Join Our Team!
Please note that all positions are on a purely volunteer basis, thus are unpaid and the majority of work will be take-home. We are all volunteers who share a collective passion for putting together an event for fans by fans.
Additionally, to be eligible for SMASH! Staff you must be at least 18 years old. All roles are interstate, unless explicitly stated otherwise on the role’s page.
Accounting and Analytics
Accounting and Analytics (AA) team is a support driven department responsible for tracking and facilitating all revenue/expenditure before, during and after the convention as well as predicting and analysing any audience and business trends. By preparing data-driven insights and up-to-date reporting, the AA department aims to drive direction and clarity for SMASH! in both the present and future.
Arts & Culture
Arts & Culture plays a crucial role as part of SMASH! To deliver engaging and interactive experiences during the SMASH! Convention weekend, planning and providing activities for attendees to have awesome things to do!
The department oversees various teams of activities, workshops and experiences that promote Japanese culture across SMASH! Offering a variety of opportunities for attendees to engage and participate in.
- Arts & Crafts
- Cultural Workshops
- Competitions & Guests
Attendee Experience
Attendee Experience is the foremost department within SMASH!, assisting with the planning and development of ticketing systems and convention way-finding, as well as providing customer service and problem solving for our customers and ticket holders.
SMASH! has commenced work through an inaugural Accessibility and Inclusion (A&I) Working Group to look for ways to reduce barriers for participation by our diverse attendee and participant communities, particularly for people with disabilities. SMASH! will be applying a social model of disability and be informed by current community needs and expectations.
We are sourcing a team of passionate individuals who can be champions of a Diversity and Inclusion program of work at SMASH and make the convention experience an amazing time for all attendees.
SMASH! is Australia’s leading Japanese cultural convention. We’ve held successful events since 2007 and we are currently looking for the right individual to join our team to lead a Staff and Attendee wellbeing initiative.
The Attendee and Staff Wellbeing Director is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing strategies that promote physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing across all SMASH! events and staff. This role ensures that wellbeing is embedded into the culture and operations of the organisation or event, fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for everyone involved.
The Director will work collaboratively with DPC, Executives, External Mental Health agencies, and external partners to develop wellbeing programs, respond to emerging needs, and evaluate the impact of wellbeing initiatives.
Creative
Creative is where the visual magic happens for SMASH! and works closely with the Marketing, IT and People & Culture teams. Primary responsibilities will include developing and maintaining consistency in visual images across all of SMASH!’s website, social media platforms, marketing materials, and other internal design requests. You will be able to showcase your creative skills and gain hands-on experience with a large scale event.
The Creative department is responsible for creating brand cohesion, digital designs and visual communication across all of SMASH!
Each designer takes on either solo briefs or collaborates with other designers on the same project, while working closely with members of various departments within SMASH! Projects available may include social media posts, posters, marketing campaigns, print adverts, in-house documents, signage and more.
We recommend those who have studied Graphic Design/Visual Communications, are currently working in the design industry, or have a strong passion for design, to apply for the Graphic Designer position. If you have experience in illustration but are not as confident in your graphic design skills, you can consider applying for the more specific Illustrator position.
As a Producer, you are responsible for leading a team of creatives alongside the CG Supervisor and Media Production Supervisor, ensuring resources, logistics and infrastructure are in place for everyone in the media production team. You will oversee production schedules and costs, solve potential problems during production and are involved in creative decisions for media which would be used for marketing/sponsorship across the year. This may include content that will be published on SMASH! social media platforms including Youtube, Facebook video, and Instagram Reels/IGTV, as well as the SMASH! website and any third party collaborations.
As a Video Editor you are responsible for delivering edited completed video content which would be used for marketing/sponsorship across the year. This may include content that will be published on SMASH! Social media platforms including YouTube, Facebook video, and Instagram Reels/IGTV, as well as the SMASH! Website and any third party collaborations.
Cosplay
The Cosplay Department is responsible for the planning, coordination, and delivery of all cosplay-related programming at SMASH!. The department plays a key role in community engagement, creative expression, and attendee experience, overseeing a diverse range of activities that celebrate cosplay culture.
These activities include, but are not limited to:
- The main cosplay competition
- Cosplay catwalks and showcases
- Interactive cosplay activities and workshops
- Operation of the cosplay desk as a central point for information, registration, and support
- General coordination of cosplay participants, judges, and volunteers
The department works closely with other SMASH! teams to ensure cosplay programming is safe, inclusive, well-organised, and aligned with the event’s overall vision and standards.
Executive
As Australia’s leading anime convention, SMASH! has held successful events for almost 20 years and are looking for a skilled and passionate individuals to help lead our team of volunteers to lead the flagship SMASH! event.
The Executive team is comprised of a passionate group of people who aim to uphold the core values of SMASH! and continue to grow and deliver an event that is for the community, by the community. You will be working closely with all of our leaders to guide, support and collaborate to achieve a fun and memorable event.
