Join the Team!
Applications are OPEN
FOR THE FOLLOWING ROLES
AWARDS OFFICER
MARKETING AND PR OFFICER
Officer positions for our six other exciting departments
(see below) will open in due course
Are you a student at Anglia Ruskin University or the University of Cambridge? Are you interested in a career in the creative industry or simply love film? Looking for a community of like-minded students? Join the Watersprite team!
We have a wide range of roles available in our eight departments, each of which comes with a unique set of responsibilities and challenges. Scroll down to find out more about each role and for information on how to apply.
If you have any questions about joining the team, feel free to email the 2027 Festival Director at amelia.greenwood@watersprite.org.uk
Sofia Leão winning at the
17th Watersprite Film Festival Awards Ceremony
Awards officers
The Awards Team is perfect for anyone who has a passion for film and the film industry; it is similar to a 'Programming Team' in other festivals. You can get to grips with an entirely different side to film than you may be used to! You will have a crucial role within the judging process and you will be able to create long-lasting connections within the industry. The team has a range of responsibilities throughout the year, including handling submissions for the festival, organising 4 judging stages for the selection of nominees, arranging screenings, running the Awards Ceremony alongside the Events Team, and corresponding with filmmakers. Moreover, the Awards Team coordinates three Watersprite mentorships aimed to spotlight undiscovered international talent and increase diversity within the film industry. We are always thinking of new ways to expand the festival - maybe your idea could be a feature of the 2027 festival!
The role of Awards officer will begin in the summer, when you will be managing the festival submissions. You will be expected to attend weekly meetings in the Autumn (Michaelmas) and Spring (Lent) terms, as well as additional whole-committee gatherings. You should also be available over the festival weekend from the 4-7th March 2027.
Key traits include:
Passion for film
Great organisational skills
Great written communication skills
Ability to work in a team
Ability to work under time pressure and manage festival work alongside academic work
Knowledge of Excel/Google Sheets is helpful, though not required
Currently we are recruiting on a rolling basis, we may close applications at any point so please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Marketing & pr Officers
As a member of the Marketing & PR Team, it is your responsibility to spread the word about Watersprite far and wide. The festival maintains an active social media presence and website, and is regularly featured in newspapers and student publications, as well as on the TV and radio in the run up to the festival. This is a role for someone keen to develop their marketing and PR skills while supporting an important creative cause. You will receive help and support from the Head of Communications as well as the Festival Director, Festival Producers and Board of Trustees.
Key traits include:
Excellent communication skills, both for external communication and internal communication - you will be working closely with Creative Design.
Willingness to understand the Watersprite brand and communicate it across many different platforms.
Excellent written English and experience proofreading and editing is a plus.
Ability to think creatively about what would make for engaging content on the website, social media and in articles and interviews.
Ability to take initiative in relation to what festival information should be widely publicised and when it is best to do this.
Ability to work under time pressure and manage festival work alongside academic work.
Willingness to learn new skills.
Any previous press and comms, social media and/or website management skills are a plus!
Currently we are recruiting on a rolling basis, we may close applications at any point so please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Our Instagram feed, curated by the Marketing and PR Team
Lily O’Neill and Isaac Jackson (Festival Director and Head of Awards) opening the 2025 Watersprite Awards
with Amazon MGM Studios.
Festival Director
The Festival Director is the leader of the Watersprite student team. They oversee all operations across seven departments (see below) and liaise with the Board of Trustees and Festival Producer. They determine the creative vision for the festival, meet the festival’s partners and sponsors, plan all logistics with the Festival Producer, determine the composition of the student team, and act as the face of the festival!
This is a mammoth commitment but the perfect place to gain many invaluable skills and kick start your career in any industry!
Contact producer@watersprite.org.uk with any questions whatsoever!
Isabel Greenberg and Julia Jackman interviewed for the Watersprite 2026 Closing Ceremony
Head of Events
A big role for someone looking to develop their leadership skills, engage with the latest industry developments and have the opportunity to build their professional network, with the extra perk of meeting and corresponding with big name speakers! Alongside the Festival Director, the Head of Events will have the opportunity to shape the creative vision of the 2027 festival: brainstorming, planning and running events, dealing with everything from how to promote Watersprite in letters to speakers, to which musicians best fit Watersprite’s festival atmosphere.
