Freelance Events Manager
The BIT Collective
Job Title: Events Manager (Freelance, 12 month Fixed-Term Contract)
Location: Remote, with some travel across Scotland for in-person events
Hours: 3 hours/week (to be confirmed in quarterly work plans)
Pay: £18 per hour
Reports to: The BIT Collective board
Role Overview:
The BIT Collective is seeking a skilled and proactive Events Manager to lead and coordinate our events programme for 2025–2026, including panels, the BIT on Tour initiative, and monthly community meet-ups. You’ll work with a small team of freelancers and board members to plan, organise, and deliver inclusive, impactful events that champion our mission: fostering equity, diversity, and community in Scotland’s folk and traditional arts.
This role includes collaboration with a wide range of partners and may involve co-delivering events with other organisations. You’ll also work closely with—and mentor—the Online Events Coordinator, offering guidance and sharing experience to ensure our in-person and online programmes are aligned, consistent, and mutually supportive.
We’re particularly keen to hear from candidates with experience in events planning or coordination—this could be in the arts, community, education, activism, or other relevant fields. If you’ve helped organise gatherings, festivals, workshops, or collaborative projects, we’d love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities:
Plan and deliver four in-person events in various Scottish locations, liaising with venues, artists, and partners to support inclusive conversations and diverse programming.
Coordinate and host monthly community meetups, fostering regular engagement and safe, welcoming spaces.
Lead BIT on Tour delivery, including pop-up activities at festivals and attending sector events to represent and champion our EDI work.
Collaborate with external organisations and partners on the co-delivery of selected events where appropriate.
Support and mentor the Online Events Coordinator, helping align in-person and digital programming and providing developmental support.
Oversee event logistics, including scheduling, managing budgets, liaising with venues and suppliers, and providing on-the-day support.
Ensure all in-person events meet health & safety and safeguarding standards, and comply with relevant risk assessments and accessibility guidelines.
Work within budget constraints, identifying creative, cost-effective solutions and exploring partnerships or in-kind support to maximise resources.
Ensure accessibility and inclusivity are embedded in every stage of planning and delivery.
Collaborate with the board, partners, and freelancers to shape event content that aligns with The BIT Collective’s mission and values.
Gather and report feedback from attendees, partners, and collaborators to help evaluate and improve our programming.
Contribute ideas for future events, ensuring they are responsive to community needs and sector trends.
Work alongside the Marketing & Communications Officer to promote events and reach diverse audiences.
Skills & Attributes:
Experience planning and delivering events—this might be in arts, music, community organising, education, or a related area.
Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and adjust to shifting priorities.
Strong communication and collaboration skills, with confidence in building relationships with a wide range of partners.
Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and community empowerment.
Familiarity with digital tools such as Google Workspace, Discord and video conferencing platforms.
Awareness of health & safety and safeguarding responsibilities relevant to event delivery.
Ability to work within budget constraints and seek creative solutions to reduce costs.
Willingness to travel within Scotland for in-person events (travel expenses will be covered).
An understanding of the traditional music sector would be beneficial.
How to Apply:
Please send a short cover letter and CV (or relevant project/portfolio examples) to thebitcollectiveboard@gmail.com.