Southwell Music Festival
Job Summary
Job Description
The General Manager is the key executive role at Southwell Music Festival (SMF), responsible for leading, coordinating and administering all aspects of the Festival’s planning and delivery. This is a dynamic, hands-on leadership position, working closely with the Artistic Director, Board of Trustees, Volunteer Festival Committee and a dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
The role encompasses artistic and logistical planning, finance and fundraising, volunteer coordination, event management and partnership development. It requires an exceptional communicator and organiser with entrepreneurial flair, a collaborative spirit and a passion for the arts.
The General Manager will ensure the smooth and successful running of the Festival’s August programme, Christmas Concert and related year-round activities. During the Festival week, the postholder will play a central, visible and high-energy role, ensuring all events are delivered to the highest standards.
Location: Remote, with regular travel to Southwell, Nottinghamshire (at least twice per month) – contribution towards travel to Southwell to be negotiated with Trustees.
Salary: £38,000 (pro rata)
Hours: Part-time (0.5 FTE, 2.5 days per week, with variable workload across the year)
Reports to: Trustee Executive Group (Chair, Vice Chair, Finance Trustee) and Board of Trustees
Responsible for: Freelance staff including the Festival & Artist Administrator, Finance Officer, Marketing & Digital Comms Consultant and seasonal festival staff, including our young Festival Maker Apprentices. Oversees Volunteer Festival Committee and festival volunteers.
Base: The Festival Hub, Trebeck Hall, Southwell Minster NG25 0HD (during the Festival period)
Job Requirements
The ideal General Manager will be an experienced arts or events professional with exceptional organisational, communication and leadership skills. You’ll have a proven track record in managing complex projects, coordinating teams and delivering high-quality events under pressure. Strong financial management and administrative experience are essential, alongside the ability to build positive relationships with artists, volunteers, funders and partners. You’ll be confident, proactive and detail-oriented, with excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach. Experience in marketing, digital systems (such as CRM and ticketing platforms) and fundraising is desirable. A passion for the arts is essential, as is the flexibility to work variable hours, including some evenings and weekends during the August Festival. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated, creative professional to play a key role in shaping one of the East Midlands’ leading music festivals.
Job Overview
- Job Title: Festival General Manager (0.5FTE)
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Salary: £30k-£40k
(pro-rata) - Hours:
Part time - Artform: Festival
- Role: Technical & Production
- Contract: Permanent
- Closing date: Mon, 01 Dec 2025
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Location:
East Midlands
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