Applications close 11:59 PM 26th July 2026.
A design workshop at Creative Futures 2026
HEAD OF Creative Futures
Watersprite plays an important role in promoting screen culture across Cambridge and the South East, providing accessible opportunities for skills development, supporting emerging talent, and fostering a vibrant creative community. Central to this work is our Creative Futures programme, which engages local 16–18-year-olds and their schools in the six months leading up to the festival, culminating in Creative Futures Day during the festival itself. The Head of Creative Futures will lead the development and delivery of a programme of screenings, workshops, talks, and events designed to build young people's confidence, skills, and understanding of the screen industries. The role will also focus on creating meaningful connections between participants and industry professionals, helping to inspire and support the next generation of creative talent. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience working in educational settings or with young people, particularly those interested in pursuing careers in events, participation, outreach, or education after graduation.
Applications close 11:59 PM 26th July 2026.
Guests at Watersprite 2027 - featuring our Drinks Sponsor ShakaCan Cocktails
Head of Partnerships
This role is for someone who is entrepreneurial, persuasive and keen to make an impact. Sponsorship is the lifeblood of the festival and Watersprite is looking for someone who is excited about building relationships with sponsors. Ideal for someone hoping to build funding for their own projects in the future (whether start-up, films or other ventures), or for people who are keen to get experience for careers that involve persuasive skill, building strong professional relationships and deal-making. The role involves dealing with in-kind sponsorship (e.g. flower sponsor, food sponsor, discounts, prize sponsorship) and supporting the Festival Producer in with financial sponsorship.
Applications close 11:59 PM 26th July 2026.
The Watersprite 2024 trailer, produced by the Video Production Team!
HEAD OF Video Production
As an international student film festival, film is at the centre of Watersprite. The Head of Video Production will lead the filming of the events over the weekend and produce video content for our YouTube channel before and after the festival, including the festival trailer. They will work closely with the Head of Marketing and PR to find interesting ways to produce exciting content and to increase Watersprite’s online presence. This position will be especially important this year as the festival is a hybrid festival; flexibility and innovation will be needed to achieve this blend of virtual and physical events. You will, of course, have the full support of the Festival Producer and Director. It is a great opportunity for anyone with film experience and who wants to go into the film production or the creative industries after graduation.
Applications close 11:59 PM 26th July 2026.
HEAD OF creative design
As Head of Creative Design you will mastermind all of Watersprite 2027’s visual branding material. The Head of Creative Design’s biggest responsibility is the creation of the festival programme (with the possibility of professional help), as well as posters, flyers, merchandise and online visual branding. You will work especially closely with the Head of Marketing and PR to decide on what your team can design to help with social media output and the website. This position offers excellent career experience in the creative industries for someone looking to use their design skills to support an important creative cause and have their work seen by thousands of professionals and students alike. You will also recruit and lead your own subcommittee of fellow students, a wonderful opportunity to gain some leadership skills.
Applications close 11:59 PM 26th July 2026.
The Watersprite 2026 poster
The 17th Watersprite Film Festival Committee
HEAD OF VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Watersprite is powered by a large student team who deliver the festival year-round, reaching its peak during Festival Weekend when over 80 volunteers bring the event to life across four days. The Head of Volunteer Experience is a single-person committee role responsible for championing the volunteer community and ensuring all volunteers feel welcomed, valued, and supported.
The role focuses on building community through socials and engagement initiatives, including a Launch Party and Garden Party, working with the Head of Marketing & PR and Head of Partnerships. In the lead-up to the festival, they recruit and coordinate volunteers for stewarding, ticketing, and front-of-house roles. During Festival Weekend, they oversee volunteer coordination, welfare, and provisions to ensure a positive experience for all. This is a great opportunity for someone passionate about events, community engagement, and creating meaningful volunteer experiences.
Applications close 11:59 PM 26th July 2026.
