Jump to 'Back to: Working with Us' signpost
Role Types
There are many roles at managerial and entry level across the festivals.These range from permanent to seasonal and from skilled to learn on the job.
You don't necessarily need to have worked in a similar organisation before but for some roles (such as Front of House) it can be greatly beneficial if you have an interest in the subject as this enthusiasm will come across to customers.
Scroll down for examples of roles in Marketing & Communications, Technical, Industry Facing & Customer Facing.
Jump to 'HistoryBlock'
M Marketing & Communications
There are many marketing and communications jobs that someone can get at a festival. Here are a few examples:
1. Marketing Manager - responsible for developing and implementing the festival's marketing strategy, overseeing advertising and promotional campaigns, and managing social media accounts.
2. Communications Coordinator - responsible for managing the festival's communications channels, such as email newsletters, press releases, and media relations.
3. Digital Marketing Specialist - responsible for developing and implementing digital marketing campaigns, managing social media accounts, and analysing digital marketing reach.
4. Event Coordinator - responsible for organising and coordinating festival events, overseeing logistics and scheduling, and communicating with venues and performers.
5. Sponsorship Coordinator - responsible for securing sponsorships and partnerships for the festival, developing sponsorship proposals, and managing sponsor relationships.
6. Public Relations Manager - responsible for managing the festival's public image, developing and executing public relations strategies, and coordinating press coverage.
7. Graphic Designer - responsible for designing festival promotional materials, such as posters, flyers, and brochures.
8. Content Creator - responsible for creating engaging content for the festival's website and social media channels, such as blog posts, videos, and photos.
These are just a few examples of the many marketing and communications jobs available at a festival in Edinburgh. Sponsorship and Fundraising roles (sometimes called Development roles) are vital to several festivals, and dependent on the scale of the festival, may have their own dedicated teams outwith Marketing and Communications. Depending on the size and scope of the festival, there may be many other roles available as well.
T Technical
There are several technical jobs that someone can get at a festival, depending on their skills and experience.
Here are some examples:
1. Sound Engineer: A sound engineer is responsible for setting up and managing the sound system for the festival. They work with performers to ensure that the sound quality is optimal and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
2. Lighting Technician: A lighting technician is responsible for setting up and often operating the lighting for the festival. They work closely with directors and designers to create the desired atmosphere and mood for each performance.
3. Stage Manager: A stage manager is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the performance, including sound, lighting, and stage setup. They work closely with performers to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
4. Audio-visual Technician: An audio-visual technician is responsible for setting up and managing the audio and visual equipment for the festival. They work closely with companies to ensure that their equipment is functioning properly and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
5. Production Assistant: A production assistant provides support to the festival production team. They may help with stage setup, equipment transport, or other tasks as needed.
6. Security Technician: A security technician is responsible for managing the festival's security systems, including cameras and alarms. They work with security personnel to ensure the safety of festival attendees.
7. Information Technology (IT) Technician: An IT technician is responsible for managing the festival's computer systems, including network infrastructure and software applications. They work with festival organisers to ensure that all technology needs are met.
These are just a few examples of the technical jobs available at a festival. Other possible roles include rigging technicians, video technicians, and special effects technicians, among others.
I Industry Facing
There are a variety of industry-facing jobs that someone can get at a festival in Edinburgh. Here are a few examples:
1. Volunteer Coordination: Many festivals work with volunteers to help with various tasks, so volunteer coordination roles are common. These may include positions such as Volunteer Coordinators or Volunteer Managers.
2. Delegate Coordinator - This role involves coordinating delegate registration, managing delegate information, and providing support for delegates throughout the festival.
3. Hospitality Coordinator - This role involves coordinating the hospitality aspect of the festival, including managing performer accommodation, organising meals and refreshments, and ensuring the comfort and well-being of festival guests.
4. Sponsorship Coordinator - This role involves coordinating sponsorship arrangements for the festival, including managing sponsor relationships.
5. Artist Liaison Coordinator - This role involves coordinating the participation of artists in the festival, including managing artist contracts, arranging travel and accommodation, and providing support for artists throughout the festival.
6. Concert Manager - to deliver activities in music venues , including rehearsals, concerts, broadcasts, load-ins and load-outs.
7. Concert Assistant - to act as a point of contact for festival staff e.g. Head of Music and day-to-day liaison with resident venue staff e.g. General Manager.
C Customer Facing
There are several front of house jobs that someone can get at a festival. Here are some examples:
1. Box Office Staff: Box office staff are responsible for selling tickets and providing information to festival attendees. They also need to have knowledge about the festival programme and the venue.
2. Ushers: Ushers are responsible for guiding festival-goers to their seats and ensuring they have a comfortable and safe experience. They may also be responsible for checking tickets, managing the queue and answering questions about the event.
3. Customer Service Representatives: Customer service representatives are responsible for addressing any complaints, questions, or issues that festival attendees may have. This could include handling lost and found items, providing directions or assisting with accessibility requirements.
4. Merchandise Sales Staff: Merchandise sales staff are responsible for selling festival merchandise such as t-shirts, posters, or other souvenirs. They may also be responsible for managing the inventory and restocking the items when needed.
5. Bar Staff: Bar staff are responsible for serving drinks to festival-goers, checking IDs, and managing the bar area. They may also be responsible for handling cash, credit card transactions, and ensuring the area is clean and tidy.
6. Food Vendors: Food vendors are responsible for preparing and serving food to festival-goers. They may also be responsible for managing the inventory, handling cash and credit card transactions, and ensuring the area is clean and tidy.
These are just a few examples of the front of house jobs available at festivals in Edinburgh. The specific jobs available may vary depending on the type of festival.
