Cosplay Competition Manager

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.

The Cosplay Competition Manager is responsible for the planning, coordination, and on-the-day delivery of cosplay competitions at SMASH!. This role is focused solely on competition operations, ensuring events are run fairly, safely, on schedule, and in line with approved rules and judging criteria.

The Cosplay Competition Manager works under the direction of the Assistant Cosplay Director and collaborates closely with judges, stage management, and volunteers.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Competition Planning & Preparation

  • Coordinate the planning of SMASH! cosplay competitions, including the SMASH! Cosplay Competition
  • Assist in preparing competition-specific run sheets, schedules, and equipment lists
  • Support the implementation of approved competition rules, guidelines, and judging criteria
  • Ensure all contestants are correctly checked in and briefed on competition procedures
  • Coordinate weapons and prop checks for competition entrants
  • Act as a primary point of contact for contestants regarding competition logistics
  • Manage the on-the-day flow of the competition, including backstage coordination and stage timing with the Production Team
  • Troubleshoot competition-related issues and escalate when required
  • Assist with responding to competition-specific emails and enquiries
  • Ensure clear and consistent communication with contestants before and during the competition
  • Relay updates, changes, or instructions accurately to contestants and staff
  • Assist with briefing competition volunteers on procedures and expectations
  • Provide on-the-day guidance and support to volunteers assigned to the competition
  • Support judges to ensure a smooth, fair, and professional judging process
  • Support a fair, inclusive, and respectful competition environment for all participants

Essential:

  • Contactable on a regular basis via email and phone
  • Strong communication skills
  • Attend meetings, workshops and activities as required
  • Be available throughout the year for staff workshops, department meetings and volunteer training sessions
  • Available for convention day(s) in Sydney, Australia
  • Knowledge and passion in a wide range of cosplay related activities
  • Time management skills and have the ability to work under pressure
  • Ability to work independently and follow the directions from upper management
  • Risk management skills
  • Ability to communicate with large numbers of attendees and contestants in a friendly and suitable manner

Desirable:

  • Previous volunteer or customer service experience
  • Experience in running events or workshops
  • Experience with cosplay competitions - either running or entering

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