Marketing Manager
/JOB TITLE:
Marketing Manager
ORGANIZATION:
Vancouver Folk Music Festival
DEADLINE:
Until Filled
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
Founded in 1978, the Vancouver Folk Music Festival (VFMF) is a Canadian cultural institution. It is a unique celebration of traditional and contemporary folk and roots music from around the world. Rooted in values of artistic excellence, diversity and inclusiveness, environmental stewardship, social justice, and reconciliation, the festival is dedicated to honouring the transformative power of community and the joy of discovery. Every July, the VFMF takes place at ʔəy̓alməxʷ / Iy̓ál̓mexw Jericho Beach Park, on the unceded and ancestral land of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. 2026 marks the festival’s 49th anniversary.
WEBSITE:
http://www.vanfolkfest.ca
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Type: Contract, Part-time
Duration: Feb–Aug 2026, start date ASAP
Contract Value: $20,000
Festival Dates: July 17–19, 2026
Work Style: Hybrid in person/remote with availability required during the Festival period and key planning milestones. Weekly hours will vary over the contract term, ramping up during the summer months. VFMF will work with the contractor to create a structure that balances the needs of all parties.
Work Environment and Access: The Vancouver Folk Festival’s office is located at 1945 McLean Drive in East Vancouver, co-located with several other arts and culture organizations including the Vancouver Opera, Vancouver International Children’s Festival, Pi Theatre, and others. You can expect a vibrant, collaborative work environment in an open concept setting. Private offices and meeting rooms are available as needed. Our office is located up two flights of stairs, also accessible via an elevator and seated lift. There is an accessible washroom onsite. Our offices are open M–F, 9am to 5pm.
Summary: This contract position provides comprehensive marketing and communications services to support a world-class Festival event, with a primary focus on ticket sales, audience growth, and media engagement.
Working closely with the Executive and Artistic Directors, and in collaboration with the Publicist, Digital Marketing contractor, Designer, Box Office Coordinator, and other Festival team members, the Marketing Manager will plan, execute, and oversee all marketing initiatives leading up to and through the Festival weekend.
The role also includes managing key messaging, ensuring sponsorship marketing deliverables are met, supporting designated Festival spokesperson(s) with media coordination, and delivering a post-Festival marketing report and archive.
VFMF is a growing organization. While this is a contract position, we are looking to build long-term relationships with talented and ambitious arts managers as we work towards our 50th anniversary celebrations in 2027.
The Marketing Manager reports to the Executive Director and works with all Festival departments as required.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
MARKETING STRATEGY & CAMPAIGN MANAGEMENT
Develop and execute a comprehensive marketing and advertising plan within the approved budget, focused on ticket sales, audience re-engagement, and brand visibility.
Work with the Executive Director to identify priority campaigns, audiences, and channels.
Coordinate timelines, messaging, and deliverables across all marketing initiatives.
Ensure consistent and effective Festival-wide messaging throughout the campaign period.
CONTENT CREATION AND COMMUNICATIONS
Write and edit marketing copy for website content, digital and print programs, social media channels, e-newsletters and email campaigns, and advertising and promotional materials.
Build and manage program content to augment the digital program book.
Support media management and communications for designated Festival spokesperson(s) before and during the Festival.
DESIGN, DIGITAL & PRODUCTION COORDINATION
Work with the Festival Designer to create advertising materials, website assets and updates, print and digital promotional materials, program book and related assets.
Collaborate with the Digital Marketing contractor to ensure campaigns are effectively executed across digital platforms.
SPONSORSHIP & PARTNERSHIP
Collaborate with VFMF staff to ensure all sponsorship marketing deliverables (website, social media, acknowledgements, etc.) are created, scheduled, and fulfilled.
Work with Sponsorship and Vendor Managers (food and artisan vendors) to ensure all publicity deliverables are met.
Assist in securing media sponsorships aligned with Festival goals.
DISTRIBUTION & OUTREACH
Ensure marketing materials are distributed effectively through paid placements, volunteer networks, trades, partner organizations, and community channels.
Engage and coordinate with staff and volunteers on outreach initiatives.
Oversee and support additional marketing initiatives as they arise.
FESTIVAL DELIVERY AND REPORTING
Coordinate with Box Office and internal teams to align messaging, promotions, and ticketing information.
Oversee marketing activities during the Festival, ensuring on-site and real-time needs are met.
Compile a post-Festival marketing report, including campaign outcomes, insights, and recommendations.
Deliver an organized, easily accessible archive of Festival marketing materials, ads, and documentation for future years.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Proven experience in marketing and communications, preferably for festivals, arts organizations, or live events.
Strong copywriting and editing skills across digital and print platforms.
Experience managing multi-channel marketing campaigns and coordinating creative teams.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, contractors, staff, and volunteers.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple timelines and priorities.
Familiarity with sponsorship marketing deliverables and partner relations.
Comfort working independently in a contract-based, deadline-driven environment.
Knowledge of the Vancouver arts and music community is an asset.
HOW TO APPLY:
Submit your resume and cover letter as a single PDF document to operations@thefestival.bc.ca. Applications will be open until the position is filled. The first round of applicants will be assessed on February 13, 2026.
REMUNERATION:
$20,000
