Festival Manager

Job Title: Festival Manager, Ludlow English Song Weekend

Job Summary:

We are seeking an organised, self\-directed Festival Manager, with experience in arts management and fundraising.

This position requires a versatile candidate capable of taking on administrative, marketing and fundraising responsibilities for this small, but highly well\-regarded annual festival. Excellent communication skills are essential. An interest in, and knowledge of, classical music is a plus.

Key Responsibilities:

Management and Administration

● Work with the Artistic Director and the Chairman to set, and then manage, an annual budget (including ticket pricing), alongside the development of the artistic programme.

● Manage invoices and payments using Xero accounting software.

● Co\-ordinate with festival venues, artists and agents, and other contributors, including contracting, and arranging accommodation.

● Maintain and grow our small volunteer team to assist with festival delivery.

● Manage the delivery of the festival ‘on the ground’ every April, including liaising with artists, co\-ordinating volunteers, and ensuring the smooth running of events.

● Respond to enquiries from the public throughout the year.

● Administrate the charity’s annual Young Composers programme.

● Co\-ordinate the production of the Festival Programme Book.

● General administration including ensuring suitable insurance coverage, reporting to the Charity Commission, and preparing updates for the board.

Fundraising

● Lead, maintain and develop the charity’s Trusts and Foundations fundraising strategy, including setting targets, identifying opportunities, writing grant applications and reporting to funders.

● Support the charity’s donations strategy, by assisting with fundraising events, communicating with donors and potential donors, and administering the charity’s ‘Sponsor a Song’ programme.

Marketing

● Work with the Artistic Director to develop event copy, in advance of the festival launch.

● Work with our Website Designer to maintain a clear, engaging, up\-to\-date website for the festival, including 2 key annual updates (festival launch and post\-festival).

● Maintain a suitable press list of contacts at national, music, lifestyle and local publications and broadcasters. Create and distribute suitable press releases for an autumn festival launch and manage press coverage.

● Create and send regular marketing emails to our email subscribers. We currently use Mailchimp.

● Work with our Marketing Designer to create suitable print marketing materials (leaflet, posters) and manage marketing distribution, working with venue partners and contractors.

● Work with our Marketing Designer to create suitable print advertising and manage print advertising spend.

● Create social media content and manage online accounts, co\-ordinating with our venue partners at Ludlow Assembly Rooms on the online promotion of the festival.

Person Specification

Essential

● At least 2 years’ hands on experience in event management.

● Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.

● Experience of applying successfully for grant funding within the arts, or other non\-profit sector.

● Confidence with keeping basic, accurate financial records.

● Excellent communication skills, including the ability to produce engaging copy, and to build relationships with a wide range of people.

● An interest in music and the arts.

Desirable

● Experience in individual giving and donor management in the arts or non\-profit sector.

● Social media marketing experience and expertise.

● Knowledge of classical music and the English song tradition.

● Knowledge of Ludlow and of the arts ecology within Shropshire and the wider region.

● Knowledge of the national classical music ecology.

Contract/Location:

The postholder undertakes the role on a freelance contractor basis (ie. self employed). The main duties may be carried out remotely from home, but the Festival Manager may need to attend a small number of Board Meetings in London and must be on site in Ludlow during the week of the festival itself.

Hours and Remuneration:

Total annual fee of £11\.5k, calculated as part\-time (0\.3FTE annualised) at £35k p.a. pro rata, plus a £1k bonus for delivering the festival each April.

Appropriate travel, accommodation and subsistence expenses for on\-site work will be reimbursed.

Start date:

1st July 2026, or as soon as possible after this date.

Job Types: Freelance, Part\-time

Pay: £35,000\.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexitime


• Work from home

• Please confirm you would be able to attend interview in either London or Ludlow area.

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