GTF is looking for a new General Manager to join the team!

Galway Theatre Festival (GTF) is excited to welcome a new General Manager to partner with our Artistic Director as we enter a dynamic chapter in the festival’s journey. This role offers a unique opportunity to help shape GTF's future on a three-year, fixed-term contract, beginning in December 2024.

Founded in 2008, Galway Theatre Festival has quickly become known for its fresh, innovative and adventurous programming of work by emerging and independent artists. In particular, it champions early and mid-career artists from Galway and the West of Ireland, offering a professional, curated platform that attracts audiences through its commitment to offering high-quality, engaging and imaginative theatre experiences. 

In line with Galway Theatre Festival’s goal to support career development for theatre practitioners, this role would be suitable for an early to mid-career individual. Ideally candidates should have 2 to 3 years’ experience in arts or management related roles.

Galway Theatre Festival is core funded by the Arts Council and Galway City Council.

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: General Manager

REPORTING TO: Artistic Director and GTF Board of Directors, the General Manager is responsible for: assisting the Artistic Director in Festival artistic, financial, operations and logistical management. The successful candidate will be a team player, passionate about theatre and supporting innovative and emerging theatre in line with the Galway Theatre Festival ethos. This position is a three-year part-time contract with the possibility to renew. The position is hybrid; with some days based in Galway in the Festival office. Remote working is acceptable at certain stages of the year, as agreed with the Board.

KEY DUTIES OF THIS ROLE:

Festival Management:

• Assisting the Artistic Director in developing and leading overall Festival artistic, audience and development strategies. 
• Developing and planning any events taking place outside Festival dates (with Artistic Director)
• Assisting the Director in creating end-of-Festival reports for stakeholders, and an annual report for the Board AGM.
• Attend networking events as required and advocate for GTF artists and the Festival.
• To fulfil any other duties as may be required by the Artistic Director as they arise.

Financial Management:

• Assisting the Artistic Director in overseeing income and expenditure, ensuring robust financial management strategies, and long-term sustainable financial planning.
• Assisting theArtistic Director in gathering costings of required products and services to ensure value-for-money.
• Online banking overseeing payments and petty cash with the Administrator. 
• Working with the Artistic Director to prepare funding applications.

Programme Management:

• Overseeing and monitoring the open call process. 
• Programme organization (with Production Manager and Artistic Director).
• Assisting the Artistic Directorr in monitoring and assessment of programme and delivery.

Marketing & Press:

• Working with the Artistic Director and Marketing Manager to assist with overall delivery of physical and online programme.
• Support the successful implementation of the comprehensive marketing and PR strategies and budgets.
• Keeping the Festival website up to date. 
• Designing and managing newsletters.
• Monitor and feed social media platforms outside the Festival (June - February).

HR Management (with Artistic Director)

• Organize and monitor interns, volunteers and venue manager recruitment and training.
• Interview interns and oversee internships throughout the festival- acting as a primary contact with the Festival.
• Create & advertise the volunteer open call- preparing volunteer schedules, delivering training & checking in with volunteers throughout the festival. Organizing volunteer social events- acting as a primary contact with the Festival.

Operational Management (with Artistic Director)

• Overseeing the management of the Festival production timeline;
• Assist the Artistic Director in negotiating contracts with venues, and suppliers, and ensure these are followed through
• Oversee provision of annual insurance, website renewal, office rental and other services.
• Ensure Festival policies are up-to-date and develop policies where necessary and are implemented.
• Liaising with Box Office, organizing and monitoring ticketing systems.
• Preparing and presenting reports for regular board meetings and AGM

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential 

• 2 - 3 years’ experience in a similar arts-related area, demonstrating a track record in Arts Management.
• Experience building and managing budgets.
• Knowledge of the Galway and Irish independent theatre scene, and additional knowledge of

 other performance disciplines in the region - circus, spectacle, storytelling, etc.

• A deep passion for Theatre and Art and a vision for what the theatre and performance in Galway and the West of Ireland can bring to local, national and international audiences.
• Exceptional leadership skills and the ability to manage, delegate, and bring out the best in a team.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable

• A track record of applying for, and receiving, public funding at local and/or national level
• Experience in income generation (funding and / or sponsorship) and the management of key sponsors and donors

• Understanding of the challenges relating to inclusion and diversity in the arts and ideas to address these challenges.
• Knowledge of the Irish Language - spoken and written communication.
• Good understanding of the project management lifecycle of a festival and/or year-round arts organization.
• Experience curating and / or organizing diverse programming, series and events
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills, and awareness of the importance of a healthy work schedule and environment
• An approach that values teamwork, collaboration, clear communication, entrepreneurial approaches and a good sense of humour.

TERMS & CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT FOR SERVICES

The General Manager position is a 3-year part-time contract. The position will include a 6-month probationary period. 

This is a part-time position, approx 120 days per year. The breakdown of days will be discussed with the Board. However, please note that it is not advised to have any other work in March - May other than the Festival. Other work commitments during this period must be discussed in advance with the GTF Board

Fee: €16,500

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

Applicants are invited to submit:

• A CV outlining relevant experience (max. 3 pages)
• A covering letter which outlines why you want the role of General Manager, and what you would bring to the role (max 2 pages)

• Please e-mail your CV and cover letter to galwaytheatrefestival@gmail.com  by 5pm November 29th 2024. 
• Please note: All documents must be in PDF format 

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Application closing date: 29th Nov 
• Interviews: w/c 2nd Dec
• Start date: Dec 2024

Galway Theatre Festival is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from people of all genders, nationalities, races, cultural backgrounds, ages, religions, languages, different abilities, sexual orientations or socio-economic statuses 

Should you wish to consult us in confidence prior to your submission, please e-mail us at galwaytheatrefestival@gmail.com.