GRAMPIANS GRAPE ESCAPE

Marketing Coordinator | 2027, Independent contractor opportunity

About the festival

Established in 1992, Grampians Grape Escape is one of Australia’s longest-running food and wine festivals. Held annually in Halls Gap, the three-day event celebrates the very best of Western Victoria and the Grampians, bringing together regional winemakers, food producers, chefs, artisans, music and community. The festival attracts thousands of visitors and showcases the people, produce and experiences that make the region special.

About the opportunity

We are seeking an experienced, organised and proactive Marketing Coordinator to deliver the approved marketing strategy and campaign plan for Grampians Grape Escape 2027. Reporting to the Festival Director, you will coordinate integrated campaigns, keep contractors and deliverables on track, monitor budgets and performance and undertake defined hands-on marketing activities. This is a remote contract role with regional visits and onsite festival delivery.

The ideal candidate has at least five years’ relevant experience, strong project coordination skills and a passion for events, tourism and regional food and wine.

Reporting and working relationships

Reports to the Festival Director and works closely with the Programming and Event Producer & Coordinator, contracted PR, digital advertising and social media providers, creative suppliers, Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism, sponsors, partners, exhibitors, talent and other service providers. The Coordinator may manage agreed deadlines, briefs and deliverables within existing scopes. Contract, budget and material scope decisions remain with the Festival Director.

Position purpose and accountabilities

Deliver the existing marketing strategy and campaign plan in line with agreed KPIs and the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan.

Maintain a consolidated marketing calendar with activities, owners, milestones and deadlines.

Coordinate activity across organic social media, paid digital, PR, EDM, website, creative production, media and partner channels.

Brief suppliers, coordinate approvals, track deliverables and request progress updates or revisions within agreed scopes.

Monitor marketing expenditure, campaign results, risks and resourcing; recommend improvements and escalate significant issues.

Maintain accurate records and report progress to the Festival Director, board, funders and partners.

Key responsibilities

Campaign and specialist contractor coordination

Prepare campaign briefs, approved messaging, content requirements and schedules; keep all stakeholders informed.

Track contractor deliverables, approvals, milestones and reporting; review outputs against brand guidelines and agreed requirements.

Follow up outstanding work and flag missed deadlines, performance concerns, proposed scope changes or extra expenditure early.

Email marketing and databases

Plan, write, coordinate and deliver approximately 10 consumer EDM campaigns annually.

• Prepare volunteer, exhibitor and stakeholder email communications.