Festival Manager

Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; some evenings and weekends as needed.

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.

The mission of Carolina Performing Arts ( CPA) is to spark curiosity, inspiring all members of our community to discover and more fully engage with the world. We collaborate with dynamic and compelling artists from across the globe to create novel, mission-driven performing arts experiences in partnership with our community. We also open our venues to others to explore, create, and celebrate their own work. Through the Office of the Executive Director for the Arts ( EDA), CPA oversees all artistic programming, campus and community engagement, marketing and fundraising for its presented, commissioned and produced work, and manages all operations of its venues including facility rentals, technical production, audience services and ticketing.
Carolina Performing Arts thrives because of our collaborations with a diverse cohort of partners that create deeper understanding for our audiences and enable us to be empathetic visionaries. As our campus, state, nation, and world continue to reckon with systemic injustices, we are committed to being an agent for change and making certain that our internal practices reflect the values that are made visible on the stage. Our work is made possible and made better through the contributions of team members from a wide array of backgrounds, experiences, and identities. We seek to recruit and develop staff to create a welcoming, and inclusive organization.

Carolina Performing Arts ( CPA) is seeking a Festival Manager to lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of a 4-day festival to launch in February of 2027 and become an annual event for the campus and wider community across Chapel Hill and Carrboro. As the event project manager, the Festival Manager will design and direct event logistics, facilitate communication between internal and external stakeholders, the CPA programming team, vendors, and volunteers to ensure smooth operations, and collaborate closely with the CPA leadership team and staff to implement the festival's goals. The position requires managing budgets, forecasting and scheduling necessary personnel, securing required permits, handling event-related challenges, and providing post-festival evaluations and reports. Additionally, the manager will work to strengthen community relationships by fostering partnerships with local businesses and service providers in support of the festival.

This is a temporary SHRA position with a variable FTE that increases over time.

This position requires driving.

Bachelor's degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Experience directly planning and managing large-scale festivals or events, preferably in an arts or cultural context.

Proven track record in developing and managing detailed project timelines, budgets, and schedules, ensuring all milestones are met within deadlines and financial constraints.

Ability to lead and coordinate cross-functional teams, including volunteers, staff, and contractors, to ensure smooth event operations.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience managing relationships and negotiating with vendors, artists, volunteers, and community partners.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and find effective solutions.

Experience building and maintaining partnerships with local businesses, service providers, and community organizations to enhance event experiences.

Knowledge of event planning software, ticketing platforms, and on-site technologies (e.g., audio/visual, staging, etc.).

Experience partnering with local government and/or university entities.

Extended periods of walking and standing during the 4-day festival, as well as during site visits and planning phases.

Ability to move materials or equipment (e.g., signage, event kits, supplies) weighing up to 25-30 pounds.

Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions (heat, cold, rain) during the festival, especially when managing outdoor events or setting up and taking down materials.

Ability to work long hours, including evenings, early mornings, and weekends, particularly during the festival and peak planning periods.

All duties to be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

H-1B sponsorship is not available for this position.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.