Studio Event Manager

ABOUT EMERGENT & CO.

Emergent & Co. is a Houston-based creative company building an ecosystem where culture, production, and community converge. We operate StudioEight08, a venue and creative space inside the historic Esperson Building downtown, alongside production, events, and nonprofit services. We are an early-stage IP company. Every event we execute, every relationship we build, and every dollar we generate moves us closer to owning and distributing the culture we create.

THE ROLE

We are building something real, and we need someone who can hold it down operationally while we scale. The Studio Events Manager owns the full lifecycle of event bookings at StudioEight08, from the first inquiry to the final follow-up. You are the connective tissue between our clients and our team: equal parts salesperson, coordinator, and brand ambassador.

This is a bridge role with a defined upward path. You will own both the pre-sale and post-sale functions as Studio Events Manager, with a clear trajectory to Director of Events & Venue Sales, a full-time role, as the team and revenue scale in 2027. If you are someone who thrives on ownership, wants to grow with a company at a pivotal moment, and knows how to move between strategy and execution without losing either — this is your seat.

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer / CEO

WHAT YOU OWN

Pre-Sales

• First point of contact for all venue inquiries, where you acknowledge, qualify, and move fast
• Schedule and lead in-person tours of StudioEight08
• Lead experience design conversations with clients to understand their vision and execute within the creative framework set by our Experience Lead
• Prepare and present initial estimates; manage follow-up and negotiation

Closing

• Convert approved estimates into invoices and rental agreements
• Manage contract execution and deposit collection
• Maintain accurate records across Notion and Google Workspace

Post-Sale & Event Execution

• Own internal calendar holds and team coordination once a booking is confirmed
• Manage staffing logistics and vendor communication for each event
• Drive final confirmation with clients prior to event day
• Lead day-of setup, event execution, and breakdown
• Conduct post-event follow-up and pipeline updates in Notion

Outbound Lead Generation

• Proactively identify and reach out to event planners, organizers, and potential clients to build a steady pipeline of new inquiries
• Maintain and optimize StudioEight08’s listings across event booking platforms to maximize visibility and inbound volume
• Support targeted outreach campaigns aligned to key booking seasons such as graduation season, corporate holiday parties, milestone celebrations, and more
• Develop and execute seasonal campaigns that connect Emergent’s venue offerings to timely client needs
• Identify new lead opportunities and bring them into the pipeline with a clear qualification process

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE IN YOUR FIRST 90 DAYS

Days 1–30

• Full handoff completed — you own the inquiry inbox, tour calendar, and active pipeline
• Fluent in StudioEight08’s spaces, pricing, and booking process
• First independent tour conducted and followed up on

Days 31–60

• At least 2 bookings closed independently
• Vendor and staffing contacts documented and relationships established
• First event executed end-to-end with minimal escalation to leadership

Days 61–90

• Consistent pipeline reporting where leadership has full visibility without asking
• Post-event follow-up process running on rhythm
• Feedback loop open with COO on what’s working, what needs to evolve

WHAT YOU BRING

Required

• 2+ years in venue sales, event coordination, hospitality, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated ability to manage a sales pipeline and close
• Strong written and verbal communication — you respond quickly, write clearly, and represent a brand with intention
• Organized by nature — contracts, budgets, timelines, and vendor contacts are not chaos for you
• Self-directed and comfortable owning outcomes with minimal hand-holding
• Based in Houston with reliable availability for in-person tours and events

Preferred

• Experience with Google Workspace, Notion, or comparable project management tools
• Background in creative, cultural, or entertainment venue environments
• Comfort with commission-based compensation structures
• Prior experience working with early-stage or founder-led companies

COMPENSATION & AGREEMENT

This role is structured as a 12-month independent contractor agreement (1099). Compensation is base retainer plus commission, designed to reward performance directly.

Base Retainer

$800 – $1,000/month (based on experience)

Uncapped Commission

10% of gross event rental revenue booked

Earning Potential

Based on our current booking volume of 4+ events per month, contractors in this role have the opportunity to earn $2,500/month or more, putting total annual earnings at $30,000+.

Hours

~25 hours per week

Agreement Term

12-month independent contractor agreement (1099)

Work Location

Remote-primary; in-person tours and some meetings required

Start Date

Target: May 2026

Equal Employment Opportunity Emergent & Co. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable Accommodations Emergent & Co. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities during the application and interview process. If you require an accommodation, please indicate this in your application.

Independent Contractor Classification This is an independent contractor (1099) position. The selected individual will be responsible for their own taxes and will not be classified as an employee of Emergent & Co. Contractor classification will be reviewed annually in accordance with applicable IRS guidelines. It is the intention of Emergent & Co. to transition this role to a full-time W-2 position in 2027, contingent on business performance and company financial position.

At-Will Engagement This role is governed by a 12-month independent contractor agreement. Execution of this agreement does not constitute a guarantee of continued engagement beyond the stated term or a promise of future employment.

Role Evolution This job description reflects the current scope of the Studio Events Manager role and is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Duties, responsibilities, and requirements may be modified at any time to meet the needs of the business.

Application Acknowledgment Submission of an application does not guarantee an interview, offer of engagement, or any other commitment from Emergent & Co. Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.