Festival Organiser Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the vibrant world of events, the role of festival organisers has never been more crucial.

As the demand for unique, immersive experiences grows, so too does the need for skilled professionals who can envision, plan, and orchestify these grand spectacles.

But what exactly is expected from a festival organiser?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the behind-the-scenes dynamics of festival organisation,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable festival organiser job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Festival Organiser Duties and Responsibilities

Festival Organisers are responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of festivals.

They handle various types of tasks from securing venues, liaising with vendors, to managing event staff.

Here are some of the main duties and responsibilities of a Festival Organiser:

• Conceptualise and plan festival themes and programmes
• Secure festival venues and necessary permits and licenses
• Coordinate with artists, performers, and guest speakers for their participation in the festival
• Manage festival budgets and negotiate contracts with vendors and sponsors
• Organise marketing and promotional activities to generate interest and ticket sales
• Ensure the safety and satisfaction of attendees by adhering to health and safety regulations
• Recruit, manage, and coordinate the work of event staff and volunteers
• Handle any issues or crises that may arise during the festival
• Conduct post-festival evaluations to gather insights and improve future festivals

 

Festival Organiser Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dynamic and creative Festival Organiser to spearhead the planning, coordination and execution of our annual festival.

The Festival Organiser responsibilities include securing permits, arranging logistics, coordinating with vendors, overseeing event promotion, handling budgets, and ensuring overall attendee satisfaction.

Our ideal candidate is someone with excellent organizational skills, a creative mindset, and the ability to handle the pressures of event management while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.

 

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and execute all aspects of the festival from conception to completion
• Secure necessary permits and licenses for the festival
• Oversee the selection and booking of artists, performers, and vendors
• Manage budgets, contracts, and negotiations with suppliers and partners
• Supervise promotional activities and public relations
• Ensure safety regulations and procedures are adhered to
• Handle any arising issues or emergencies that may occur before or during the event
• Coordinate with a team of volunteers or staff for the smooth running of the festival
• Monitor event activities to ensure the satisfaction of attendees
• Analyse event performance and prepare reports

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Festival Organiser, Event Manager or similar role
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Strong knowledge of industry trends and event management software
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and networking skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently
• Proficiency in MS Office applications
• Understanding of marketing and public relations principles
• BSc degree in Event Management, Marketing, Public Relations or relevant field

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Travel allowances
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Festival Organiser
• Work Environment: This role may require working on weekends and evenings, especially closer to and during the festival. Travel may be necessary for site visits and meetings with partners or vendors.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Event Director or Management Board.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Festival Organiser Do?

Festival Organisers typically work for event management companies or may work independently, organizing a variety of events ranging from music and arts festivals to food and cultural celebrations.

They are responsible for planning and executing all aspects of a festival.

This can include tasks such as securing a venue, hiring staff, arranging for entertainment and food, and managing the budget.

Festival Organisers are also involved in marketing and promotion of the event.

They work closely with public relations and marketing professionals to create promotional materials, manage social media accounts, and reach out to potential sponsors.

During the festival, they oversee all operations, resolve any issues that may arise, and ensure that the event runs smoothly.

This involves coordinating with all the vendors, performers, and staff members and dealing with any logistical challenges.

After the event, Festival Organisers review the event’s success, gather feedback, and plan for future events.

They are responsible for ensuring all contracted services are paid for and that the venue is returned to its pre-festival condition.

At all times, the Festival Organiser’s main goal is to create a fun, safe, and well-organized event that attendees will remember positively.

 

Festival Organiser Qualifications and Skills

A proficient festival organiser should have a diverse set of skills and qualifications that cater to the needs and demands of the job, including:

• Excellent organisational and planning skills to manage all aspects of festival production, from venue selection to coordinating with vendors and staff.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with a wide range of stakeholders, including artists, vendors, sponsors, staff, and attendees.
• Financial management skills to work within budget constraints, manage expenses, and ensure the event is financially successful.
• Problem-solving abilities to handle unforeseen situations or emergencies that can arise during the planning or execution of the festival.
• Leadership skills to manage and motivate a team, often including volunteers, to work towards a common goal.
• A keen eye for detail to ensure all aspects of the festival, from safety to aesthetics, are meticulously planned and executed.
• Marketing and promotional skills to generate interest and ticket sales for the festival.
• Understanding of permits, licenses, and regulations associated with organising large public events.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle stress, as organising a festival often involves working long, irregular hours and meeting tight deadlines.

