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Festival Events Manager, The Petworth Festival

  •  South East
  •  £30k-40k (pro rata)
  •  Part time
  •  Closes January 7, 2025
  •  Kate Lavender
  •  info@petworthfestival.org.uk
  • #Festival

Description

Job Summary

This is a freelance position for the Petworth Festival encompassing the planning, managing and coordination of the Petworth Summer Festival and the Petworth Literary Festival, both of which are multi event, multi venue arts festivals taking place In Petworth, Midhurst and the surrounding area.

Job Description

Reporting to the festival Chief Executive, the Events Manager will be responsible for the successful planning, coordination and execution of all events within the festival schedule. This role involves being the primary point of contact for all logistical aspects of events, ensuring seamless communication and organisation across internal teams, artists, audio visual production team, volunteers and external stakeholders.

As well as working closely with the Chief Executive, the Artistic Director and the Festival Administrator they will be supported by a team of over 100 volunteers.

The hours required will vary across the year as follows

  • one week of upfront planning time in Late January / early February
  • Six weeks part time (2.5 days per week) during June and early July
  • Four weeks of full-time work from Mid-July to early August
  • Three weeks part time (2.5 days per week) from Mid-September - Mid October
  • Three weeks full time from Mid October- Mid November

During planning phases, the role can be hybrid / remote

During Festival periods the role is on site, based in Petworth. Accommodation can be provided

Job Requirements

  • Demonstrated experience in event management, preferably within a cultural or festival context.
  • Strong organisational and multitasking abilities with attention to detail.
  • Proven ability to manage schedules and coordinate logistics with multiple stakeholders.
  • Excellent communication skills and a focused approach when working with artists, volunteers and technicians.
  • Knowledge of health, safety, and compliance standards applicable to public events.
  • Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required by the festival schedule

Candidates will need to hold a full UK driving license as they will be working between multiple venues around Petworth, Midhurst and the surrounding South Downs area.

The successful applicant will need to be in Petworth every day during festival periods. In 2025 these are 16th July - 2nd August and 29th October - 9th November. Accommodation can be provided.

Job Responsibilities

Scheduling & Planning

Detail event schedules, outlining technical requirements, rehearsals, sound checks, and any additional resources

Communicate effectively with festival staff, artists, volunteers, contractors, venues ensuring smooth event execution

Artist & Contract Management

Liaise between festival and artists ensuring all contractual obligations are met and artist expectations managed

Risk & Safety Management

Risk assess all events to guarantee safety & security of participants and attendees

Ensure compliance with health & safety regs, safeguarding, and requirements for the sale of food and beverages

Volunteer Coordination

Liaise with volunteer leaders to ensure roles and responsibilities for each event are in place

Regulatory Compliance & Licensing

Secure necessary licenses for entertainment & alcohol sales, ensuring all events meet regulatory standards

Venue Management

Oversee setup and takedown of venues, coordinating any necessary equipment for both artists & audience

Useful Links

How to Apply

If you are interested in this position, please get in touch via the details below with your CV and a covering letter setting out why you are interested and what you think you could bring to the Petworth Festival and its team. The deadline for applications is Tuesday 7th January.

All applications should be sent to [email protected] and marked clearly as “Application for Events Manager role”

Candidates shortlisted for interview will be contacted by Friday 10th January and first interviews will take place via zoom during w/c 13th January with a view to taking a decision by end of that week.

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