Gaming
The Gaming department at SMASH! brings out the skill, talent and participation of gamers across the community! The Gaming space provides various activities and showcases for attendees to experience and interact with during the convention days.
The department oversees various teams of gaming events and showcases across the SMASH! convention. Offering a variety of activities for attendees to engage and participate in.
- Trivia
- Itasha
- Trading Card Games (TCG)
- And of course… Gaming!
The Assistant Head of Tabletop supports the Head of Tabletop Gaming in the planning and execution of all tabletop RPG ,board game and TCG activities at SMASH!. This role acts as the second-in-command, helping to manage logistics, coordinate volunteers, communicate with GMs, and ensure the gaming area runs smoothly throughout the convention.
The Senior Tabletop Coordinator is responsible for planning, organising, and managing the Tabletop Gaming area at SMASH! Sydney Expo. This includes a broad range of analog gaming experiences such as board games, role-playing games (RPGs), card games (non-TCG), miniatures, and social deduction games. The role focuses on creating an engaging, welcoming, and well-run space for attendees of all experience levels.
As a Tabletop Assistant at SMASH!, you'll help deliver a fun and welcoming space for attendees to enjoy board games, tabletop RPGs, and casual gaming. Working under the Senior Tabletop Coordinator, you’ll assist with setup, game lending, teaching rules, and maintaining a smooth flow in the tabletop area. Your role ensures attendees feel comfortable, included, and engaged.
The Senior Tabletop RPG Assistant is responsible for curating, organizing, and executing the tabletop RPG component of SMASH!, Australia’s premier anime and Japanese pop-culture convention. This role involves collaborating with GMs (Game Masters), managing schedules, coordinating with exhibitors and guests, and ensuring all RPG sessions provide a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging experience for attendees of all levels.
The Tabletop RPG Assistant is responsible for curating, organizing, and executing the tabletop RPG component of SMASH!, Australia’s premier anime and Japanese pop-culture convention. This role involves collaborating with GMs (Game Masters), managing schedules, coordinating with exhibitors and guests, and ensuring all RPG sessions provide a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging experience for attendees of all levels.
As a TCG (Trading Card Game) Assistant at SMASH!, you will support the TCG Coordinator and team in delivering a smooth, enjoyable, and well-organised TCG experience for attendees. This includes assisting with set-up, registrations, managing tournament logistics, and ensuring participants have all the information and materials they need. Your role is essential to maintaining the energy and flow of the TCG area throughout the convention.
As the Trivia Coordinator (Front of House & Engagement), you’ll work closely with the Head of Trivia to ensure an amazing event experience for attendees. You’ll coordinate the Front of House, help develop and deliver fun and engaging Trivia mini-games, as well as train and supervise crew.
If you love trivia, thrive on teamwork, and are well organised, this role is your chance to shine.
Benefits of Joining SMASH!
- You get an awesome, not-for-sale shirt!
- You get to meet new people, connect with like-minded folks
- Connect and learn new skills!
- Use your experience and position at SMASH! to elevate your CV!
- Exclusive giveaways, prizes and experiences not provided to the general public
As the Trivia Coordinator (Stage Events), you’ll assist the Head of Trivia to develop and deliver unforgettable event experiences. You’ll coordinate with the team to ensure the events Trivia present at SMASH! are informative and engaging, as well as completed to an exceptional standard.
If you love trivia, thrive on teamwork, and have an eye for detail, this role is your chance to shine!
Benefits of joining SMASH!
- You get an awesome, not-for-sale shirt!
- You get to meet new people, connect with like-minded folks.
- Connect and learn new skills!
- Use your experience and position at SMASH! to elevate your CV!
- Exclusive giveaways, prizes and experiences not provided to the general public.
Guests
The Guest Department manages all VIP Guests that SMASH! brings to the event throughout the convention weekend as well as preparing for their arrival, and departure. We also cater to the needs of all VIP Guests, including scheduling, logistics, briefing of events they attend, and act as the general liaison between the VIP Guests and the rest of SMASH! – “by fans for fans”.
As a Guest Coordinator you will oversee the planning and management of the VIP Guests, making sure that their needs are met prior to, outside and during the convention weekend. As a Guest Coordinator, you must comply with our code of conduct and guest-related regulations e.g. confidentiality.
As a Guest Coordinator (Signings), you will manage the pre-event planning and operation of on-the-day management of Guest Engagement Events in the Guest Signing Area that will cater for our VIP Guests and attendees such as signings and selfie-photo sessions that occur throughout the convention weekend. You’ll be working closely with the Guest team and broader convention team throughout the year and during the convention.
IT
IT is responsible for all the technical issues and matters prior, during, and after the SMASH! convention. Our responsibilities range from managing the internal background and software of the SMASH! website, to on-the-day technical exercises and duties. SMASH! has a number of systems that help make the convention the great success that it is, many of the which have been developed in-house. The IT infrastructure that we manage is the backbone of the convention, as all departments rely on the systems running smoothly and without delay or fault.
