Managing Director - Brighton Fringe
Job Type: Permanent – Full Time (While the role is full-time, we are open to flexible working arrangements outside the peak festival period (February–June), including the possibility of a four-day week for part of the year.)
Location: Central Brighton Office, home-working part-time option
Reports to: The Chair and Brighton Fringe’s Board of Trustees
Hours: Full time (37.5 hours per week), including some evening and weekend work
Salary: £42,000 per annum
Deadline: 10am, Wednesday 14th January 2026
Brighton Fringe operates a year-round programme culminating in a four-week festival of theatre, comedy, music, circus, cabaret and live events each May. We are the largest open-access arts festival in England and the 3rd largest in the world.
We’re looking for an enthusiastic and collaborative Managing Director to lead Brighton Fringe into its next chapter. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a creative, fast-paced environment and is passionate about supporting artists, venues, and audiences.
How To Apply
Please email your CV and a short covering letter (no more than 1 page) outlining your interest in the role, suitability and availability to confidential@brightonfringe.org
Brighton Fringe is run by a small and passionate team who require a Managing Director to lead from the front and advocate for the organisation. Ready to be hands-on and get stuck in to delivering England’s largest arts festival. Reporting to the board of Trustees, the Managing Director plays a pivotal role in shaping Brighton Fringe’s future—leading the development and long-term vision of the organisation and festival in line with our mission and values to make creative experiences accessible to all.
As a confident, collaborative person, the Managing Director provides strategic direction across the charity, working closely with the Senior Management Team to nurture and grow income streams, uphold and enhance artistic quality, and strengthen relationships with artists, venues, partners, funders, audiences and the wider community. The role is key to ensuring the charity’s resilience and sustainability year-round—balancing strategic planning with day-to-day support during the busy festival cycle.
While experience in festivals or the charity sector would be a real advantage, we warmly welcome applicants from all backgrounds who can bring fresh perspectives, strong leadership and a commitment to our values.
Although this role is full-time, we are open to discussing a more flexible working pattern outside the busy festival period - February to June. For the right candidate, a four-day week for part of the year could be possible. If you feel excited and enthused by the idea of shaping one of the UK’s most vibrant open-access arts festivals, we’d love to hear from you.