One of Europe’s largest LGBT festivals has today launched a search for its new boss as part of an ambitious growth plan.

Hundreds of applications are expected for Manchester Pride’s newly created Chief Executive role as the charity sets its sights on creating a series of year round events to increase the annual donations it makes to local worthy causes.

With the August bank holiday Big Weekend festival-style spectacular well established as a firm favourite, Manchester Pride’s new Chief Executive will be tasked with expanding its to include a series of fundraising events throughout the year.

“The recent resignation of our Festival Director gave the Trustees an opportunity to review our aims and structure”, explained Manchester Pride’s Chair, Vicken Couligian. “The success of the Pride Fringe running up to the Big Weekend proves that we can do more to raise awareness of LGBT issues and increase the six figure donations that we already make to charities. We want to fully realise our potential and the appointment of a Chief Executive reflects this.

“Manchester Pride’s event management will also be brought in house with the creation of a new event manager role as part of the changes giving us the flexibility and focus needed to broaden our horizons.

“Crucially, these changes will reduce our staffing and event costs while allowing us to do more fundraising activities throughout the year.”

With the new team expected to be in place by early next year, Manchester Pride anticipates that new events and activities will take place during Spring and Summer 2012, all designed to increase the donations its makes to charities.

Jane Bailey worked as a Community Involvement Project Manager from Age UK, who received Manchester Pride funding for their Out In The City project. Jane said: ‘The donations that we’ve received from Manchester Pride are an important part of our work with the Out in the City project. The prospect of Manchester Pride’s expansion is exciting news because we, and lots of other projects in the North West, rely on its great funding efforts to support our work”.

Accountable to Manchester Pride’s Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive will be responsible for delivering its long-term vision, managing a team of three, liaising with the community and partners, and delivering a high profile and complex city-centre based event annually.