Deputy Festival Director

This new senior role will work closely with Festival Director to help lead the planning and delivery of the Guernsey Literary Festival.

The Deputy Festival Director will play a key role across programming, operations, volunteer management and sponsorship, while helping to develop the Festival for the future. 

This paid position has been designed to evolve over time, offering an exciting opportunity for someone with experience in arts, events or publishing who is passionate about literature and culture. Offered on a flexible, self-employed basis, it is ideal for someone looking for rewarding, meaningful work that can fit around other professional or personal commitments.

Programming Director

• Lead the planning and delivery of a multi-disciplinary programme of engaging, high-quality content, and in line with the Festival’s three year strategic plan
• Ensure inclusion and participation are embedded in the Festival programme, engaging with artists, communities and audiences.
• Responsible for the delivery of the printed and online Festival programme, including copy-editing and proofreading as required.

Marketing & Comms

• Work alongside the Marketing & Comms manager to ensure programme content is consistent with the Festival’s mission, vision, values and messaging. 

Oversight of Volunteering

• Oversight of the Volunteers Coordinator, providing direction, support and regular check-ins throughout the Festival cycle.
• Ensure the volunteer programme is appropriately resourced and that recruitment, briefing, and scheduling are delivered to a high standard.
• Act as the escalation point for the Volunteers Coordinator during the Festival period, including handling any significant cancellations or travel disruption.
• Ensure volunteers are well recognised for their contribution and that a thank-you and feedback process is in place after the Festival.
• Review the post-Festival volunteer report produced by the Volunteers Coordinator and incorporate key findings into the Festival report.

Funding & Sponsorship

• Lead on the expansion of the Patron and Member schemes, actively recruiting new subscribers, managing communications, and ensuring a high-quality experience that reflects their contribution to the Festival.
• Support the Festival Director in managing existing sponsor relationships, and ensuring they feel valued and engaged throughout the year.
• Contribute to the development of new sponsorship opportunities, helping to grow and diversify the Festival’s income base.

Finance & Governance

• Help to deliver the Festival programme on time and on budget.
• Support the Festival Director in contributing to best practice in governance, in line with all legislation and guidelines for registered charities.
• Assist with budget monitoring and contribute to financial reporting processes as required.

Operational & General Duties

• Play a key role in the production and delivery of the Festival and associated events, including on-site logistics.
• Liaise regularly with the Festival Director, Volunteering and Finance team.
• Attend steering group meetings as required.
• Fulfil any other duties as may be required by the Festival Director as they arise.

Note: This job description is not exhaustive. Flexibility is required, and other reasonable tasks may be assigned as needed.

Hours Breakdown (Indicative): 500 per annum

Includes attendance at steering group meetings and agreed support during the Festival period.

How to Apply

Please send a CV and covering note to:

 Claire Allen, 

Festival Director 

[email protected] 
07781 136 328

Knowledge & Experience

• Proven experience in arts, events, publishing, or festival management
• Experience of supervising or coordinating staff and/or volunteers
• Experience supporting the planning and delivery of events
• Proven project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities
• Experience of supporting budget management and contributing to financial reporting

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, in person and in writing
• Confident IT and digital skills including MS Office or equivalent
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and remain calm in a fast-paced environment
• Problem-solving and solution-focused approach

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about literature, the spoken and written word, and the Festival’s mission
• Professional, articulate, and confident
• Collaborative, flexible, and self-motivated
• Reliable, with a high degree of personal integrity
• Willing and able to work evenings and weekends during peak periods and the Festival