Do you have a passion for connection through live music? Do you enjoy managing a team? Do you have experience in event management? 

The Christchurch Jazz Foundation Trust is seeking applications to contract a Festival Director for the 2026 Christchurch Big Band Festival and beyond. The programme for the 2026 Festival will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the festival, so the successful applicant will be able to jump onboard at the planning stages of this year's great looking festival featuring jazz big bands and street jazz.

What is the Christchurch Big Band Festival? Five days of Big Band Jazz in the streets and venues of Ōtautahi over Labour Weekend 17th-22nd October 2026. This community enriching festival has been running since 2006 engaging multiple big bands and swing dancers of all ages.

The Festival Director is responsible for the following areas and will work in conjunction with the festival production team to include:

• Submitting fund raising applications to cover the festival budget costs, including manager fees. 
• Establish and finalise a detailed programme in conjunction with the Artistic Director 
• Book all event venues 
• Secure event permits and other permits as required including APRA Licencing
• Appoint Event Managers for each event
• Report to the Trust on major financial decisions
• Set Marketing Budget in consultation with the Trust and Artistic Director
• Liaise with marketing, health and safety, volunteers, events, education, funding, social media, website
• Communicate with Festival Directors of other events in Christchurch over Labour weekend to ensure the festivals can work together to maximise the success of each festival
• Be the go-to-person for media enquiries
• Increase brand awareness of the Christchurch Big Band Festival both regionally and nationally to ensure its longevity
• Scheduling band performances/programming to suit various ages, venues and band member overlaps (Artist Director role)
• Supporting the annual formation of the Christchurch Youth Jazz Orchestra

QUALIFICATIONS/ EXPERIENCE

• The Festival Director of the Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival must be well-versed in Big Band Jazz and the requirements of Big Bands in terms of technical, logistical, performance space needs.
• Communication is an important aspect as the Festival Director must be able to communicate and work with the festival committee and the representatives of all of the bands.
• Organisational abilities are key, the director must be able to manage multiple event information and oversee multiple volunteers to ensure the events are delivered to a high standard.
• Experience or a tertiary qualification in Commerce, Management or similar is desirable but not mandatory.

Read more about the Christchurch Big Band Festival at chchbigbandfest.com

Please contact judith@bigbandfest.org.nz or call 027-2322912