiday policy
- Dog-friendly workplace
- Free parking
- 100% coverage of employee
- Promote from within philosophy
- Volunteer program
Forefront Networks is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment with the best employees. Therefore, we provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
+ Accounts Payable Specialist
Forefront Networks produces large-scale public events, exclusive private events, and provides event services to corporate clients including sponsorship sales, activation design, event production, marketing programs, virtual events, and gifting solutions. The goal of every Forefront employee is to ensure the company retains existing clients, expands its client base and increases customer satisfaction through successful projects while facilitating further growth. The ideal candidate will possess excellent planning and execution abilities to oversee all aspects of vendor administrative management and accounts payable operations for this dynamic experiential agency. This role will closely work with all departments and work directly for the Chief Financial Officer and support the executive staff, senior business executives and the rest of the company personnel.
Duties will involve direct responsibility for:
- Overseeing company’s Accounts Payable processes
- Performing a variety of general accounting support tasks, including verifying the accuracy of invoices and complex reconciliations
- Reviewing all invoices for appropriate supporting documentation and approval
- Monitoring vendor accounts by reconciling vendor statements, payments and related transactions to maintain current payment status
- Researching outstanding checks and submit requests for stop payment and void/reissues
- Resolving invoice discrepancies, request credit memos and research vendor statements
- Entries and reconciliation of corporate credit card accounts
- Corresponding with vendors and respond to inquiries
Role Requirements:
- 3+ years’ experience of Accounts Payable experience
- Bachelor’s degree preferred or minimum of AA in Accounting or related field
- Experience working with contract employees or gig roles
- Experience using digital payment platforms and paperless environments.
- Experience with intercompany transactions
- Strong computer skills using QuickBooks, Excel, Microsoft Teams and other MS Applications
- Exceptional attention to detail and follow-through abilities
- Professional, positive, and flexible attitude
- Dependable, responsible, self-managed and follow through with the minimum direction
- Thrives in a collaborative work environment with open communication with other business unit leaders
- Applicant must have complete knowledge of the accounts payable process
- Ability to interact with a variety of personnel
- Excellent organization and prioritization skills
- Strong and effective interpersonal skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Adaptable and thrives in a fast-paced environment, able to effectively multi-task, reprioritize and work proactively and independently to meet deadlines and drive agreements to conclusion
- Flexibility in work hours and availability
Forefront is looking for a team player with a ‘can do’ attitude, someone who says yes more than no. Multiple assignments in process at one time is the norm, and fast turnover is often a requirement, meaning that organization and a keen eye for detail are mandatory. A creative person at heart with the right level of practicality will succeed in this role. Forefront believes that “Best is Standard” and contributing positively to that existing culture is key.
What do we have to offer?
- Work with the best of the best
- A collaborative, respectful environment where your voice will always be heard
- Competitive salaries plus incentive programs
- Generous PTO and Holiday policy
- Dog-friendly workplace
- Free parking
- 100% coverage of employee
- Promote from within philosophy
- Volunteer program
Forefront Networks is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment with the best employees. Therefore, we provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Austin, TX: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Education:
- Associate (Required)
Experience:
- Accounts Payable: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: Multiple Locations
+ Business Controller
We are seeking an experienced controller, to undertake all aspects of financial management, including accounting operations including development of internal control policies and procedures, regulatory and financial reporting, financial planning (plans, forecasts and budgets), finance operations (AR, AP, Payroll), client contract negotiations and administration, treasury management, legal, risk management, medical insurance and employee benefits, information systems, facilities and office administration.
This role will oversee the general business finance and administration responsibilities and closely work with all departments and report directly to the Chief Financial Officer. An ideal candidate will possess excellent planning and execution abilities to direct the back-office operations for this dynamic, experiential company and be an operator who is not afraid to a roll-up-his/her-sleeves to deliver measurable results.
Responsibilities include but not limited to:
- Prepare financial planning and analysis (plans, forecasts and budgets)
- Manage all accounting operations including Billing, A/R, A/P, GL and Counsel,
- Manage all general ledger accounting
- Manage month-end, quarter-end and year-end close process
- Research revenue recognition practices and technical accounting issues for compliance
- Direct the preparation of the budget and report variances
- Publish timely financial statements
- Oversee the preparation of regulatory reporting
- Ensure quality control over financial transactions and financial reporting
- Manage and comply with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings
- Develop and document business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls
- Oversee employee administrations and payroll
Additional responsibilities include risk management, medical insurance and employee benefits, banking and creditor relationships and treasury transactions, legal, information systems, facilities and office administration.
Skills and Qualifications
- 10+ years industry related experience
- Direct experience required with managing stated job responsibilities
- Master’s degree (preferably in accounting) and CPA
- Quickbooks On-Line experience required
- Microsoft Office skills, Microsoft Excel required
- Knowledgeable of Office 365 and Google tools preferred
- Excellent organizational, communication, and analytical/problem solving skills for multiple projects
- Proactive solution seeker mentality
- Self-motivated and commit to putting in extra effort with a positive attitude
- Demonstrates integrity in day-to-day operations and interactions
- Flexible in handling change, able to juggle multiple demands, and adaptable to new situations with fresh ideas or innovative approaches
- Flexible in work hours and availability, especially during major projects
- Ability to travel to various events and support the event team if needed
Forefront is looking for a leader and a team player with a ‘can do’ attitude, someone who says yes more than no. Multiple assignments in process at one time is the norm, and fast turnover is often a requirement, meaning that organization and a keen eye for detail are mandatory. A creative person at heart with the right level of practicality will succeed in this role. Forefront believes that “Best is Standard” and contributing positively to that existing culture is key.
