Festival Director - Four Season Festival

County Hall Arts (CHA) is seeking a Festival Director to launch the Four Season Festival of Culinary Art, Classical Music and Classic Cinema at London's County Hall.

The postholder will lead on the artistic vision and be hands-on in the organisation of the quarterly Four Season Festival, collaborating with performers, artists, exhibitors and stakeholders to realise the festival's ambitions.

Location: County Hall on London's Southbank

Salary: £50k+  /  Contract (Full-Time)

Closing Date: Tuesday 3rd June 2025

About the Four Season Festival

Taking place at London’s historic County Hall on the Southbank each season (every three months), the Four Season Festival will celebrate the culinary arts, classical music and classic cinema.

Each quarter the festival will offer an array of performances, exhibitions, screenings and workshops, amplifying County Hall's identity as a vibrant and distinctive culture centre for artistic production, presentation and cultural exchange.

About County Hall Arts

Founded in 2016, County Hall Arts’ mission is to support and advance education in the arts for the public benefit - with the charity’s work centred in particular on music, film, literature, fine art and the culinary arts. Headquartered in the Grade II* listed County Hall on London’s South Bank, the organisation operates across a global footprint with close ties to Spain and Japan in particular. CHA believes in the the power of the arts inform and enhance societies beyond the boundaries of culture, geography and history.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Festival Planning & Strategy
    • Develop and implement the overall vision, goals, and strategy for the festival in close consultation with CHA
    • Curate an eclectic and engaging lineup of performances, exhibitions, screenings, workshops, and events representing a variety of artistic disciplines and cultures
    • Collaborate with CHA to ensure the festival's content aligns with the charity's values and audience interests.
  • Stakeholder Management & Partnerships
    • Build and maintain strong relationships with artists, performers, exhibitors and relevant community groups.
    • Negotiate contracts with performers, exhibitors, and contractors, ensuring agreements align with the festival's goals and standards.
    • Collaborate with other organisations, cultural institutions and local government (if/where applicable), to maximize the festival's impact and visibility.
    • Evaluate attendee feedback and festival outcomes to ensure continued growth and improvement.
  • Event Operations & Logistics
    • Manage all logistical aspects of the festival, including allocation of venue space, relevant permissions, transportation, and technical requirements.
    • Coordinate with the County Hall management team to ensure smooth execution of the festival, including exhibitor and artist management, and on-site coordination.
    • Ensure safety protocols, accessibility, and environmental sustainability practices are adhered to throughout.
  • Budget & Financial Management
    • Create and manage the festival budget, ensuring all aspects of the event are funded and resources are allocated efficiently.
    • Monitor festival spending and report on performance post-event.
  • Marketing & Promotion
    • Develop and implement a marketing and communications strategy, including social media, press releases and advertising, as appropriate.
    • Collaborate with CHA regarding the creation of engaging content for the festival's and charity’s website, newsletters, and promotional materials.
Qualifications:
  • Proven hands-on experience (5+ years) in arts and/or culture event planning, festival management, or a related field.
  • Leadership skills with the ability to motivate, manage, and collaborate with an eclectic team.
  • Knowledge of the arts and cultural programming - with a genuine passion for one or more of the Culinary Arts, Classical Music and/or Classic Cinema.
  • Excellent organizational, time-management, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Experience in budget management.
  • Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.