Festival Manager

Job Summary

Job Description

Now in its 20th year, the Hurst Festival has earned a remarkable reputation for both the outstanding quality of its program and the professional, friendly collaboration of its team and volunteers. Together, they ensure a memorable experience for both festival-goers and contributors.

We’re seeking a new local part-time festival manager who will work year-round to oversee the efficient, effective, and financially sustainable planning of our two-week festival in September.

This role requires experience in the arts, a passion for event management, strong team leadership and interpersonal skills, flexibility, and excellent communication abilities.

Total hours = 15 hours a week

Annual fee £12,000

Job Requirements

Experience and a passion for the arts coupled with proven team leadership skills and the ability to work with teams, to work flexibly (including during evenings and weekends where necessary) and to work – and prioritise effectively – under pressure whilst preserving a sense of proportion and sense of humour are, however, vitally important. Very important, too, are good communication skills (written and verbal), the ability to manage others and to respond to the unexpected with an instinctively light touch. A working knowledge of Word and Excel would be very helpful and it would be useful if the holder had their own transport, a valid licence and a good driving record.

The ability to understand, produce and update Risk Assessments and Health and Safety reports would be an advantage.

The successful candidate will most likely have a good understanding of the needs and requirements of the local community.

Job Responsibilities

Work with the Festival Director to craft a balanced, engaging, and profitable 2-week festival program, introducing fresh ideas to broaden appeal. Lead regular committee meetings, manage communications, and coordinate preparations with volunteers, event partners, venues, and Box Office. Oversee marketing across brochures, website, social media, and PR, and manage logistics with team support, including volunteer recruitment and briefings, venue and performer liaison, and bar coordination. Collaborate with the Treasurer to explore new revenue streams and maintain financial stability. With the Volunteer Coordinator, manage volunteer retention, training, and scheduling. Supervise equipment provision, event setup, and takedown, and serve as the onsite contact for all parties. Committee meetings typically occur at a trustee’s home; work is otherwise remote.