Festival Manager

Job Title: Event Manager, Festival

Department: Events

Reports To: Board of Directors

Status: Contract position through Festival & Recap 

SUMMARY
You’re in the driver's seat for production, leading and nurturing the members, vendors, and volunteers to ensure that all deliverables are met.  Contract position- is about an average of 12 hours per week based on tasks for that week.  Contract is for $7,000.00 for the Festival.  Interested Candidates please send a Letter of Intent & Resume to [email protected].

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manage the development, planning, preparation and execution of the MA Cheese Guild Festival
• Coordinate with the Board of Directors and Festival Planning committee to assist in the development of appropriate budgets, layouts, and operational needs.
• Create and implement social media communications calendar and develops info  for the Festival 
• Oversee all activities of the festival. Be present for festival set up the day before, during and breakdown.
• Ensure appropriate information is communicated to meet marketing and public relations branding messaging and timelines.
• Oversee the vendor process from the application through selection and final notification. Works with Festival Planning Committee and Board of Directors to ensure on-going communication with vendors and coordinates operational needs
• Completes all follow up reports and activities for festival
• Handles festival related questions from vendors, suppliers, attendees and Board of Directors. 
• Maintains accurate databases and backup files for the festival. Documents all processes and timelines relative to the festival. Assists in maintaining the event calendar and prepares related documents. 
• Reviews and develops festival information for the website and social media
• Develops and maintains a strong temporary staff relationship.
• Operates with the guidelines of the festival.
• Effectively manages time and resources to meet deadlines
• Ensures successful execution of festival through development, planning, documenting of processes, vendor management, volunteer coordination
• Ensures services are provided in a cost-effective, timely, and professional manner. 
• Interacts professionally and respectfully with the public, members, vendors and others in the course of the workday. 

SKILLS KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES 

• Ability to ensure that festivals, programs, special events and methods are consistent with Association goals and objectives.
• Ability to ensure administrative functions relating to budget preparation, and record maintenance are timely and accurate.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have outstanding organizational skills.
• Must develop a complete working knowledge of Association, including all of its attractions and amenities.
• Must have the ability to manage and lead large scale projects and teams of members/volunteers.
• Must have the ability to see a project from beginning stages through to fruition.
• Must have strong financial and budgeting skills.
• Must have strong negotiation and contracting skills.
• Must have excellent communication skills and a demonstrated ability to be a team player and work well in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel and skilled in the operation of computers and performing data entry as well as database management with the ability to maintain accurate records and statistics in Wild Apricot.
• Must have willingness to physically participate in the set up and tear down of festivals and events.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS CONSIDERED 

Requires a minimum of three years experience in a tourism or event/festival related field plus a two-year college degree, preferably tourism related or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Bachelor's degree is preferred.

Event planning experience is strongly preferred.

Knowledge of Association management is strongly preferred

Knowledge of Wild Apricot or another database but can use Wild Apricot