HUFF Festival Manager

The Halifax Urban Folk Festival (HUFF) is seeking a new Festival Manager. With the 2022 Festival fast approaching, the festival is looking for an enthusiastic and seasoned event manager for the 2023 HUFF and beyond, to strengthen and grow what has become one of the region’s most recognized and celebrated music festivals.

Position Summary

Working closely with the Artistic Director, the Festival Manager reports directly to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the overall operations of HUFF. Significant festival and/or event management experience is required, and the successful candidate will demonstrate attributes that reflect the aims of HUFF, and skills that reflect the responsibilities outlined in the Job Description.

The position is contracted and part-time, with year-round responsibilities that peak around the festival itself (June - October)

Please respond to: huff_festival_manager@outlook.com with a cover letter and resume before midnight, August 19, 2022.

The hiring committee will review all applications and be in touch with those shortlisted for this role.

Job Description

Working closely with the Artistic Director, the Festival Manager reports directly to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the overall operations of HUFF.

Specific responsibilities include:

Funding

  • Complete and submit funding applications and budgets
  • Maintain open communications with program officers from funding bodies
  • Complete and submit final reports
  • Initiate new projects for new funding opportunities

Talent

  • Assist Artistic Director in curation of lineup
  • Assist Artistic Director in booking process
  • Provide input for All Star bands, issue contracts
  • Issue contracts for HUFF artists
  • Ensure appropriate hospitality is provided
  • Book travel and accommodations for out-of-town talent
  • Provide clear and concise digital itineraries for all artists

Venues

  • Liaise with existing venue operators
  • Discuss venue options with Artistic Director every year
  • Connect venue operators in conjunction with Technical Director
  • Contract each venue

Production

  • Work closely with Technical Director
  • Provide TD with a production budget
  • Connect TD with artists regarding tech requirements
  • Monitor all aspects of the production schedule

Sponsorship

  • Seek new sponsorship opportunities
  • Manage existing sponsor relationships and renew when possible
  • Manage sponsorship assets before and during the festival
  • Organize a sponsorship reception or provide tickets for a HUFF appreciation night

Fundraising

  • Brainstorm with the board on fundraising ideas
  • Plan and execute fundraising initiatives
  • Ensure that board members have significant roles in planning and execution

Financials

  • Work closely with the Board Treasurer on financial reporting
  • Budget management
  • Maintain Joint Stocks status
  • Manage bank account and credit card
  • Provide financial reporting to the board

Marketing and Promotion

  • Manage the HUFF brand
  • Work with social media campaign managers on digital presence for initial HUFF announcement and sales
  • Provide scope of work to social media managers
  • Approve all graphics together with Artistic Director
  • Work with website provider on updating website for announcements and sales
  • Provide scope of work for festival website updates
  • Work with publicist – provide information for press release announcements
  • Manage other promotional initiatives (radio, podcasts, etc.), and be available for media interviews
  • Engage poster provider

Ticketing

  • Create all ticketing events and links
  • Monitor and manage sales; work with social media managers to promote
  • Manage guest list/sponsor list/media list for all HUFF shows
  • Provide ticketing and sales reports to the board

Volunteers

  • Contract a volunteer coordinator for the week of the festival
  • Identify volunteer positions
  • Call out for volunteers
  • Order volunteer shirts and passes
  • Train coordinator to train volunteers
  • Plan and execute volunteer party post festival

Other

  • Prepare and provide reports and updates for the board
  • Attend board meetings
  • Identify, recognize, and create new opportunities, initiatives, and partnerships