Freelance Social Media Manager

Chai Wallahs; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A community-driven music festival in the UK is seeking a Freelance Social Media Manager to lead their digital presence leading up to the inaugural festival. This role involves managing social media channels, producing engaging content, and building community participation. The ideal candidate is a digitally savvy individual with a passion for grassroots music and arts. The position is part-time and remote, with a start date as soon as possible.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing social media for a brand or creative organisation.
• Strong understanding of digital marketing and content trends.
• Excellent visual and written storytelling skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a cohesive social media strategy.
• Manage social media channels and community engagement.
• Produce engaging assets that reflect the festival's spirit.

Skills

Social media management

Digital marketing

Visual storytelling

Content creation

Community engagement

Tools

Adobe Suite

Canva

Google Drive

Slack

Trello

Job description

Freelance Social Media Manager — Where It All Began Festival 2026

Where It All Began is seeking a dynamic, creative Social Media Manager to lead the growth of our digital presence in the lead‑up to and during our inaugural festival in June 2026. Working closely with the core festival team, you will play a key role in shaping and telling the story of this brand‑new, collaborative, grassroots festival – inspiring people to get involved, building excitement, and connecting with the independent music community across the UK. This role is perfect for someone who is digitally savvy, culturally aware, and passionate about grassroots music, arts, and community. You’ll have a sharp understanding of how to build online momentum – turning ideas into content that amplifies our message, engages our supporters, and drives real‑world participation.

Where It All Began is a not‑for‑profit, community‑driven music festival created to unite and strengthen the UK’s grassroots music ecosystem. Founded by the teams behind Chai Wallahs & Diplomats of Sound CIC, it exists to celebrate collaboration, creativity, and collective action.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a cohesive social media strategy aligned with festival milestones and crowdfunding campaigns.
• Manage Where It All Began’s social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X, Threads, etc.), overseeing day‑to‑day content, community engagement, and cross‑promotion with partner accounts.
• Build anticipation through storytelling – showing the people, venues, and values behind the festival.
• Identify and grow presence on underused or emerging platforms.
• Track performance metrics and provide regular insight reports on reach, engagement, and audience growth.

Content Creation

• Produce engaging, high‑impact assets (reels, videos, graphics, photos, and stories) that bring the grassroots spirit of the festival to life.
• Capture and curate user‑generated content from artists, partners, and audiences.
• Support campaign copywriting for posts, announcements, and artist spotlights.
• Collaborate with designers, photographers, and filmmakers to ensure brand consistency across all platforms.

Campaigns & Community Building

• Coordinate digital campaigns leading up to key events such as the Crowdfunder launch, line‑up announcement, and on‑site festival coverage.
• Work alongside partner organisations, artists, and venues to amplify shared messages and strengthen network visibility.
• Manage paid social media ads to boost engagement, ticket sales, and fundraising goals.
• Build and nurture online communities that reflect the inclusivity and collaboration at the heart of the festival.

Evaluation & Reporting

• Collate engagement data to measure campaign impact.
• Assist in post‑festival reporting to document and share the success and reach of Where It All Began 2026.

Other Responsibilities

• Support other communications and marketing activities as required – including newsletters, press campaigns, and media outreach.
• Bring creative ideas and fresh digital approaches to a growing, fast‑moving grassroots team.

Person Specification

• Proven experience managing social media for a brand, campaign, festival, or creative organisation.
• Strong understanding of digital marketing, online engagement, and content trends.
• Excellent visual and written storytelling skills.
• Highly organised, self‑motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Collaborative team player with a proactive and adaptable approach.
• Passion for music, festivals, and supporting independent artists and creative communities.
• Digital proficiency and confidence using collaborative tools (e.g. Google Drive, Slack, Trello, Canva).
• Design or video‑editing skills (Canva, Adobe Suite, CapCut, etc.).
• Knowledge of grassroots music culture, independent festivals, or non‑profit/community initiatives.
• Experience creating or curating content in live events or performing arts contexts.
• Familiarity with paid social analytics and performance reporting.

Additional Information

• Type: Freelance, part‑time (remote with occasional in‑person days / events in Bristol).
• Duration: November 2025 – July 2026 (approx. 8 months).
• Fee: To be agreed based on experience.
• Start date: As soon as possible.