Job Description

Job Title:

Events & Development Co-ordinator

Salary:

28,000 - 30,000 dependent on experience

Contract:

Permanent, full time, with a 6-month probation period

Responsible to:

Director

Hours:

5 days / 40 hours per week, with evening and weekend work essential

Location:

Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton, Hampshire PO8 0BG

Summary:

Butser Ancient Farm is a venue like no other, set in the heart of the South Downs and bringing to life over 10,000 years of human history. We are looking for someone passionate and driven to execute our exciting programme to make the most of our special setting and engage even more people with the magic of Butser. As well as taking the lead on the delivery of our major fundraising festivals, you will be managing a range of other out-of-hours events and providing support to the team across a range of marketing and event activities.

You will need to have a good understanding and experience of end-to-end event planning and execution, budgeting, event logistics and practicalities. You will also need great interpersonal skills to work with our team of dedicated volunteers, staff, and our many visitors to make each event a success. You'll need a hands-on creative approach to problem solving and to thrive in a busy and varied working environment where no two days are ever the same!

The post will entail regular evening and weekend work managing the events and you will be expected to be on site to oversee and run the smooth delivery of these events. Time off in lieu will be given accordingly.

Purpose of the role:

We are seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and highly organised individual to join our small team. You will be responsible for the delivery of our major fundraising events and other out-of-hours (evenings and weekend) events, along with working with colleagues to develop our site hire offerings to enable the future growth and success of Butser Ancient Farm.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Event planning & strategy:

Work with the wider team to develop and manage the overall events programme and strategy, aligning with revenue goals and maintaining Butser's reputation for exceptional events. Take responsibility for planning, developing, and executing a range of events throughout the year, including our large-scale festivals, managing all aspects including budget, timeline, logistics, health and safety, and review. Work strategically to maximise event revenue and seek ways to optimise event operations to improve profitability and visitor satisfaction. Maintain events listings on the Butser website and ticketing system to optimise marketing and ensure a smooth booking process. Work with the senior management team to identify and develop areas for growth, including developing new events or growing into new audiences or platforms, eg via livestreaming or digital events. Conduct post-event reviews to analyse successfulness, compiling feedback from attendees, contributors, and volunteers, and including financial summaries to gauge profitability.

2. Contributor management:

Represent Butser in negotiations with event contributors, such as performers, traders, or contractors, establishing contracts and ensuring all services are delivered as promised. Manage and supervise event staff, including volunteers.

3. Logistics & operations:

Coordinate with the wider team to balance our multiple uses of the site and ensure resources are optimally used and shared. Lead efforts to maintain and develop events spaces and improve facilities for events. Manage event signage and decoration of event spaces to ensure a cohesive experience. Work with the wider team to ensure that the site is event ready.

4. Attendee experience:

Foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere at all events, upholding Butser's commitment to delivering exceptional visitor experiences and maintaining our NPS score of Excellent. Engage with visitors, obtain feedback, and continuously work on improvements to meet the diverse needs of our audiences.

5. Site hire and event development:

Co-ordinate site hire enquiries for use of the Butser site, such as for filming, handfasting, or parties, coordinating bookings and overseeing logistics, negotiating terms, and managing setup and equipment needs.

6. Event stock & resource management:

Maintain and organise event stock, equipment, and resources, ensuring availability and readiness for each event. Liaise with suppliers, place orders, and pre-empt stock needs for future events. Develop and streamline systems for managing inventory, setup, and transport of materials to reduce costs and increase operational efficiency.

7. Out-of-hours event support:

Represent Butser on-site during events, leading the hands-on setup, management, and packdown to ensure all aspects run smoothly and on schedule. Troubleshoot any arising issues and perform on-the-ground problem-solving to maintain standards of customer satisfaction.

About you:

Essential:

Demonstrable experience in event planning and delivery of large-scale events. Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously. Excellent organisational and time management abilities. Ability to take initiative, work under pressure and meet tight deadlines. Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written. Strong negotiation skills and ability to lead and motivate a team. Creative problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to potential challenges. Keen attention to detail and drive for excellence. Experienced in budget management and financial reporting. Excellent digital literacy and fluency with Microsoft Office.

Desirable:

A professional qualification in event management or business and marketing. Strong understanding of event marketing and promotion strategies. Familiarity with tools and systems such as Squarespace, Ticketsolve, Meta Business Suite, Trello, Jotform, Canva, and/or OnePlan. First aid training.

Please note:

Frequent evening and weekend work will be necessary to accommodate event schedules and will be compensated for via time off in lieu. The role may require long hours, especially in the lead-up to and during event execution.

About us:

Butser Ancient Farm is a world-famous research centre in experimental archaeology, and a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. As archaeologists, we study and recreate ancient buildings from the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, and early medieval eras, and actively research the past through ambitious new experiments. We are also an award-winning centre for education, immersing our visitors in a tangible sense of history, and developing people's connection to the past through meaningful experiences. Our events programme is a key part of our fundraising efforts, and a major point of connection with our community and audience. We are a small, ambitious team achieving exciting things, where everyone gets involved and has a proactive hands-on approach. No two days are ever the same!

How to apply:

To apply please submit your CV and a covering letter to administrator@butserancientfarm.co.uk by midnight on

Sunday 18th January 2026

.

In your covering letter please let us know why you are interested in this role and how your experience and skills meet our specification.

Please note that late applications will not be accepted after the deadline. Interviews will take place in the week beginning 26th January 2026.

If you have any questions, please email administrator@butserancientfarm.co.uk or call us on 02392 598838. Email applications will be acknowledged on receipt.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 28,000.00-30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Employee discount Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Sick pay
Work Location: In person