At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead WOMAD UK, shaping its future and delivering an unforgettable festival experience.
- Company: Join the iconic WOMAD festival, part of the Real World Group founded by Peter Gabriel.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a chance to make a cultural impact.
- Other info: Inclusive environment welcoming diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of cultural exchange and creativity in a globally respected festival.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in events or festivals, with strong commercial and financial skills.
The predicted salary is between 83000 - 90000 £ per year.
For more than four decades, WOMAD has brought people together through music, culture, creativity and discovery. Founded on the belief that cultural exchange can broaden perspectives and create meaningful human connection, WOMAD has become one of the world's most celebrated cultural festivals, welcoming artists and audiences from across the globe. As part of the wider Real World Group, founded by Peter Gabriel, WOMAD combines a rich legacy with an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to shaping the future of cultural experiences.
Following its successful move to Neston Park, WOMAD enters an exciting new chapter. With strong foundations in place, the festival is focused on securing long-term sustainability, growing audiences, strengthening partnerships and ensuring it remains culturally relevant, creatively ambitious and financially resilient for generations to come. We are now seeking an exceptional Festival Director to lead WOMAD UK through this next phase of development.
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer of Real World Group and working closely with the WOMAD Board and key stakeholders, including Peter Gabriel, this is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of the world's most respected cultural festivals.
As UK Festival Director, you will:
- Provide strategic leadership for WOMAD UK, developing a clear vision and long-term plan for the festival's future growth and sustainability.
- Lead the successful planning and delivery of the annual festival, ensuring an outstanding experience for audiences, artists, partners and stakeholders.
- Drive commercial performance, strengthening financial sustainability and resilience through sponsorship, partnerships, audience growth and new income opportunities.
- Balance creative ambition with commercial sustainability, working closely with the Programming Director to support world-class cultural programming.
- Lead and inspire a small, high-performing team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and values-led culture.
- Maintain oversight of festival operations, governance, risk management, health and safety, safeguarding and audience welfare.
- Build strong relationships across WOMAD, Real World, local partners, commercial sponsors, public bodies and the wider international WOMAD network.
We welcome applications from individuals with:
- A successful track record of leading complex organisations, events, festivals or customer-focused operations.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience delivering sustainable growth and managing significant budgets.
- Experience developing sponsorships, partnerships or commercial opportunities that align with organisational values.
- A proven ability to lead teams and deliver high-profile public-facing experiences.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills and the confidence to work effectively with boards, partners and senior external stakeholders.
- Experience overseeing operational delivery, governance, compliance, risk management and public safety.
- A collaborative leadership style, cultural curiosity and a genuine passion for the role that arts, culture and creativity play in bringing people together.
Candidates may come from festivals, arts and culture, live events, visitor attractions, entertainment, media, hospitality or other customer-focused sectors. Most importantly, you will combine strategic leadership, commercial credibility and operational excellence with a commitment to preserving what makes WOMAD unique.
WOMAD is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected and valued. We warmly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.
UK Festival Director employer: The Wild
At Aquarium of the Lakes, we pride ourselves on creating a vibrant and supportive work environment where our team members can thrive. As part of Parques Reunidos, you will benefit from comprehensive training, competitive salaries, and unique perks such as complimentary attraction tickets and discounts. Join us in delivering exceptional guest experiences while enjoying opportunities for personal and professional growth in a dynamic leisure park setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land UK Festival Director
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by The Wild.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like The Wild.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at The Wild.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at The Wild. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace UK Festival Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of The Wild. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like UK Festival Director, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Wild
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of The Wild. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
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Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