The IT department has a flat management structure with all members reporting directly to the IT Director and advising them of the best possible solutions to meet requirements and achieve goals. The team also employs a principle of “You can ask anyone anything anytime for any reason”, meaning no-one can stop you from asking hard and important questions and suggesting new ideas. SMASH! IT is a collaborative environment where all team members are part of developing projects and direction within the department.
Maid Cafe
Our Maid Café team brings charm, creativity, and precision to every aspect of the guest experience. Beyond hospitality, we play a critical role in planning, analysis, coordination, and execution behind the scenes. The mission: Creating an extraordinary environment that transports guests away from the monotony of modern society. The roles demand both imagination and discipline—perfect for those who love to lead with heart and think on their feet.Volunteering your time and talents with our Maid Café is a meaningful way to put your abilities into action. Here, your efforts directly support a mission that brings joy to guests, nurtures community, and helps shape the future of Maid Café culture. It’s a rare chance to grow, give back, and be part of something both heartfelt and highly regarded.
Marketing
Marketing department is responsible for driving revenue for SMASH! by finding an audience for our event and selling tickets to them. We maintain the social media platforms, emails, and the website content by planning and implementing digital campaigns and copy-writing. We also liaise with external stakeholders to organise online competitions, pop-up booths, and events.
We’re always looking for creative and self-motivated volunteers to help us create the best SMASH! con. If you’re looking for a career in marketing, joining the SMASH! Marketing team is a great stepping stone to gain real-world experience and advance your career.
Operations
The Operations Department are primarily responsible for the build, operational success, and pack down after the weekend activities have concluded.
The Rapid Response Team will be a pivotal role in ensuring that the operation of the weekend runs smoothly and without any issues. As part of this team, you will be the first point of call for any escalations in relation to Operational Readiness throughout the weekend.
Applications are open but may not be reviewed until mid-September 2025
People & Culture
Department of People and Culture (DPC) is responsible for looking after volunteers’ well being at SMASH! – from the Staff to the Crew. The department consists of the following sub-departments – Staff Support, Crew Support and Community Engagement.
Staff is responsible for providing timely recruitment support to our Departments in search for on-going volunteer champions known as Staff, as well as supporting our Staff throughout their journey with SMASH!. Crew is responsible for searching for our convention day support champions known as Crew, as well as kicking off training and social events for our Crew team. Community engagement is responsible for developing solutions to engage with the wider community to promote SMASH!’s values. This role is pivotal to develop training and looking after the community within SMASH!.
Together, the department plays a vital part in managing human resources for SMASH! by providing support and advice, facilitating training, and monitoring the well being of all of SMASH!’s volunteers.
As a Crew Coordinator, you play a vital role in Crew Volunteer wellbeing. You have the opportunity to work alongside other Crew Coordinators in assisting the running of the main SMASH! convention, as well as potentially other pop-ups throughout the year. You are a representative of SMASH! culture, embodying and influencing what it means to be a volunteer of SMASH!
As a Staff Coordinator, you are primarily responsible for the onboarding, induction, training, and wellbeing of SMASH! staff under your remit. You will work with a dedicated portfolio of applicants, and be closely aligned with the Director(s) of the team(s) that sit within this portfolio.
Production
The SMASH! Production Department is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing the logistical & technical aspects of all stages at SMASH!. We ensure the stages run smoothly and successfully. We work closely with the Programming and Guests Departments who are responsible for the content, and with the Operations Department who are responsible for the holistic logistics and safety of the convention in its entirety.
Sales & Partnerships
Sales and Partnership (S&P) is where relationships with exhibitors and sponsors are forged and maintained. Our mission is to create a captivating experience for attendees by working closely with businesses interested in being part of SMASH!. As a member of S&P, you’ll be at the forefront of fostering strong connections, ensuring exhibitors and sponsors feel valued and supported throughout their journey with us. Your role will encompass diverse responsibilities, including approaching businesses for exhibition and sponsorship opportunities, collaborating with exhibitors and artists throughout the year, and coordinating closely with various departments within SMASH!.
As the Account Coordinator at SMASH!, you'll be at the heart of our exhibitors' and sponsors' world! Nurturing existing relationships and fostering account growth will be your mission. With a touch of personalised service, you'll team up with our Account Managers to create memorable experiences for our partners. Join us on this exciting anime adventure and make SMASH! an unforgettable success! Embrace the spirit of Japanese pop-culture and apply now to be a part of the magic at SMASH! Let's make it a phenomenal journey together!
Calling all anime enthusiasts with a flair for sales and partnership magic! SMASH! needs you as our next Account Manager! Become the anime hero behind building epic relationships with exhibitors and sponsors. Craft clever strategies, close deals with a wink, and sprinkle your passion for Japanese pop-culture into every interaction. Click here to find out more.
Are you highly organized, a great communicator, and passionate about creating unforgettable moments? Join us as the Prize Coordinator at SMASH!, where you’ll work closely with our exhibitors and internal teams to make sure all departments get the awesome prizes they need. Help us bring the excitement to life through prize coordination that enhances the experience for attendees and exhibitors alike!