Lead, Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA)

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Job purpose

The Lead, Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) oversees the planning, coordination and delivery of the Festival and its related initiatives, ensuring that programmes, productions, commissions, budgets, timelines and operational requirements are effectively managed across the Festival cycle. Working within Arts House Group's (AHG) Programming & Producing department, the role contributes to organisation-wide efforts to support artistic development and audience engagement through SIFA and related initiatives.

Working closely with the Festival Director and Acting Director, Programming & Producing, the Lead (SIFA) oversees the SIFA producing team, providing direction on programme implementation and ensuring that Festival objectives and funding KPIs are delivered effectively.

The role is also responsible for the sound management of Festival budgets, reporting requirements and governance processes, including maintaining regular engagement with the National Arts Council (NAC) and other external stakeholders.

Festival Planning and Delivery

• To oversee the SIFA programming team and provide direction to strengthen programme quality, feasibility and alignment with Festival objectives.

• Guide discussions on programme proposals and implementation plans, balancing artistic ambitions with operational and financial considerations.

• Lead cross-department planning and coordination to support the successful delivery of the Festival, working closely with Production, Marketing, Partnerships, Finance and other teams.

• Support the planning and implementation of Festival initiatives beyond the core Festival period, including NEXT Stage and other artist development platforms that contribute towards future SIFA programming.

• Support the implementation of the Festival Associates initiative, working closely with appointed Associates to develop new curatorial perspectives and future festival-making capabilities.

• Oversee the planning and delivery of shared Festival projects and events, including Festival launches, opening events and complementary partnership initiatives.

• Contribute to the development of works and partnerships with future presentation potential, including touring opportunities, international collaborations and digital presentations.

• Support efforts to grow SIFA's audience reach through programming and activations across different parts of Singapore, including site-based, community and outdoor presentations.

Administration and Budget

• Lead the preparation and review of approval papers, funding submissions, reports and other governance-related documentation in alignment with funding and organisational objectives.

• Oversee the planning of the overall Festival budget, monitoring overall Festival expenditure, reforecast budgets and recommend resource reallocations where necessary.

• Oversee the review and management of project budgets, timelines, agreements and necessary project-specific approvals.

• Work closely with relevant departments to ensure compliance with AHG policies, procurement procedures, contractual obligations and funding requirements.

• Ensure clear documentation, reporting and knowledge management across Festival projects and initiatives.

Stakeholder Management

• Manage funding discussions, reporting requirements, KPI reviews and other matters relating to Festival planning and delivery.

• Develop and manage relationships with artists, agents, festival partners, venues, sponsors, commissioners and other stakeholders to support Festival objectives and programme development.

• Support negotiations relating to commissions, co-productions, artist participation, partnership opportunities and funding support.

• Work closely with internal departments to align stakeholder commitments and project requirements with Festival priorities.

Others

• Provide supervision, mentorship and professional development opportunities for producing staff, interns and project personnel as assigned.

• To carry out and assume any other duties and responsibilities as and when assigned by AHG Management

Qualifications

Education

• Degree in Arts, Arts Management, Cultural Management or a related field, or equivalietn professional qualification.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in the arts, festivals, events, cultural institutions or related field.
• Strong knowledge of the local and international performing arts landscape.
• Demonstrated experience in programme development, producing, commissioning and project delivery.
• Experience managing complex budgets, stakeholder relationships and multi-disciplinary projects.
• Experience supervising staff and leading project teams.
• Experience working with artists, arts organisations, funders and public sector stakeholders.

Skills

• Strong planning, organisational and project management skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance artistic, operational and financial considerations.
• Strong communication, writing and stakeholder management skills.
• Resourceful, adaptable and solutions-oriented.

Traits

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
• Able to work independently as well as collaboratively across teams.
• Able to work on weekends and after regular office hours when required.

Note - This is a 2 year contract role