Festival Operations Officer

British Science Association; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading science organization is seeking a Festival Operations Officer to organize the British Science Festival 2025 in Liverpool. This full-time, fixed-term role offers remote work up to four days a week, requiring specific on-site presence during festival dates. Ideal for those looking to gain experience in event planning and festival management, the officer will manage logistical communications, coordinate staffing, and ensure smooth operations. Salary ranges from £28,600 to £34,424 per annum (pro-rata).

Qualifications

• Experience in event planning and festival management is preferred.
• Ability to handle logistical communications efficiently.
• Mandated on-site presence during active festival dates.

Responsibilities

• Organize and execute the British Science Festival 2025.
• Manage logistical communications with event organisers.
• Recruit and oversee temporary Festival Assistants.
• Coordinate accommodation logistics and transport logistics.

Skills

Strong organisational skills

Project management skills

Ability to work independently

Collaboration skills

Job description

The Festival Operations Officer will play a key role in organizing and executing the British Science Festival 2025, which will be held in Liverpool from September 10-14, 2025. The position is based in London, but the organization allows for remote work up to four days a week, with potential for fully remote arrangements. The officer will report to the Events & Festival Operations Manager and be responsible for temporary Festival Assistants. This full‑time, fixed‑term role requires travel to Liverpool in the months leading up to the Festival, with a mandatory on‑site presence from September 3-16, 2025. Salary ranges from £28,600 to £34,424 per annum (pro‑rata), and the preferred start date is March 26, 2025.

The Festival Operations Officer will be responsible for managing logistical communications with event organisers and ensuring smooth execution of the Festival. Key duties include building and managing the Festival Masterplan, recruiting and overseeing temporary Festival Assistants, coordinating accommodation logistics, ensuring data integrity, handling Risk Assessment forms, and organising transport logistics for speakers, staff and goods. The officer will also monitor the Festival Inbox, attend meetings and site visits, and support on‑site event management. During the Festival the officer should expect longer working hours, manual handling tasks and coordination of venue and equipment set‑up.

This role requires strong organisational and project management skills, the ability to work independently and efficiently and close collaboration with internal teams and external partners. The officer will work closely with the Events & Festival Operations Manager, Engagement Manager, Engagement Officer and Head of Festivals. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to gain experience in event planning and festival management while contributing to a high‑profile, fast‑moving project that connects the public with scientific research.