Heritage Programme Manager- Freelance

Overview

Heritage Programme Development & Curation

• Develop and manage heritage programming, cultural activations, demonstrations, workshops, exhibitions, and immersive experiences.
• Curate authentic heritage content that reflects local traditions, crafts, customs, and cultural narratives.
• Identify and recommend heritage concepts, experiences, and programming that enhance visitor engagement and cultural awareness.
• Ensure all heritage programming aligns with event objectives, audience demographics, and destination positioning.

Artisan & Heritage Talent Management

• Identify, recruit, and manage artisans, craftsmen, cultural practitioners, performers, and heritage specialists.
• Build and maintain a strong network of heritage participants and cultural partners.
• Negotiate, prepare, and administer contracts, agreements, and participation terms with artisans and heritage vendors.
• Coordinate artisan requirements, schedules, demonstrations, and participation plans.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all heritage participants throughout the project lifecycle.

Stakeholder Management

• Liaise with government entities, cultural institutions, heritage organizations,and community groups.
• Coordinate with clients, event agencies, production teams, operations teams, and programming stakeholders.
• Facilitate approvals, communications, and coordination related to heritage content and activations.
• Ensure all stakeholders are aligned on programming objectives, timelines, and deliverables.

Operations & Programme Delivery

• Oversee the day-to-day management and operations of heritage zones, artisan villages, cultural markets, and heritage activations.
• Coordinate setup requirements, operational schedules, logistics, and participant management.
• Monitor artisan performance, attendance, compliance, and operational standards.
• Resolve operational issues and ensure the smooth delivery of all heritage-related activities during live event operations.
• Work closely with operations, production, health and safety, and guest experience teams to ensure seamless execution.

Contract Administration & Reporting

• Manage contracts, participation agreements, and documentation for artisans and heritage partners.
• Maintain accurate records of participants, agreements, operational schedules, and reporting requirements.
• Prepare programme updates, participation reports, operational summaries, and post-event evaluations.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and programme performance reporting.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of experience in cultural programming, heritage management, event programming, festival management, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience working with artisans, craftspeople, cultural practitioners, or heritage organizations.
• Strong understanding of UAE heritage, traditional crafts, cultural programming, and community engagement.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Strong organizational and project management capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and Arabic.
• Experience working with UAE cultural institutions, government entities, or heritage authorities.
• Established network of artisans, heritage practitioners, and cultural organizations within the UAE.
• Experience delivering heritage villages, cultural festivals, artisan markets, or destination-based heritage experiences.
• Familiarity with traditional Emirati crafts, performing arts, storytelling, and cultural preservation initiatives.

Engagement Type

• **Freelance Contract**
• **Duration:**

July 2026 – December 2026

• **UAE-based candidates preferred**
• **Available to work flexible hours, including weekends and event days**
• **Experience within the UAE events, cultural, heritage, or destination development sectors is highly desirable**
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