Vacancies

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) FASTNET FILM FESTIVAL

Organisation: Fastnet Film Festival (Registered Charity)
Location: Schull, West Cork, Ireland (with flexibility for some remote working)
Reports to: Board of Directors

About the Festival

Fastnet Film Festival is an internationally recognised celebration of the art and craftof film and filmmaking, and a Registered Charity dedicated to supporting filmmakers and enriching the cultural life of West Cork.

What makes Fastnet unique is that it is powered by volunteers. Each May, the small village of Schull transforms into a festival village. With no traditional cinema building,Fastnet lives by the motto: “Our Village Is Our Screen.” Pubs, shops, cafés, and even the hotel become screening venues, creating a magical experience where film is everywhere and everyone feels part of the Festival.

The Festival is sustained by a large and committed team of unpaid volunteers who give their time and energy to make it happen. Their generosity, combined with charitable status, means Fastnet can remain true to its ethos: filmmaker-focused, community-driven, and free from red-carpet excess.

The Role

We are seeking a Chief Executive Officer who will lead with vision, but also with openness to learning and growth. This role is about working with people —volunteers, filmmakers, local businesses, and cultural partners — to keep Fastnet thriving as one of the most distinctive and friendliest film festivals in the world.

The CEO will not be working alone. You will work alongside experienced colleagues in paid roles on the core team, and you will chair the Festival Committee, a dedicated group of volunteers and business representatives from the local community. You will also collaborate closely with the Chair and Board of Trustees, who bring deep knowledge and experience of the Festival.

This first year is seen as a transition period: a time to learn the rhythms of the Festival, build relationships, and grow into the role, while leading with energy and commitment.

Key Areas of Focus

• Working with the Festival’s Ethos
• • Keep Fastnet true to its values: volunteer-powered, community-rooted, and governed as a Registered Charity.
  • Work with and encourage volunteers, ensuring their contribution is valued and celebrated.
  • Approach decision-making with collaboration and inclusivity, always reflecting the Festival’s charitable purpose.
• Working with People & Programme
• • Work alongside the Artistic Advisor and team in delivering a diverse and high-quality programme of films, workshops, and masterclasses.
  • Collaborate with experienced colleagues in paid roles to ensure smooth delivery and outreach.
  • Guide the transformation of Schull into a festival village, keeping “Our Village Is Our Screen” at the heart of the Festival.
  • Ensure that both filmmakers and audiences feel the warmth and originality that define Fastnet.
• Community & Relationships
• • Act as a welcoming ambassador for the Festival locally, nationally, and internationally.
  • Work with and chair the Festival Committee, made up of local volunteers and business representatives.
  • Build strong relationships with residents, businesses, and community groups.
  • Nurture partnerships with funders, sponsors, and cultural organisations.
• Sustainability & Stewardship
• • Work with the Board and team to secure funding through grants, sponsorships,donations, and earned income.
  • Ensure transparent and careful management of budgets, working with colleagues and trustees.
  • Help ensure that staff and volunteers have the structures, resources, and encouragement they need.
  • Work with the Board to ensure the Festival fulfils its obligations as a Registered Charity.

Transition & Learning

The Festival recognises that this is both a leadership position and an opportunity for growth. The first 12 months will be a transition period, during which you will leadwhile learning, supported by the Chair, Board of Trustees, and experiencedcolleagues. Many of the skills and qualities listed below can be developed during this time, with the expectation that you grow fully into the role over time.

What You Will Bring (or Be Ready to Develop)

• Experience of leadership in arts, culture, or the not-for-profit sector, or the potential to step into such a role.
• The ability to engage, motivate, and celebrate volunteers.
• A commitment to careful financial and organisational management.
• Willingness to take an active role in fundraising, sponsorship, or partnership development.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• A passion for film, creativity, and community-driven cultural activity.
• Additional Qualities That Would Be an Advantage
• • Experience working in festivals or grassroots cultural events.
  • Understanding of the Irish and international film industries.
  • Familiarity with public and private funding bodies.
  • Knowledge of charity governance and compliance.
  • Ability to converse in Irish.
  • Experience working with boards and volunteer-based organisations.

Terms of Engagement

• Contract: Permanent. (Six Months Probationary Period).
• Location: Schull, Co. Cork (with flexibility for remote working).
• Remuneration: Competitive, commensurate with experience.
• Start Date: To be agreed.