Artistic Director Book and Arts Festival

Nairn Book and Arts Festival is looking for an Artistic Director to lead the planning and delivery of its 2027 festival in Nairn. This position would suit an experienced arts professional or senior events manager who enjoys developing creative programmes, bringing people together and shaping the future of a well established Highland cultural event.

Develop and deliver the artistic programme for the 2027 Nairn Book and Arts Festival, taking place from 28 August to 5 September.
Work with the festival’s committees to commission artists, authors, musicians and performers.
Plan and coordinate exhibitions, workshops, performances and community events.
Support community led creative projects and outreach activities.
Manage relationships with venues, performers, sponsors, funders and local organisations.
Oversee event scheduling, contracts, accommodation and operational arrangements.
Coordinate fundraising activities and prepare grant applications.
Work with the Board and Treasurer to manage festival budgets.
Identify new sponsorship and funding opportunities.
Oversee marketing, publicity, ticketing and festival communications.
Manage and support the festival’s administrative and marketing team.
Recruit, coordinate and support festival volunteers.
Ensure events meet relevant health, safety, safeguarding and accessibility requirements.
Monitor festival performance and report outcomes to the Board.
Help develop the festival’s longer term strategy and future funding arrangements.

Freelance position averaging approximately 20 hours per week.
Initial contract of 12 months, with potential for extension.
Hybrid working arrangements.
Regular attendance in Nairn, expected to average at least four working days per month.
Additional attendance will be required before, during and immediately after the festival.
Own transport and a clean driving licence are essential.

Experience delivering multiple arts, cultural or events projects.
Experience managing budgets of £150,000 or more.
Strong organisational and project management skills.
Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.
Experience developing relationships with funders, sponsors and community partners.
Fundraising experience and an understanding of grant applications.
Confidence representing an organisation publicly and communicating its vision.
Ability to lead and support staff, volunteers and creative teams.
A strategic approach to planning and developing cultural programmes.
Good financial awareness and experience managing project budgets.
Strong communication and relationship building skills.
A genuine interest in the arts and community engagement.
Experience as an Artistic Director or senior events manager would be advantageous.
Applications are also welcomed from arts professionals ready to develop into a senior leadership role with support from the existing team.

Freelance remuneration based on 0.6 FTE of £30,000 to £45,000, depending on experience.
Initial 12 month contract.
Hybrid working arrangements.
Opportunity to lead an established Highland arts festival.
Support from the existing festival team and Board.
Opportunity to shape future programming, community partnerships and funding strategy.
Potential contract extension by mutual agreement, subject to future requirements and funding.