 

Festival Organiser Experience Requirements

To become a Festival Organiser, candidates generally need to have a significant amount of experience in event management or a related field.

This can be gained through internships, part-time roles, or even volunteer work at festivals and events.

This initial experience offers exposure to the fundamentals of event organisation, including logistics, marketing, vendor management, and customer service.

Those aiming to become Festival Organisers should ideally have between 3 to 5 years of hands-on experience in organising events or festivals.

During this time, they should have honed their skills in planning, budgeting, team management, and problem-solving.

They should also be adept at multi-tasking and crisis management, as they will often be dealing with multiple tasks and unforeseen issues simultaneously.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience in the field usually have a firm grasp on all aspects of festival organisation.

This can include complex tasks such as securing sponsorships, managing large teams, or overseeing multiple festivals or events at once.

Such experienced candidates are well-suited to take on leadership roles, and can effectively guide and mentor less experienced team members.

Additionally, it is beneficial for Festival Organisers to have some experience in public relations or marketing, as they will often need to engage with media, sponsors, and the public to promote their events.

 

Festival Organiser Education and Training Requirements

Festival Organisers typically have a bachelor’s degree in event management, business administration or a related field.

They need a solid understanding of project management principles, as well as strong skills in communication, negotiation, and problem-solving.

Knowledge in marketing, public relations, and financial management is also beneficial.

Some roles, especially those that involve organising large scale or high profile festivals, may require Festival Organisers to have a master’s degree in event management or related disciplines.

There are also various certifications available for event and festival management, which can enhance a candidate’s qualifications and demonstrate their commitment to professional development.

Work experience, often in the form of internships or volunteering at festivals, is highly valuable.

This not only provides practical experience but also helps to build a network within the industry.

It’s important for Festival Organisers to continually keep up with trends and developments in the festival industry, as well as health and safety regulations, to ensure successful and compliant events.

 

Festival Organiser Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Festival Organiser is approximately $51,020 (USD) per year.

However, actual earnings can significantly fluctuate depending on factors such as the size and scale of the festival, level of experience, location, and the hiring entity.

Some organisers may also negotiate a percentage of festival profits, which can significantly increase earning potential.

 

Festival Organiser Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Festival Organiser need?

Festival Organisers need a mix of practical and interpersonal skills to effectively plan and manage festivals.

They need excellent organizational skills, project management abilities, and attention to detail to handle the many aspects of festival planning.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills are necessary for liaising with vendors, artists, sponsors, and attendees.

Time management, multitasking, and problem-solving skills are also crucial in this role.

 

Do Festival Organisers need a degree?

While a degree is not strictly necessary for becoming a Festival Organiser, having a degree in event management, hospitality, business, or a related field can be beneficial.

Most important is experience in event planning or management, as this provides the practical skills necessary to successfully organise a festival.

 

What should you look for in a Festival Organiser resume?

In a Festival Organiser’s resume, you should look for a proven track record of successfully planned and executed events, preferably festivals.

Check for experience in project management, budgeting, vendor negotiation, and crisis management.

Certifications in event management can also be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Festival Organiser?

A good Festival Organiser is creative, resourceful, and adaptable to manage unexpected situations.

They should have excellent leadership skills to manage teams and coordinate multiple activities at once.

Attention to detail, strong decision-making skills, and the ability to work under pressure are also important qualities for a Festival Organiser.

 

How challenging is it to hire a Festival Organiser?

Hiring a Festival Organiser can be challenging due to the specific set of skills and experiences required for the role.

It is important to find someone who not only has the necessary organisational and leadership skills, but also understands the unique needs and expectations of festival attendees, artists, and vendors.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a backstage pass to the exciting world of festival organisation.

And guess what?

It’s not just about booking bands and selling tickets.

It’s about orchestrating unforgettable experiences, one event at a time.

With our comprehensive festival organiser job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take center stage.

But why not take it a step further?

Explore further with our job description generator. This is your encore to creating precision-crafted job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Keep in mind:

Every event you organise is part of a larger, vibrant festival scene.

Let’s create unforgettable experiences. Together.

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