Job Description

Festivals Marketing Executive

Aberdeen Performing Arts (His Majestys Theatre, the Music Hall and The Lemon Tree)

Location:

Primarily based at the Music Hall, with flexibility across venues and hybrid working options. Some evening/weekend work required.

Reporting to:

Head of Marketing & Communications

Contract:

Permanent

Hours:

Full time but were flexible. Lets talk.

Salary:

29,933 FTE

ABOUT US

Aberdeen Performing Arts is a regional cultural powerhouse, operating three iconic venues, His Majestys Theatre, the Music Hall, and The Lemon Tree, and welcoming over one million visitors annually. With 770+ performances and six festivals each year, we present, produce, engage, and inspire across our stages, cafes, bars, and in schools and beyond. From world-class touring shows to homegrown talent, we are a vibrant hub for creativity and connection.

Our Mission

To ensure that our inclusive, creative work inspires, stimulates and entertains diverse audiences and participants from Aberdeen, the North-east and beyond.

Our Purpose

To bring the joy of arts, creativity, and live performance to all.

Our Values

Curiosity, Optimism, Loyalty, Teamwork and Resilience

Our Goals

Programme:

making, curating and staging work of quality and ambition that is distinctive, diverse and relevant

Talent:

Investing in the artists, performers and creatives of today and tomorrow

Arts without boundaries:

creative engagement for everyone, whoever and wherever they are

Placemaking:

shaping place, reinventing the North-east and recognising arts and creativity as a central part of our nation

Looking to the Future

Our business and artistic plan 2024 - 2028, puts artists, performers and creative practitioners at the heart of our artistic vision and gives voice to our diverse audiences, participants and communities. We see arts and culture at the heart of our city, integral to economic regeneration and community wellbeing in the North-east. Our values led culture, and Everyone is Welcome Here ethos are fundamental to Aberdeen Performing Arts and underpin everything we do.


With festivals now a key strand of our artistic identity, and with more coming, this role fills a vital gap. Were looking for a dedicated, imaginative marketing lead to steer campaigns, grow audiences, and give each festival a strong, clear voice in the world.


This isnt just about easing workload. Its about brand strategy, audience connection, creative flair, and leading from within. Youll make sure our campaigns are smart, strategic, and spark excitement, while helping us tell bigger stories about culture in the North-east.

The Role in a Nutshell

Get under the skin of each festival and seasons unique identity, create imaginative and engaging campaigns, and enthuse a range of audiences for these quality, distinct events. As our Festivals Marketing Executive, youll lead the creative development and implementation of campaigns across our growing portfolio: Granite Noir, Delve, Light the Blue, Aberdeen Queer Arts Festival, Comedy Festival, and International Season.


This is a hands-on, ideas-led role, perfect for someone with a flair for storytelling, an eye for design, and a strategic head. Youll shape each festivals personality and purpose in the public eye, building recognition and audiences through thoughtful, bold, and compelling marketing.

What Youll Do

Campaigns & Planning

Lead the full lifecycle of festival marketing campaigns, from initial brand identity and creative brief through to post-festival evaluation and reporting. Coordinate effectively with internal teams, external agencies, freelancers, and promoters to ensure cohesive campaign delivery. Develop and manage campaign timelines, media plans, messaging strategies, and a mix of digital, print, and PR touchpoints to maximise reach and impact. Develop creative concepts and narratives that reflect the vision and diversity of the festivals portfolio.

Audience & Brand Strategy

Identify and define target audiences for each festival, tailoring messaging, tone and channels to drive engagement and attendance Develop and evolve distinctive festival brand identities that sit within Aberdeen Performing Arts overarching brand framework. Ensure campaigns reflect our values: curiosity, optimism, teamwork, loyalty, resilience.

Sales & Reporting

Monitor ticket sales and compare to targets and past performance. Regularly report insights to the team and leadership.

Stakeholder Management

Work collaboratively with the creative teams: artists, curators, and programmers, to ensure authentic representation of work. Communicate project plans, KPIs, and outcomes to inspire buy-in. Provide regular updates to key colleagues across the organisation.

Team & Culture

Manage and coordinate festival tasks within the Marketing team, ensuring smooth planning and delivery. Contribute positively to a collaborative and energised team culture. Step in to support colleagues or wider projects when needed.

Youre a Great Fit If You Have

MustHaves:

Demonstrable experience in a creative marketing or communications role, ideally within the arts or cultural sector A creative approach to engaging audiences and marketing events, able to think beyond the obvious and bring fresh ideas to the table Proven track record running campaigns end-to-end Able to juggle multiple projects independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment Great storytelling instincts and a sharp visual sensibility Strong planning, communication and stakeholder management skills Passion for the arts and a belief in the power of cultural inclusion and diversity

NicetoHaves:

Experience in live arts, festivals, or ticketing. Familiarity with CRM and CMS tools. Degree in Marketing / Communications (or equivalent professional experience).

Personal Spark:

You bring a genuine passion for the arts in all its forms, and a well-tuned sense of humour. Youre proactive, responsive, and adaptable, someone who thrives in creative, fast-paced

environments.

With a natural curiosity, you enjoy seeking out new perspectives. The opportunity to learn and grow within your work is a challenge you enjoy.

Success Looks Like...

In 3 Months: Youre embedded in the team, getting under the skin of each festivals identity, purpose and people. In 6 Months: Youre leading campaigns and juggling timelines like a pro. In 12 Months: Youve built audience insights, grown ticket sales, and made festivals feel seamless and standout.

Why Join Us?

Make a real impact in shaping Aberdeens cultural landscape. Be part of a vibrant, collaborative team building distinctive festival brands. Work across venues and sectors, getting hands-on with dynamic, creative projects. Thrive in an optimistic, values-led workplace where your voice is heard and your ideas matter

How to Apply

To apply for the Festivals Marketing Executive role, please send us:

A relevant CV A short cover letter (no more than one A4 page) or video / audio statement (max 5 minutes) outlining:
+ What excites you about this opportunity and why you are the right person for the role. + A campaign case study or summary of your approach / experience in marketing events.
+ What would you hope to learn, shape or bring to the role?

We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience of marginalisation or systemic exclusion in the arts, including but not limited to people of colour, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals and those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. CVs and cover letters can be submitted in whatever format feels most accessible and comfortable to you.


You can email these directly to recruitment@aberdeenperformingarts.com, or use the application portal at www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/work-with-us.


If you are submitting a video or audio application, please send it via a WeTransfer link or similar, and ensure its in a widely accessible format.


If you need support or adjustments to apply, let us know, were happy to help, and it wont affect your application.

Deadline:

Please apply no later than

5pm on Friday 18 July.

Interviews:

Will take place in

Aberdeen w/c 28 July.

If youd like to chat informally about the role or talk through submitting your application in a different way, contact our Head of Marketing and Communications: andy.kite@aberdeenperformingarts.com