LOCATION: HARSTAD, NORWAY // POSITION TYPE: FULL-TIME (100%) // APPLICATION DEADLINE: 15 MAY 2026
About the role
As Head of Administration, you will hold a key position in both the day-to-day operations and the long-term development of the festival. You will work closely with the Festival Director and have overall responsibility for administration, finance and internal processes.
This role combines strategic work with operational delivery and is well suited to someone who thrives on both structure and pace.
Your main responsibilities
- Overall responsibility for financial management, budgeting and internal control
- Contribute to strategic planning (short- and long-term)
- Grant applications, reporting and liaison with public authorities
- HR and HSE work, including routines, systems and leadership support
- Follow-up of funding partners and reporting
- Collaboration with external accountants and auditors
- Administration of contracts, insurance, pensions and suppliers
- Board secretary duties: preparation of board meetings, minutes and documentation
- Practical facilitation, logistics and travel planning
Who are we looking for?
Qualifications:
- Relevant education and/or experience in administration or financial management
- Experience with financial management and budgeting
- Strong written and verbal communication skills (Norwegian and English)
- Experience with public funding schemes is an advantage
- Familiarity with the cultural sector is an advantage
- Comfortable with digital tools and improving work processes
Personal qualities:
- Structured, independent and solution-oriented
- Strong collaborative skills and clear communication
- Ability to balance attention to detail with a holistic perspective
- Comfortable in a varied and at times fast-paced working environment
- A team builder who contributes to good workflow and collaboration across the organisation
- You should also be comfortable acting as a bearer of continuity in an organisation where the Director is appointed on a fixed-term basis
What we offer
- A central role in a leading cultural festival
- An inclusive and professionally strong working environment
- Competitive salary and pension scheme (including a 7% employer pension contribution)
- Flexible working hours and the possibility of working from home
- Up to 2 hours of exercise during working hours + support for gym membership
- 15 additional days off as compensation for overtime
- Varied and meaningful tasks
- The opportunity to influence the future development of the festival
About us
True Northern Arts Festival is a leading arts and cultural festival based in Harstad, established in 1965. The festival is held annually and brings audiences together for high-quality concerts, performing arts and visual art.
We are a core team of 8 employees, expanding to around 30 staff members and more than 100 volunteers during the festival period. We actively work to promote diversity, inclusion and strong artistic experiences.
Diversity
We aim for a working environment that reflects the diversity of society. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of age, gender, disability, beliefs or background.
Contact
Please send your application and CV to susanne@festspillnn.no by 15 May 2026. For questions about the position, contact Festival Director Susanne Næss Nielsen by email or phone (+47 48 24 33 73).
We look forward to hearing from you!