Manager, Programming

Overview

As part of our commitment to values of anti-oppression, and advancing equity and inclusion in the Canadian media industry and arts community, this position prioritizes Regent Park residents and applicants who identify as Black, Indigenous, a Person of Color, queer, trans, non-binary, a woman, a person with a disability or a combination of these identities. We encourage you to self-identify in your application.

About the Position  

Job Type: Full-time, one-year contract with opportunity to renew (averaging 40 hours/week, including occasional evenings and weekends)
Compensation: $55,000 + benefits including health and dental insurance, and annual professional development funds
Place of work: RPFF office and remote work at home
Reports to: Executive Director
Direct Report: Program Coordinator (6-month contract position)
Anticipated Start Date: March 18, 2024 (flexible depending on availability)

About the Role 

Programming & Partnerships (40%)

• Lead film submissions, research, scouting, solicitation, screening and scoring
• Reporting to the Executive Director, adhere to the mandate of RPFF to:
  • Develop, plan and deliver year-round programming (Under the Stars, community screenings, school program, industry programs and others)
  • Plan and deliver the theme, schedule and all programming for the Annual Film Festival in November, including:
    • Films programming: feature films and shorts programmes, including talkbacks and panels
    • Industry programming: workshops, panels, and networking opportunities
    • Emerging Directors’ Pitch Competition: screening submissions and working with partners to plan and execute pitch training and the competition
    • School Program: online and in-person program, developing lesson plans and liaising with schools
    • Special exhibitions/projects if applicable
• Develop programming partnerships and work with community organizations,  filmmakers, artists, industry professionals, distributors, producers and programming partners to deliver aforementioned programming
• Represent RPFF at relevant meetings and events, including other film festivals, to  develop relationships with filmmakers, distributors and industry professionals
• Work with Operations team to coordinate print traffic and event production, and  communicate technical and logistical details and requirements
• Introduce screenings, and organize and facilitate select talkbacks and Q&A sessions
• Participate in guest relations duties during the Festival

Management & Administration (40%)

• Adhere to critical path and administrative processes (data management, contact  management, approvals, project tracking, reporting, contracts, payments, invoices)
• Maintain detailed notes on film selections, program planning and implementation and  deliver a full report and participate in a post-mortem at the end of each program
• Recruit and manage programming committees, and coordinate their activities (scheduling meetings, screener distribution, agenda planning, facilitation, recording outcomes)
• Acquire films, liaising with distributors and/or filmmakers and negotiating fees
• Manage a departmental budget for artistic and programming expenses
• Support related sponsor, in-kind donation solicitation, and fundraising activities, including supporting Executive Director in grant writing to secure funding for programming
• Send invitations and thank you letters to all artistic and programming contacts
• Supervise Program Coordinator, providing leadership, mentorship and guidance
• Some work with Board members to acquire partnerships, while receiving guidance and mentorship

Communications (20%)

• Assist with development of promotional, publicity and marketing materials by writing  program descriptions, artistic statements, and coordinating related content based on a marketing schedule
• Communicate with clarity, tact, responsiveness with filmmakers, distributors, partners
• Provide input on marketing and community outreach strategies for programming
• Participate in relevant media/publicity opportunities related to programming

Other duties as assigned.

Key Skills and Experience 

• Strong understanding of the Canadian film industry with experience in film festival programming, artistic direction, event programming, curation, or arts administration
• Demonstrated administrative, project management, organization, planning and budgeting skills with a strong attention to detail
• Exemplary written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated time management and prioritization skills to execute concurrent projects, while managing a Coordinator
• Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, and experience  working in small, highly collaborative teams
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative and follow through
• Strong relationship management skills, with internal and external stakeholders, and ability to represent RPFF effectively to the public
• High proficiency in digital file management and virtual collaboration tools
• Strong understanding of equity, anti-oppression and anti-racism and applying these concepts and working in a diverse environment
• Understanding of Regent Park’s communities and context
• An appreciation for the intersections of community building and professional arts

Nice to Have 

• Experience coordinating online programming, digital event production and working in a virtual team
• Experience with print traffic and services
• Experience with speaking onstage, Q&As and discussions with artists and their work
• Experience negotiating screening fees with distributors and other stakeholders
• Experience managing and leading staff

Compensation

• $55,000 annually
• Benefits including extended health and dental insurance
• Annual professional development funds

How to Apply

Attach your cover letter and resume as one document titled “FirstName LastName – Manager, Programming” in an email to [email protected].

Please include in the subject line: ATTN: Hiring Committee – Manager, Programming

If you require accommodation at any stage of the hiring process, please let us know.

Deadline: Friday, February 2 at 11:59pm. Interviews will take place over video chat on a rolling basis, but all applicants will be considered until the deadline.

Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.