Events and Production Assistant

LOCATION - Company Office (Central Belfast) & Hybrid Working by Arrangement REMUNERATION - £13.45 per hour PART TIME - 25 Hours per Week for 6 Months CLOSING DATE - 5 Jan - or sooner, once suitable candidates are found.  COMPANY DESCRIPTION We are an ambitious, nimble, forward-thinking charitable organisation producing and managing two world-class festivals in Belfast that celebrate both visual art and creative technology. Our focus lies in lens-based practices—particularly photography—and extends across film, gaming, animation, immersive media, and other digital visual arts.  Each festival, in February and June, features a dynamic programme of open submissions, commissions, exhibitions, talks, workshops, portfolio reviews, tours, and screenings, all designed to inspire, educate wider audiences whilst supporting professional growth. The organisation has an excellent history, reputation, governance and future facing potential. There is significant opportunity for career progression in the role, for both skills development on the job and training opportunities with the encouragement to find and adopt the latest tools, software or strategies for success.   Belfast Photo Festival is the largest annual photography festival in the UK and Ireland. Spanning over 30 venues, it presents cutting-edge contemporary photography from local, national, and international artists. The festival not only showcases exceptional work but also creates wide audience engagement and professional development opportunities for photographic artists. It contributes to the wider visual arts sector and Belfast’s living culture. RENDR is a pioneering conference and festival at the intersection of creativity and technology. It celebrates visual innovation and convergence across film, gaming, animation, immersive media, and digital art. With a strong emphasis on education and inspiration, RENDR hosts leading voices from across the globe, fosters networking, and champions the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving creative landscape. ROLE DESCRIPTION The Events and Production Assistant will support the Senior Events Manager in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of exhibitions, talks, workshops and live events across both Belfast Photo Festival and RENDR Festival. This is a practical, varied role suited to someone with strong organisational instincts, a willingness to learn, and the confidence to work on the ground as part of a busy festival team. You will assist with event logistics, schedule coordination, liaising with artists and venues, preparing materials, and supporting installation and deinstallation. During live events, you will help manage visitor flow, support front-of-house operations, and contribute to audience evaluation. You will also help maintain documentation, equipment, and records to ensure events run safely and professionally. This role provides hands-on training in event coordination, technical production, exhibition setup, audience management, and arts administration. It is an opportunity to gain practical experience within two leading festivals working at the intersection of photography, creativity and technology. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Event Coordination and Logistics • Support the scheduling and preparation of public events, exhibitions and workshops • Assist with travel, venue bookings, supplier coordination and delivery timelines • Help maintain accurate event documentation, schedules and checklists Technical and Production Support • Assist with installation and deinstallation of indoor and outdoor exhibitions • Support technical tasks including equipment setup, signage placement, lighting checks and general production preparation Liaison and Communication • Assist communication with artists, contractors, venues and suppliers • Support the Senior Events Manager with updates, confirmations and basic negotiations • Maintain clear records across email, shared drives and project systems Front of House and Audience Engagement • Support welcome desks, audience flow and visitor information during events • Assist with gathering evaluation data and audience feedback • Provide a calm, confident presence for public engagement Health, Safety and Compliance • Follow event safety procedures and safe working practices • Support preparation of risk assessments and method statements • Assist with securing permits, licences and insurance documentation where required Administration and Record Keeping • Maintain G-Drive folders, contracts, databases and contact lists • Assist with basic budgeting tasks such as tracking expenses and coding receipts • Support senior staff with general administrative duties ESSENTIAL SKILLS Strong organisation, time management and an ability to follow clear timelines and instructions to help deliver events safely and on schedule. Practical Skills - A practical mindset with the ability to use tools, handle equipment, and learn hands-on production skills. Confidence or clear potential to become a well-organised communicator, able to work professionally.  Comfort in dealing with the public and supporting visitor experience. Commitment to health and safety. ELIGIBILITY This role is kindly funded by the Department for Communities Job Start Scheme. If you are a working age (16 – 65 years old) benefit claimant who is unemployed or economically inactive and need support to enter or re-enter the labour market, the JobStart Scheme provides tailored, flexible, paid job opportunities in a supportive environment to help you improve your skills and experience. In addition applicants must be able to prove their right to work in the UK. APPLICATION PROCESS