Sappyfest owes an immense amount of gratitude to outgoing Creative Director Andrea Vincent. During Andrea’s tenure, we saw incredibly exciting music, art, and events that brought enthusiastic audiences to the festival in a deeply challenging post-lockdown era. Sappy will be forever grateful for her vision and leadership, and we wish her the best in her next endeavours.
Sappyfest is in the process of restructuring, and for the 2025 festival we’re looking for a Head of Operations to work collaboratively with our volunteer Board of Directors and Programming Committee, who will work together to craft the curatorial vision for the festival
Thank you for the consideration; we hope to hear from you.
Position: Head of Operations
Location: Sackville, New Brunswick
Job Type: Contract
Term length and hours: 35 weeks - 1000 hours*
Compensation: $25.00/hour - total contract $25,000 + 4% vacation pay
Reports to: Sappyfest Board of Directors
*Weekly hours will vary over the course of the contract. Some evening and weekend work will be required. A greater number of hours will be required in the lead up to and during Sappyfest - August 1-3, 2025.
Start Date: February 3, 2024
End Date: October 3, 2024
Application Period: December 4 - December 20, 2024
About SappyFest
Sappyfest Inc. is a non-profit organization led by a volunteer Board of Directors. We promote the growth of arts and culture in Sackville, NB and Atlantic Canada on a year round basis, with a focus on the presentation of Sappyfest, an annual, three-day music and arts festival. Over nearly two decades, the festival has built and fostered a community to experience music, art, and conversations, and created an environment that encourages real and ongoing connections between artists and audience.
We're looking for an experienced and dedicated Head of Operations to join our team and help steer the festival towards continued success and sustainability.
Role Summary
The Head of Operations will work closely with the SappyFest Board of Directors, and affiliated committees, to oversee the operational and logistical aspects of the festival. This position will ensure that the festival runs smoothly, efficiently, and within budget while maintaining the high standard of excellence that SappyFest is known for. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in event and/or project management, logistics, and team leadership, with a passion for delivering exceptional festival experiences.
It is optimal for the Head of Operations to be located in Sackville, NB for the duration of the contract. Sappyfest will arrange to have an office from May to August with expectation of weekday office hours and public accessibility.
Key Responsibilities
Under the direction and support of Sappyfest’s volunteer Board of Directors, the Head of Operations will provide:
● Operational Oversight:
- Develop, refine, and implement operational processes and workflows for the festival, ensuring all logistical elements are well-coordinated and executed.
● Team Leadership:
- Hire, supervise and provide workplace mentorship to contractual employees.
- Oversee the recruitment, training, and management of festival volunteers.
● Budget & Financial Oversight:
- In collaboration with the Sappyfest Treasurer, manage operational budgets and ensure that financial targets are met.
● Event Logistics:
- Oversee the setup and teardown of festival infrastructure, including stages, sound systems, food vendors, and other festival elements.
- Work closely with the Programming Committee and artists to ensure seamless coordination in providing accommodations, transportation, venues and equipment.
- Coordinate with external partners such as security personnel and first-aid teams.
- Track expenses, negotiate contracts, and ensure cost effective solutions.
- Oversee communications with audiences through website and social media, with contractual employees and Communications Committee.
● Stakeholder & Community Engagement:
- Maintain relationships with vendors, venues, community groups, and partners.
● Risk Management & Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, securing permits, and coordinating with local authorities.
- Maintain a risk management plan to handle potential emergencies.
● Reporting & Evaluation:
- Attend and participate in regular meetings with the Board of Directors by providing progress reports and participate in other discussion/committee meetings.
- Prepare post-event reports evaluating the operational success of the festival.
● Fundraising, Sponsorship, & Grants:
- Work with the Board to identify and pursue sponsorship opportunities.
- Oversee applying and reporting for grants, together with the Grants Committee.
Qualifications
● Proven experience in event management, preferably arts or community events.
● Strong leadership and team management skills.
● Ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team of staff and volunteers.
● Excellent organizational, time management, and multitasking abilities.
● Experience in budget management and financial oversight.
● Knowledge of local health, safety, and permitting regulations.
● Ability to handle high-pressure situations and solve problems creatively.
● Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
● Familiarity with the Sackville community and a passion for supporting local arts.
Additional Assets
● Valid driver's license
● Familiarity with Squarespace and social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter)
How to Apply
Please send your resume and a cover letter to sappyfestboard@gmail.com by December 20, 2024.
Sappyfest is committed to an equitable hiring process and strongly encourages applicants who self-identify as being part of underrepresented groups or as having additional barriers to entering or staying in the labour market.
Please contact us with any questions you may have, and let us know if there are accessibility accommodations you may require in the application and interview process.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
