Music Community and Development Coordinator (Cape Town)

Job description

espAfrika Music Community and Development Coordinator

The Music Community and Development Coordinator will be responsible for driving the execution, administrative support, and operational delivery of espAfrika’s community development initiatives, educational masterclasses, and music programs. The role will oversee the administration of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) and Jazz Orchestra, manage publicly funded development programs (such as NAC and DSAC grants), support the espAfrika Agency, and ensure seamless on-the-ground implementation across all outreach activities, and on occasion additional event support.

Key responsibilities:

1.CTIJF Jazz Orchestra and educational masterclasses:

• Jazz Orchestra administration: Handle end-to-end logistics, scheduling, musician contracts, rehearsal spaces, transportation, and outreach activations for the CTIJF Jazz Orchestra.
• Masterclasses and workshops: Plan, coordinate, and execute all CTIJF Masterclasses and educational workshops, serving as the liaison between international/local facilitators, venues, technical crews, and participants.
• Participant management: Manage registration, communication, and attendance tracking for students, emerging musicians, and workshop attendees.

2. Grant funding and compliance

• Funding proposals and applications: Assist in compiling, drafting, and submitting grant applications to national and regional funding bodies (e.g. National arts council, department of sport, arts and culture).
• Compliance and reporting: Monitor funded community development projects to ensure compliance with grant deliverables; gather data, track metrics, and draft comprehensive post-project reporting for funding partners.

3. Outreach and community development

• Outreach execution: Act as the primary operational coordinator for all general outreach initiatives driven by espAfrika or the CTIJF across local communities and arts organisations.
• Stakeholder engagement: Maintain active relationships with music schools, community centers, cultural NGOs, youth groups, and industry stakeholders to build participation in development initiatives.

4. espAfrika agency coordination and support

• Agency support: Provide administrative and logistical support to the espAfrika Agency, assisting with artist rosters, booking inquiries, talent schedules, and contract coordination.
• Talent liaison: Act as a reliable point of contact for agency artists during showcase events, corporate performances, and community engagements.

5. Operations and hands-on implementation

• On-Site coordination: Provide active, hands-on implementation and venue management for outreach events, rehearsals, workshops, and festival community stages.
• Logistics and suppliers: Coordinate vendor setup, audio-visual/technical requirements, catering, and transport logistics for outreach and development programs.

Qualifications
Education:

• National diploma or bachelor’s degree in Arts/Culture Management, Event Management, Public Administration, Music Business, or a related field (or equivalent practical industry experience).

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in arts administration, grant writing/funding management, or project coordination within the live music/arts sector.
• Grant knowledge: Proven familiarity with South African arts funding bodies (NAC, DSAC, Provincial Arts Councils, or corporate CSI programs).
• Industry network: Existing network within the South African music, education, and development ecosystem.

4. Key competencies and skills

• Administration and grants: Strong grant writing, proposal drafting, grant compliance, and reporting capabilities.
• Project implementation: Excellent organisational skills with a track record of executing workshops, rehearsals, and multi-venue logistics.
• Communication: Professional verbal and written communication for liaising with government bodies, international artists, and community members.
• Agility and problem solving: Ability to adapt quickly in high-pressure festival environments and solve operational bottlenecks on site.

How to apply