Events Manager

Role summary

We run two flagship events each year, Surrey's Big Poetry Weekend and the End-of-Year Showcase Gala, creating celebrations of poetry and shared cultural moments for our community. As our Events Manager, you’ll lead and coordinate every aspect of event delivery to create welcoming, meaningful and memorable experiences that bring people together.

The Showcase Gala is on Saturday 14 November 2026 and Surrey's Big Poetry Weekend is likely to happen in May 2027.

What will the volunteer do?

Key responsibilities include:

• Conceptualise ideas and improvements for these two events to enhance the experience for attendees
• Planning effective timelines and project plans
• Taking an operational lead to ensure events run smoothly
• Ensuring events are adequately staffed with volunteers
• Assisting leadership on collaboration with venues, artists, facilitators, and partners
• Working closely with our Volunteer Co-ordinator to support volunteers
• Helping ensure events are welcoming, inclusive, and accessible

You’ll be supported by the President and Vice President, gaining first-hand insight from two experienced leaders who are genuinely committed to making your volunteer experience brilliant, rewarding and enjoyable.

You’ll join a high-performing, ambitious and deeply committed team of volunteers who deliver an overachieving, community-focused arts organisation. Working closely with senior volunteers and programme leads, you’ll have the support, trust and clear decision-making authority to make a real impact - particularly around events. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn from experienced people, build your skills and play an active role in shaping an exciting programme for the community.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for an organised, reliable volunteer confident in leading event coordination. You’ll have experience managing events, strong time management and communication skills, and be comfortable coordinating volunteers and stakeholders. You’ll stay calm in live event settings and care about creating inclusive, welcoming events that support people and community. Although we are a small organisation, there’s always plenty happening! Our volunteer roles suit people who are self-motivated, proactive and enjoy getting involved.

What difference will you make?

This role will play a vital part in maintaining and strengthening the reputation of the Surrey Poet Laureateship as a high-quality, trusted and inclusive cultural programme across Surrey.

The Events Manager will ensure our events are consistently well planned, professionally delivered and welcoming, creating positive experiences for audiences, poets, volunteers and partners. The quality and professionalism of our events will be central to how the Laureateship is perceived by communities, venues, funders and stakeholders.

By delivering an outstanding events programme, the role will help build strong partnerships, increase visibility and credibility, and strengthen the foundations for the Laureateship’s long-term sustainability and growth.