Special Learning Projects, Hayy Jameel (Freelancer)

Job Description

Learning is one of Art Jameel’s key pillars and is at the heart of Hayy Jameel’s mission. The creative sector, globally, and in KSA, is going through a decade of profound transformation. Art Jameel is seeking an experienced and passionate 

This temporary role is set out for overseeing and producing two Art Jameel flagship talent development programmes: 1) JYL Award for young Saudi-based youth ages 15-18 and 2) Creative Careers Days (CCD) designed to inspire and inform young people about the breadth of careers available in the creative sector. The programmes’ launches and their events culminate in February 2026.

JYL Award offers an opportunity for young artists to showcase their work and exchange with fellow artists from across different regions of Saudi Arabia. Young practitioners will be selected through an open call with 3 possible pathways to choose from: Drawing & Painting, Sculptures & Mixed Media, and Photography & Audio-Visual. Shortlisted applicants will be enrolled in a mentoring programme  guiding them through the process of producing their work and getting it exhibition-ready for a final showcase hosted at Hayy Jameel 

CCD is an alternative fair that brings together students, teachers, educators, families and curious minds and offers them the opportunity to meet and discuss ideas with key artists, filmmakers, creatives, and industry specialists and gain valuable insights into how different roles work together in creative industries.

The role is best suited for a detail-oriented individual with familiarity and good connections to the creative scene in Saudi Arabia, and previous experience working in a similar project management role supporting community-driven events. This role is based in Hayy Jameel, Jeddah.

The freelancer works closely alongside the Learning Manager, team and Head of Learning and Research (Global).

Start date: immediate

Duration: 6 months

Hayy Jameel is developed and managed by Art Jameel as Saudi Arabia’s dedicated arts complex and creative hub. Hayy Jameel joins Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai – which opened in 2018 – in its efforts to build culture-oriented, connected communities. 

Designed by waiwai, Hayy references the Arabic word for neighbourhood, denoting the convivial and collaborative nature of the complex and its intent on bringing together a wide range of creative disciplines in one destination. 

Hayy Jameel includes:

• Hayy Arts, museum-grade gallery spaces
• Hayy Cinema, an independent audiovisual centre
• Hayy Explorers, a dedicated children’s makerspace
• Hayy Makers, a dedicated creatives makerspace
• Hayy Studios, artist studios
• Jameel Library, specialised arts and culture research library

It also includes multipurpose venues such as Fenaa Hayy, Salaat Hayy, Community Cinema & Project Space which are used by Art Jameel and the wider community for performances, workshops and talks. These open onto Saha, a central community courtyard underpinned by philosophies of sustainability and adaptability. 

The Art Jameel-run spaces are joined by Hayy Residents – a set of pioneering, homegrown creative enterprises that range from contemporary art and performance to design and publishing, culinary institutes, new cafes and eateries. 

Accountability and department structure:

Reports to Art Jameel’s Deputy Director and Head of Learning and Research (Global) and Learning Manager (KSA)

Works directly with: Learning Coordinator, Learning Assistant, Learning and Visitor Experience Assistant and wider Hayy Jameel team

Responsibilities and duties:

General:

• Oversee the planning, scheduling and execution of JYL Award and Creative Careers Days in close collaboration with the Learning team; maintaining and updating project timelines, task trackers and deadlines
• Act as the focal point of contact for invited participants, speakers, artists and collaborators; communicating with agreements and planning
• Act as the focal point for JYL Award and Creative Careers Days events, with programmes/ updates reflected on the Hayy Jameel website and events calendar 
• Liaise with suppliers and participants in the lead up to, during and post events – including caterers, suppliers, vendors, participants and workshop facilitators among others
• Support with administrative processing of events and/or programmes participants and vendor payments and agreements in a timely manner and in accordance with Art Jameel’s financial procedures 
• Assist in production aspects and set-up of events in coordination with the Operations and Visitor Experience teams to complete mapping, furniture allocations and wayfinding etc 
• Liaise with the Communications team to ensure all published information is accurate and up to date for promotion and outreach in a timely manner
• Support during event and take a proactive approach to address and troubleshoot any issues, highlight successes and identify areas for improvement for future events and programmes 
• Ensure event is in compliance with health and safety obligations 
• Support post-event reporting and documentation
• Other duties as management deems fit

Qualifications and past experience

• Educated to at least an Undergraduate level in Arts and Humanities or relevant field 
• A minimum of 5 years relevant work experience in events and/or creative industries 
• Genuine interest and/or passion for arts and culture, community building and public engagement 
• Excellent interpersonal skills to foster and maintain relationships with the creative community and deal with a range of external providers, partners and clients etc 
• A positive, can-do and solution-oriented attitude 
• Excellent time management, organisational and communication (verbal and written) skills 
• Keen attention to detail 
• Ability to prioritise and work on multiple concurrent tasks as both a team player and independently 
• English and Arabic fluency, including for translation tasks 
• Good IT skills and proficiency in Google and Microsoft Office applications 
• Must be able to work in a team environment 
• Saudi Nationals or Saudi residency holders

Conditions of Work

• This is a temporary position for 6 months based in Jeddah, KSA 
• Flexible approach to work is required – occasional weekend and evening work is a part of the job in line with the events calendar and programming needs