Big news! We’re currently hiring for the 2027 Festival Director role.
NZ Fringe is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading open-access arts festival. We are the birthplace of brilliance, emerging artists and bold ideas. We are seeking a passionate, new Fringe Festival Director to lead the exciting next chapter of the festival’s growth and impact.
Produced by Creative Capital Arts Trust, NZ Fringe has been championing independent artists for over 36 years. This role sits within the Senior Management Team and works closely with the Chief Executive, our Board, and festival team to deliver an iconic event that is artist-centred, financially sustainable, and strategically aligned.
About the role
The Fringe Director is responsible for the year-round leadership, planning, and delivery of NZ Fringe alongside other events and activations. As an open-access festival, NZ Fringe creates the systems, infrastructure, and support that enable artists to participate successfully and connect with audiences. The right candidate will be a collaborative leader and have a passion for the arts in Pōneke and beyond.
You will:
- Lead the end-to-end delivery of NZ Fringe
- Champion artists, accessibility, and inclusive participation
- Manage festival operations, budgets, and systems
- Build strong relationships with artists, venues, funders, and partners
- Grow the festival’s profile nationally and internationally
- Lead and support the festival team during delivery periods
- Collaborate across teams and the sector as a whole
Who should apply
You’ll bring experience in festivals, live events or other arts environments, with a strong understanding of artist-led and open-access models. You’re as comfortable thinking strategically as you are rolling up your sleeves during delivery. You are excited to lead Fringe into its next chapter.
We’re especially interested in people who:
- Have worked with emerging or independent artists
- Are confident operating in systems-driven environments
- Understand funding, sponsorship, and public accountability
- Lead with collaboration, clarity, and care
As part of our commitment to supporting practitioners in the first decade of their careers, we value potential as much as experience. If this role excites you but you don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply.
Key details
- Reports to: CCAT Chief Executive
- Location: 17 Allen Street, Te Aro, Wellington (onsite)
- Term: Full-time, fixed-term (1 year, with opportunity to extend)
- Salary: $85,000–$90,000 per annum
Applications close: Monday, May 25, 2026 at 9am NZST
For the full JD please see: HERE
To apply: send a cover letter and CV to recruitment@ccat.org.nz
