About us
The National Folk Festival, one of the premier multicultural celebrations in the United States, will arrive in Jackson in 2025, making the city its home for the next three years. This FREE three-day event will feature over 30 performing groups from across the nation on multiple stages, offering continuous music, dance, traditional crafts, and cuisine, as well as children’s activities, to visitors from around the globe. Jackson, Mississippi, renowned for its deep-rooted cultural traditions, will serve as the perfect backdrop for this event, as it shares a long history of folk arts and music integral to the festival’s mission.
About the Role
The Local Festival Manager will work closely with NCTA, the festival producer, to ensure a seamless and impactful festival. With the leadership of the City of Jackson and the Festival Executive Committee, spearheaded by Dr. Ebony Lumumba, this collaborative effort will place Jackson and hundreds of artists from diverse cultural traditions firmly on the national stage.
The City of Jackson, in partnership with the NCTA, is seeking an experienced and dynamic individual to serve as the Local Festival Manager for the National Folk Festival, a critical role in bringing this iconic event to life in Jackson. Over the next three years, this position will offer a unique opportunity to lead a large-scale cultural event that fosters community building, celebrates diverse traditions, and enhances Jackson’s cultural legacy.
The Local Festival Manager will be a key figure in ensuring the success of the festival's residency in Jackson, overseeing planning, execution, and community engagement. This individual will be the bridge between the NCTA, the City of Jackson, and local partners, working to secure broad participation, financial support, and media attention to establish Jackson as a national hub for folk arts.
This role is ideal for someone with a passion for cultural festivals, a commitment to community development, and the leadership experience to manage a complex, large-scale event.
Classification: Contract
Compensation Range: $65,000 - $70,000
Location: Jackson, Mississippi
Requirements
Duties & Responsibilities
The Local Festival Manager will take on a multifaceted leadership role, overseeing key aspects of the festival’s planning, development, and execution. Key responsibilities include:
Facilitating Executive and Committee Meetings: Coordinate and lead meetings with the Festival Executive Committee, other stakeholders, and advisory committees ensuring seamless communication and decision-making processes.
Liaising with NCTA: Act as the primary point of contact with the National Council for the Traditional Arts, ensuring that the festival’s goals are met in collaboration with local partners.
Designing and Executing Community Outreach: Lead targeted outreach efforts to secure local participation and build broad support for the festival, engaging diverse communities across Jackson and the region.
Managing Contracts and Vendors: Work closely with NCTA, the City, and Festival’s fiscal agent to contract services and vendors for the festival.
Fundraising and Sponsorship Recruitment: Collaborate with NCTA, the City, and the Executive Committee to develop fundraising materials, manage corporate sponsorships, write grant proposals, and oversee the festival’s financial sustainability.
Marketing and Media Relations: Oversee the creation and execution of a comprehensive marketing plan, including TV, radio, print, and social media campaigns. Represent the festival at public speaking engagements and manage media relations before and during the event.
Program Development: Assist in the development of the festival’s official program and materials, working closely with graphic designers, marketing committees, and NCTA staff.
Organizing Event and Site Services Management: Implement comprehensive plans for event logistics, site services, and operational support systems, ensuring the festival runs smoothly across all venues, stages, and activities, keeping high standards of safety, accessibility, and experience.
Coordinating Staff and Volunteers: Recruit and supervise seasonal staff, coordinators, and volunteers, ensuring seamless collaboration between all teams involved.
Ensuring Accessibility and Inclusivity: Coordinate American Sign Language interpretation and other accessibility plans to ensure the festival is welcoming to all attendees.
Budgeting and Financial Oversight: Manage the annual festival budget, track expenses and revenue, and provide regular financial updates to NCTA and the Executive Committee in coordination with the festival’s fiscal agent.
Qualifications & Experience
The ideal candidate for this position will possess the following qualifications:
Education and Professional Experience: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience, with five or more years in festival management, large-scale event planning, or related fields.
Fundraising and Marketing Expertise: Proven success in managing fundraising campaigns, sponsorships, and marketing strategies for large events.
Leadership and Communication Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead teams, coordinate with multiple stakeholders, and effectively manage relationships with partners, sponsors, and the public.
Attention to Detail: The ability to multitask, meet tight deadlines, and problem-solve in a fast-paced environment.
Technological Proficiency: Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, virtual meeting platforms, and other relevant technology tools.
Commitment to Community: A genuine passion for culture, arts, and community development, and the personal qualities of integrity, honor, and dedication to the festival’s mission.
Local Residency Requirement: Candidates must already reside in or be willing and able to travel to Jackson, MS, for all meetings. Within 2 months of acceptance, the selected applicant must reside within a 50-mile radius of downtown Jackson.
Valid Driver’s License: A valid state-issued driver’s license is required. Within 30 days of relocating to Mississippi, the selected applicant is expected to obtain a Mississippi driver's license.