# Local Talent and Community Programming Manager

> THA by ARMONIA · Riyadh, Saudi Arabia · Contract · Posted 2026-10-12

**Workplace:** on_site

**Department:** Confidential

## Description

We are recruiting a Local Talent and Community Programming Manager to join a dedicated, full-time team embedded in our client’s Festival Programming function in Riyadh. The team will support two major events in Saudi Arabia: a flagship event in summer 2027 (July to August) and a further event in November 2027.

You will lead the festival’s local and regional programming, working alongside the international clubs and creators lead. You will bring in:

-   Saudi and regional clubs
-   Arabic-speaking creators
-   Universities
-   Grassroots and community tournaments
-   Cultural and national moments

You will build this local content into the main programme rather than running it as a side show, so it feels like part of the festival from day one. You will also make sure all local content meets cultural and regulatory requirements.

This is a hands-on producing role. The grade reflects your seniority and judgement, not the size of a team you supervise. We are looking for a programmer who personally builds the local and regional programme.  

**Key Responsibilities**

Local and Regional Programming

-   Lead local and regional programming, including Saudi and regional clubs, creators, grassroots and community competitions, Arabic-language and cultural moments, and local talent.
-   Build a prioritised list of local content opportunities from national moments, the host-city calendar and community activity.

Programme Integration

-   Integrate local content with the international programme rather than running it alongside.
-   Work with the international clubs and creators lead so that local and international content feel like one festival.

Partner Coordination

-   Coordinate day to day with Saudi and regional clubs, creators, universities, grassroots organisations and agencies.
-   Maintain the local partner log so every relationship and commitment is tracked.

Cultural and Regulatory Compliance

-   Make sure all local content meets cultural and regulatory requirements.
-   Flag and resolve compliance issues early in the planning process.

Audience Insight

-   Capture local audience response to inform the programme across both events.

## Requirements

-   At least 8 years of experience in gaming, esports, entertainment or major live events in Saudi Arabia or the region, at Senior Manager level.
-   Experience across at least two live event seasons.
-   A proven record of personally producing local and regional programming. Only experience where you personally produced the work counts towards the requirement.

**Ideal Background**

-   An entertainment, community or live events programmer with strong, existing contacts across Saudi and regional clubs, creators and grassroots communities.
-   Established relationships with Saudi and regional clubs, creators, communities and grassroots organisations are a strong advantage.

**Languages**

-   Fluent Arabic and English are required.

**Working Conditions**

-   Full-time and exclusive: you will be dedicated to the client for the full contract term, with no other clients or projects.
-   Working options: work remotely on Riyadh hours (Sunday to Thursday), with travel to Riyadh and event locations as directed, or be based at the client’s office in Riyadh.
-   On site in Riyadh: you must be in Riyadh for the full operating periods of the summer 2027 event (July to August) and the November 2027 event, whichever working option you choose.

## Benefits

-   A competitive package for the duration of a 14-month contract, with the potential to extend by up to 3 months
-   Flexible working, with a remote option during the planning phase
-   A senior, hands-on role in a dedicated specialist team embedded with a major client
-   Valuable experience on one of the region’s most high-profile live events programmes

## Apply

[Apply at THA by ARMONIA](https://apply.workable.com/tha-staffing/j/4C5FFBC774/apply)

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