Job SummaryBritish Arts Festivals Association (BAFA) seeks an experienced arts freelancer to lead our new RISE network, identifying and recruiting five new festivals to join RISE, including BAFA membership, peer mentoring and conference attendance, as part of the ACE‑funded Resilient Festivals project.Job DescriptionThe RISE Network Lead role within BAFA’s ACE‑funded Resilient Festivals project is designed to enhance the sustainability and accessibility of UK arts festivals. The successful candidate will identify and recruit five new arts festivals led by or working with under‑represented protected characteristic communities, or those based in priority places, to join BAFA through the RISE programme, facilitate peer networking between BAFA mentor and participant festivals, and collaborate with Tonic on training initiatives aligned with RISE’s broader goals. This home‑based position requires an initiative‑taking approach to network development, strong stakeholder engagement, and a good working understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the arts festivals sector, as well as a strong background in widening participation, accessibility and inclusion.Job RequirementsConsiderable experience of working in widening participation, accessibility, and inclusionWorking understanding of the key organisations and resources supporting good practice in equity, diversity, and inclusionStrong track record of effective project managementCompetent and effective user of Excel, Word, Outlook, Zoom, Teams, and filesharing softwareInitiative‑taking and flexible approach to workAbility to problem solve and work effectively as part of a small home‑based teamExcellent communication skills and personable approach to 1:1 communicationJob ResponsibilitiesWork closely with the project team, creating and implementing a project plan to map out key timescales and deliverables across the RISE programme, including BAFA events and bespoke support with partner member festivalsIdentify and recruit five new non‑member festivals led by or working with under‑represented protected characteristic communities, or those based in priority places, to participate in the projectIdentify and recruit member festivals to support the project as peer mentorsContribute to the evaluation of the Resilient Festivals project as appropriateThis is a freelance contract for a total fee of £4,000, plus additional expenses as agreed. We anticipate that the role will commence in December 2025 and complete by October 2026. As a freelance position, applicants will need to confirm that they are eligible to be classified as self‑employed and be responsible for their own arrangements for tax and National Insurance. Applicants will need to be administratively self‑sufficient.How to apply: To apply, please complete the application form and email it to bafa@artsfestivals.co.uk with a copy of your current CV by midnight on Monday 17 November. Please also complete an equality and diversity monitoring form. Shortlisted applicants will be notified by Friday 21 November, and interviews will take place online on Wednesday 26 November. BAFA is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. For more information about our work, visit https://www.artsfestivals.co.uk.In addition, priority will be given to candidates who can bring knowledge of the operations and resourcing of arts festivals, and relevant experience from a mentorship programme.Application Formhttps://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=crsyS6bcVUWWiSEzLg5_C9v4bvFoKBJNte8L2P9yI0ZUMDhDSEZNQVhXUVFWMkxJVkNLQk5GQzRKNS4uEqual Opportunities Formhttps://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=crsyS6bcVUWWiSEzLg5_C9v4bvFoKBJNte8L2P9yI0ZUMElaTUlTRk1MWFdHTEsxS0hOOUVFQlZDQy4u #J-18808-Ljbffr