The Festival Manager is a key role, he/she/they will work closely with a small dedicated team to support the production of the festival, reporting to and working closely with the Festival Director and Programme Manager, who lead on overall strategy and the artistic curation of the festival. The role is offered as a contract and would suit an emerging or established arts producer or manager, ideally with experience in film, festivals and in working with young people.
The Festival Manager will be expected to work closely and communicate with the Director and the team members to ensure the smooth delivery of the festival in accordance with approved timelines. Communication and completion are of the utmost importance.
The festival dates for 2025 are March 3-8. The role is offered initially for 6 months as a contract for services, with a fee of €12,000, with the possibility of renewal. It is envisaged that work is part time, with increased engagement moving to full time in the lead up to, and during, the festival.
A work plan will be agreed with the appointed candidate. This is an exciting opportunity to work with an innovative festival, where both the organisation and team have an excellent track record and have the capacity to deliver. Experience of working in a festival environment would be beneficial. The role is hybrid and allows for a flexible hybrid work schedule, blending remote work and online meetings with in-person meetings and festival activities.
To apply, please send your CV to ****** by 5pm on Monday 16th September, including a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role. You can contact us at the same address if you would like to chat about the role in advance of applying.
Responsibilities:Coordinate the project management of the annual film festival working closely with both the Director and Programme Manager. You will be involved in the overall planning of all festival programmes and will attend meetings online and in-person as required.Take particular responsibility for planning, curation and coordination of the annual Animation programme incl. liaising with artists and schools to organise workshops and screenings. This is a priority programme within the annual festival.Support the festival in involving young volunteers so that they can confidently be actively involved in the presentation of the festival in Youghal.Set up a central communication system for all team members to streamline the sharing of information in the planning phase and the gathering of information for programme publication.Work with the team to oversee production of the printed and online festival programme.In collaboration with the Festival's Director and Administrator, liaise with filmmakers and other guests regarding availability and travel/accommodation arrangements.Play a key role in gathering and recording feedback from young filmmakers and organisations we engage with.Play a key role in planning the festival launch in early February in Youghal.Support the Director in working with sponsors and in writing funding proposals and reports.Prepare post-festival reports on audience attendance figures and other festival engagement.Skills:Exceptional organisational and project management abilities.Ability and commitment to seeing projects through to completion.Strong leadership and team management skills.Proficient in budget management.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Ability to handle multiple projects under pressure.Creative problem-solving and event management software proficiency.Knowledge of current event trends and best practices.First Cut! is a unique festival in the youth film landscape. One of Ireland's most established youth film events, it is now in its 16th year. It is ambitious and innovative in its approach to celebrating youth film and engaging young people in all aspects of film making in the run up to and throughout the annual festival itself. Located in Youghal in County Cork, First Cut provides a unique opportunity for young people to engage in all aspects of film.
The festival programme is carefully curated to ensure a wide range of voices and identities are represented, with an ongoing focus on such specific areas as animation, films in Irish and music video. It ensures active engagement for young filmmakers aged 12-25 through its panels, workshops, networking and mentoring opportunities. The programme is supported and enriched by excellent partners, local and national. The centrality of its Youth Advisory Council is of note, ensuring that young people play a significant role in the evaluation and framing of the festival.
The festival is a registered charity and takes place annually over 6 days in March at the spectacular Regal Cinema in Youghal, Co Cork. It is supported by the Arts Council and Cork County Council and many other diverse funders and sponsors.
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