Job Details

Job Description

JOB OPPORTUNITY

February 5, 2010

TIFF, a vibrant not-for-profit arts organization, is accepting applications for the full-time position of: HEAD OF FILM PROGRAMMES

This will be an exciting year for TIFF that will be marked by the opening of Bell Lightbox, our new home and the world’s premiere centre for film. We are seeking a highly-motivated individual who wants to be part of a new era in Toronto's cultural history.

Reporting to the Artistic Director, Bell Lightbox, the Head of Film Programmes will strategically manage the relationships between Bell Lightbox’s programming team and TIFF’s external partners. The Head of Film Programmes will oversee and manage year-round film programming, providing oversight to the curatorial team and maintaining the curatorial vision for all film programmes, as well as providing logistical and administrative oversight of touring film programmes originated by the Bell Lightbox curatorial team.

We will only be considering candidates with substantial, demonstrable and internationally recognized experience in the field. Please see the minimum requirements listed below. Applications that do not meet these minimum requirements will not be considered.

Responsibilities:

Overall Curatorial Vision
• Shape overall programming to meet or exceed international curatorial standards
• Ensure an overall connectivity between Bell Lightbox programming elements and a balance between scholarly and accessible offerings
• Programme films series at the highest level of international standards, with attention to scholarship and originality; Candidates with strong reputations in the areas of recent American, Canadian and/or developing world cinema will be given preference

Planning
• Identify and build strategic partnerships in the Canadian and international distribution community; formulate policy to maintain these partnerships
• Formalize working relationships with domestic and international distribution entities and establish protocol for local exhibitors and their relationship with Bell Lightbox, with Artistic Director, Bell Lightbox
• Act as lead programmer and negotiator for terms and settlements of Limited Runs
• Provide input on programming and proposals for special events, including Nuit Blanche, Halloween and Christmas, as they relate to film programming
• Create and implement touring strategies for Bell Lightbox

Administrative and Staff Management
• Oversee content delivery for all Bell Lightbox cinemas, including:
? Oversee touring of TIFF Cinematheque and Bell Lightbox film programmes, including all venue negotiations and follow-up, at the direction of Bell Lightbox programming staff
? Source guests to accompany Limited Runs and oversee guest itineraries
? Negotiate terms for guests, including travel and accommodation; report travel and accommodation expectations to Senior Manager, Programme Administration
? Write programme guide notes
? Provide direction to Marketing and Communications departments to ensure successful promotion of the programme, in consultation with Senior Manager, Programme Administration
• Manage and oversee the work of two direct reports and numerous seasonal and contract employees and volunteers

Start Date: March 2010

Requirements

• Significant experience and international reputation in one or more of the following fields, in order of preference. Strong preference will be given to candidates with experience in both a) and b):
a) 5+ (within the last 7) years engaged in the curation of non-English language films, documentaries and restorations/revivals for a major film festival or significant museum or like institution
b) 5+ (within the last 7) years successfully and innovatively managing the distribution and/or exhibition of non-English language films, documentaries and restorations/revivals.
c) 10+ (within the last 15) years of exceptional writing/broadcasting on film for widely-read publications, radio or television
• University degree, specializing in film studies is an asset
• Management and budgetary background
• Arts administration and event production experience
• Very strong and demonstrable negotiation skills.
• Strong familiarity with local and international arts/cultural/film communities
• Advanced computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Excel and Word) and previous experience working with databases
• Excellent organizational skills and detail oriented
• Natural ability to work efficiently on many projects with varying deadlines, and anticipate priorities.
• Additional language skills is a significant asset

Additional Information

Please submit application by 5pm on February 24, 2010 BY EMAIL ONLY to the attention of Hiring Committee: Head of Film Programmes

TIFF
Email: humanresources@tiff.net *Please note the position in the subject line*

Application packages should contain all of the following:
• Cover letter
• Resumé or CV
• Telephone contact information for 3 professional references
• Written reference letter attesting to the candidate’s facility with the business of film distribution
• Portfolio of no less than 3 pieces of film writing that appeared in respected publications
• Samples of the candidate’s previous film curatorial work

Please note in your cover letter where you saw this job posting.

We thank everyone who applies for their interest, but only candidates selected for an interview are contacted. No telephone inquiries please. All applications are considered confidential.

TIFF is an equal opportunity employer.

TIFF is a charitable, not-for-profit cultural organization whose mission is to transform the way people see the world. Its vision is to lead the world in creative and cultural discovery through the moving image.

TIFF gratefully acknowledges the Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario, for its support of organization-wide human resource initiatives.

Date Posted: February 05, 2010