Location: The Hebrides, Isle of Lewis
Salary: £30,452 + pension contribution
Contract Type: 1-year initially (extendable)
Position Type: Full Time (35hrs/week) Annual Leave: 28 days
The Hebridean Celtic Festival Trust is hiring a Festival Operations Coordinator! Join an award-winning and internationally acclaimed festival on the beautiful Isle of Lewis. This is a dynamic role that requires flexibility throughout the year.
This role presents an exciting opportunity for the right dynamic, self motivated and innovative individual at an award-winning and internationally acclaimed Festival. This is a full time position and we require the candidate to be flexible in their approach to the role across the year.
Job description
Working with the Board of Directors and the Apprentice Festival Administrator, in a hybrid working environment in the Isle of Lewis, the Festival Operational Coordinator reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for carrying out the following tasks:
● Supporting and working with the Board of Directors and particularly Chair, Site Manager, Production Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, Finance Director, Security Coordinator, Accreditation Coordinator, Programme Coordinator and Apprentice, to ensure smooth running of all aspects of the festival
● With the Finance Director, preparing annual budgets and monitoring financial performance
● Working with the Board, identify appropriate funding for the festival and submit bids with the support of the Finance Director and Board of Directors as appropriate.
● Working with the Board of Directors to identify, secure and develop appropriate sponsorship opportunities, with a focus on local inward investment and local businesses.
● Working with the programmer to develop projects that enhance the profile of the festival and / or promote the distinctive Gaelic culture of the area through the festival programme or outwith at other relevant events, working with partners where appropriate.
● Coordinate all aspects of marketing and PR including procurement and management of PR resources, procurement and management of graphic design and responding where possible to new opportunities as they arise.
● Building key partnerships with the local business community and others to provide an enhanced tourism offer around the festival.
● Management of all festival’s online presence working with providers and others as appropriate.
● Set up and run the festival shop including recruiting and managing the festival shop staff, all equipment and resources required to do so including insurance cover.
● Work with members of the Board to plan and procure merchandise for sale in the shop, online and within the main site
● Evaluate the festival’s performance, including customer feedback, green initiatives, site management and reporting in a timely and appropriate manner to key organisations and the Board.
● Provide line management, support and direction to the apprentice in their day to day role
● Have oversight of the administration tasks required for the smooth running of the festival and Board
● Working with Finance Director and the Board of Directors to ensure that the festival trust meets its requirements under OSCR regulations
● Working with the Board of Directors to foster and maintain positive relationships with local authorities, businesses, sponsors, partners, vendors and the community, ensuring a collaborative and supportive environment for the festival to take place.
● Working with the Board of Directors research and develop any training requirements to support Festival Staff and those of Directors and volunteers
● Networking and PR for festival at key cultural events and seminars
● To undertake any other duties or responsibilities which are commensurate to the post and aims and objectives of the Trust
This role will be based in Stornoway with some ability to work from home when appropriate.
Essential Experience:
● Experience of project management
● Experience of working within a volunteer led organisation
● Managing budgets
● Proven ability to secure funding and sponsorship for events. Skills and Knowledge
● Excellent and proven interpersonal and communication skills
● Effective public relations skills.
● Good IT skills, including the ability to use suitable office based applications, social media apps and work with various databases
● Ability to encourage and develop community partnerships.
● Ability to work with a large number of volunteers across a variety of skill levels.
● Ability to prioritise and manage multiple strands of festival planning at once
● Ability to problem solve and take an innovative approach to delivering the festival where needed.
● Ability to manage others
Personal Attributes
● Ability to work well on own initiative but also work within a team including volunteers.
● Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines.
● Proven organisational skills.
● Self motivated, flexible and adaptable
Desirable
● Ability to speak Gaelic
● Personal knowledge of the Isle of Lewis
● Experience of delivering elements of a festival on both a green field festival site and existing venues
● Proven marketing skills including using social media effectively
● Experience of working or volunteering in the charitable arts and cultural sector
● Qualification in Events management
● Effective public relations skills. Other Essential Requirements
● Be based in the Isle of Lewis or Harris
● Ability to work flexibly as time commitment varies throughout the year. (this includes working evenings and weekends and varied hours across the year)
● Ability to work solely on the festival during June and July.
● A full driving licence and use of a car is essential.
● Legally allowed to work in the UK
● This post will be subject to references and a PVG check
Applicants are asked to provide a CV and a covering letter demonstrating how they meet the person specification. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to participate in an interview process.
Deadline: 5pm Monday 8th January 2024
To apply, please submit your application to gayle@hebceltfest.com
For more info, click here.
If you would like to discuss the position further please contact gayle@hebceltfest.com.