California Seaweed Festival – Program Manager

Job Description

Job Description: Program Manager
Position: Part-Time Contract (average 10 hours/week for 10 months of February – November 2025)
Salary: Commensurate with experience: $1200-1700/month
Location: Remote with some travel
Organization: California Seaweed Festival
The California Seaweed Festival is seeking an experienced Program Manager to take a leadership role in
planning and organizing our annual festival while contributing to the growth of our nonprofit organization.
This role is ideal for a professional passionate about coastal ecosystems, science communication, and
community engagement. While knowledge of seaweeds, aquaculture, and conservation is a bonus, it is
not required.

Responsibilities may include:
● Event Planning and Coordination:
○ Collaborate with the Board of Directors and Festival Organizing Committee.
○ Attend regular virtual planning meetings starting in January of the festival year.
○ Assist in identifying and securing venues for festival events.
○ Implement the program of the Festival including panels, workshops, talks and activities.
○ Identify and coordinate with contractors for services including equipment, AV support,
security, catering, tents, waste management, and sanitation.
● Permitting and Compliance:
○ Liaise with city, county, and other agencies to obtain necessary licenses and permits.
● Outreach and Community Engagement:
○ Develop a comprehensive list of media and advertising outlets, ensuring timely
submission of promotional materials.
○ Identify locations for physical advertising (e.g., banners, posters).
○ Recruit vendors, food trucks, and entertainers.
○ Coordinate volunteer efforts for pre-festival tasks like flyer distribution, tabling, and
advertising.
○ Assist in creating content for social media and website.
● Fundraising and Partnerships:
○ Support and execute fundraising initiatives to meet festival needs.
● Documentation and Record Keeping:
○ Maintain records to assist in long-term organizational planning and future festival
improvements.
○ Respond to emails in a timely fashion.
● On-the-Ground Support:
○ Provide local knowledge and hands-on assistance during festival setup and execution

Key Competencies:
● Proven experience in event planning and management.
● Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
● Demonstrated success in fundraising initiatives.
● Experience managing and working with volunteers.
● Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
● Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote setting.
Additional Information:
This is a remote position with expected on the ground attendance the weekend of the Festival. Travel
may be required for festival-related activities. The Program Manager will play a vital role in shaping the
future of the California Seaweed Festival and advancing its mission of promoting coastal ecosystem
awareness and science communication.