Local Talent and Community Programming Manager

THA Venues, Parks & Resorts; Riyadh; Hybrid; SAR 280,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

THA Venues, Parks & Resorts in Riyadh seeks a Local Talent and Community Programming Manager to join a dedicated full-time Festival Programming team for two major Saudi events in 2027. This senior hands-on role builds a rooted local and regional content programme so it feels integrated from day one.

You will lead local programming, ensure regulatory compliance, and coordinate with Saudi clubs, creators, universities, and partners.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in gaming, esports, entertainment or major live events in Saudi Arabia or the region at Senior Manager level.
• Experience across at least two live event seasons.
• Proven record of personally producing local and regional programming.

Responsibilities

• Lead local and regional programming including Saudi and regional clubs, creators, grassroots, and community competitions.
• Integrate local content with the international programme to create a unified festival experience.
• Coordinate day-to-day with Saudi and regional clubs, creators, universities, grassroots organisations and agencies.

Skills

Local programming

Programme integration

Partner coordination

Cultural/regulatory compliance

Audience insight

Job description

We are recruiting a Local Talent and Community Programming Manager to join a dedicated full-time team embedded in our client s Festival Programming function in Riyadh. The team will support two major events in Saudi Arabia: a flagship event in summer 2027 July to August and a further event in November 2027. You will lead the festival s local and regional programming working alongside the international clubs and creators lead. You will bring in Saudi and regional clubs Arabic-speaking creators Universities Grassroots and community tournaments Cultural and national moments. You will build this local content into the main programme rather than running it as a side show so it feels like part of the festival from day one. You will also make sure all local content meets cultural and regulatory requirements. This is a hands-on producing role. The grade reflects your seniority and judgement not the size of a team you supervise. We are looking for a programmer who personally builds the local and regional programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Local and Regional Programming
  • Lead local and regional programming including Saudi and regional clubs creators grassroots and community competitions Arabic-language and cultural moments and local talent
  • Build a prioritised list of local content opportunities from national moments the host-city calendar and community activity
• Programme Integration
  • Integrate local content with the international programme rather than running it alongside
  • Work with the international clubs and creators lead so that local and international content feel like one festival
• Partner Coordination
  • Coordinate day to day with Saudi and regional clubs creators universities grassroots organisations and agencies
  • Maintain the local partner log so every relationship and commitment is tracked
• Cultural and Regulatory Compliance
  • Make sure all local content meets cultural and regulatory requirements
  • Flag and resolve compliance issues early in the planning process
• Audience Insight
  • Capture local audience response to inform the programme across both events

A competitive package for the duration of a 14-month contract with the potential to extend by up to 3 months Flexible working with a remote option during the planning phase A senior hands-on role in a dedicated specialist team embedded with a major client Valuable experience on one of the region s most high-profile live events programmes At Least 8 years of experience in gaming, esports, entertainment or major live events in Saudi Arabia or the region, at Senior Manager level. Experience across at least two live event seasons. A proven record of personally producing local and regional programming. Only experience where you personally produced the work counts towards the requirement.

Ideal Background

An entertainment, community or live events programmer with strong, existing contacts across Saudi and regional clubs, creators and grassroots communities. Established relationships with Saudi and regional clubs, creators, communities and grassroots organisations are a strong advantage.

Languages

Fluent Arabic and English are required.