What do we have to offer?
- Work with the best of the best
- A collaborative, respectful environment where your voice will always be heard
- Competitive salaries plus incentive programs
- Generous PTO and Holiday policy
- Dog-friendly workplace
- Free parking
- 100% coverage of employee
- Promote from within philosophy
- Volunteer program
Forefront Networks is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment with the best employees. Therefore, we provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
+ Activations Manager
About Us
Forefront is an experiential and entertainment agency based out of Austin, Texas, with access to a distinct portfolio of live, virtual and hybrid event platforms collectively designed to build connections between brands and their audiences. We concept and execute a range of experiences that vary in size, scale, budget and audience. We deliver on the goals of our clients; whether focusing on the brand, the guests, or both. We also entertain corporate guests, communities, all facets of the music industry, and media.
Forefront Networks Activations Manager
Forefront is looking for a passionate and experienced activations manager to help design, plan, and execute activations for both owned and client projects. This role requires experience with design-build projects and detailed planning and budgeting skills. This person can define project milestones and deadlines and coordinate with both internal teams and external contractors.
The ideal candidate can balance creativity with logistics, finance planning, and vendor management duties. They should excel at multitasking and balancing big picture concerns like permitting, power, staffing and infrastructure with details like signage and decor. This candidate will be responsible for effectively utilizing resources and personnel to create experiences within owned and client events.
The Forefront Activations Manager will be responsible for creating assets and activations within the company’s owned and client driven events portfolio. For 2021, that includes Bevo Blvd, Live In The Vineyard (LITV) and Live In The Vineyard Goes Country (LITVGC) in Napa Valley, California, Keep Austin Weird Day, the Austin Trail of Lights and potentially other events throughout the United States.
This person must be detail oriented, thrive under pressure, have exceptional written and verbal communications skills and be a self starter. This person must also have a passion for people, production and operations with a knack for providing meticulous care and attention to all projects.
Specific Responsibilities
Developing Activations Plan:
- Supporting the design, plan and budgeting for each activation
- Providing ideas and recommendations for best flow and experience of each activation
- Providing ideas and recommendations for the “look and feel” of each activation
- Assisting and performing site inspections and return with recommendations for all relevant aspects of production for the activation
- Creating 2D and 3D renderings of each activation
Planning, managing, and executing any and all on-site production needs for each activation including but not limited to:
- Rentals and tents
- Power and lights
- Staging and audio
- Flooring & Fencing
- Waste management
Oversee hiring and management of staff, on-site teams and temporary resources for each activation:
- Identifying needs
- Recruiting and assign team
- Supporting the onboarding process
- Tracking hours and payment
- Managing the team on site
Managing and adhering to the production budget set for each activation:
- Sourcing quotes
- Identify cost-saving opportunities
- Developing key relationships with stakeholders
General Responsibilities:
- Establishing and maintaining relationship with city and state agencies, third party contractors and specialized vendors
- Developing timelines, ensure adherence to timelines, and management of deliverables assigned
- Ensuring health and safety regulations are met at each activation
- Maintaining smooth communication and workflow for both internal and external clients
- Working with all internal teams regarding logistical needs for any activation as assigned
- Sourcing all needs through vendors and ensuring they are appropriately incorporated into the overall event
- Tracking and documenting all relevant invoices to ensure timely payments and processing
- Assisting in tracking budget costs throughout the course of project and communicating scope changes that impact the budget to project leads in a clear manner
- Understanding profit margins and effectively meet or exceed them
- Utilizing strong internal partnership skills while working cross-functionally with the relevant internal teams to ensure that project are implemented with internal stakeholders as required, and that client vision and satisfaction is met
- Exhibiting exceptional written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail
- Maintaining consistent, timely on-site presence for all events and activations produced by Company
- Providing immediate response to requests for assistance to events in progress.
- All other duties as assigned including but not limited to supporting any builds or infrastructure needs for the office
Ideal Skills and Qualifications:
- 5+ years of live event design-build activation experience
- Experience in live large-scale and intimate VIP events
- Ability to execute multi-day, multi-activation experiences
- Ability to engage and activate remote teams across multiple departments
- Specialization in production and operations - layouts, infrastructure, permitting, build
- Expertise with multiple thematics
- Firm business understanding, financial acumen and alignment to business objectives
- Stellar presentation, problem-solving and project-management skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Negotiation skills when looking for the best price for rentals, suppliers and contractors
- Time-management skills and the ability to work under pressure
- Problem-solving skills and diplomacy
- Proactive, flexible and target-driven
- Proficiency with google sheets and excel required
- Proficiency with 2D and 3D CAD/Design software
- Familiarity with latest creative technology
- Build/fabrication experience
- Ability and willing to support load in and out during events
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Willingness to travel and work holidays, nights and weekends
- Ability to travel
Personal Characteristics
Forefront is looking for a leader and a team player with a ‘can do’ attitude, someone who says yes more than no. Multiple assignments in process at one time is the norm and fast turnover is often a requirement meaning that organization and a keen eye for detail are mandatory. A creative person at heart with the right level of practicality will succeed in this role. Forefront believes that “Best is Standard” and contributing positively to that existing culture is key.