Festival Producer in Cambridge

Watersprite Film Festival is looking for a freelance Festival Producer to fundraise for and produce the 18th annual Watersprite Film Festival in March 2027. The job will begin in July 2026. This role will be supported by a Development Director position. This is a unique opportunity for an individual keen to:

• Organise the largest student film festival in the world, support emerging filmmakers from all backgrounds and provide free opportunities to all.
• Build relationships with key players in the UK and international Screen Industries, including corporate film sponsors, professional speakers, community film hubs and youth talent schemes.
• Work closely alongside the Development Director position to oversee the overall running of the festival and wider charitable initiatives - including a training scheme in Manchester, Watersprite Hubs, a free training programme for emerging filmmakers from across the UK.

Responsibilities

Your main role is to oversee the creative and administrative responsibilities of the charity concerning the Festival and work with the Development Director to fundraise for the festival’s budget as well as develop the long-term strategy of the festival. You will be responsible for supervising and guiding the work of Watersprite’s 50+ student volunteers. You will also be able to bring new ideas to the festival and work closely with the Development Director to deliver new access initiatives and opportunities for emerging filmmakers. Work can be delivered remotely and flexibly. However, it is expected that the successful candidate is able to work in the London office between three and four days a week, as well as make regular trips to Cambridge. The London office is currently in Soho.

Contract Starts: 13th July 2026 (flexible).

Qualifications

• Experience developing and producing large-scale events.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, and the ability to work with and build rapport with a wide range of people from varied backgrounds including volunteers, young people, external sponsors and partners.
• Self‑motivated and highly organised - ability to work independently and implement new projects and ideas efficiently.
• Genuine passion for the screen industries – interest in initiatives for new talent in the UK and abroad, the international film festival circuit and public funding in the arts and media sector.
• Commitment to social inclusion and increasing access to the screen industries for under‑represented young people in the UK and abroad.
• Adaptable and flexible towards new tasks – possessing a can‑do attitude and willingness to seek help in areas outside of understanding.
• Excellent leadership skills – including ensuring excellent communication, and positive relationships are maintained across all areas.
• Financial literacy - experience working with budgets and finances.
• Experience of the Watersprite Film Festival, either attending or participating in the past, or showing an understanding of the festival’s objectives, activities, and future challenges.
• Experience of working with volunteers.
• Professional experience in film, media, the arts, events production, charity, or community youth work.
• Experiences of fundraising (writing funding applications, crowdfunding, securing sponsorship).
• Strong negotiation skills and experience of negotiating and writing contracts.