Chicago Filmmakers is seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Education and Filmmaker Development to join our team and advance our expanding work in the film and TV sector. The ideal candidate will have a well-rounded understanding of film production, a passion for the organization's mission and programs, a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the film industry, and a forward-thinking, innovative mindset. The position will be responsible for developing, planning, and implementing Chicago Filmmakers' year-round educational and workforce training programs; building community among local filmmakers through networking events, seminars, panel discussions, and other professional development activities; and overseeing direct services to filmmakers, including fiscal sponsorship and equipment access. Tips: Provide a summary of the role, what success in the position looks like, and how this role fits into the organization overall.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Educational Programs: Develop and implement educational programs that cater to the needs and interests of the film community, including classes, workshops, summer youth camps, seminars, panels, networking events, and other professional development programs; recruit, hire, and evaluate instructors and TAs and provide technical and logistical support for them; evaluate new class proposals; coordinate scheduling of classes with instructors; oversee class registration processes; field public inquiries; evaluate the impact of film education programs, using data and feedback to drive continuous improvement; keep abreast of trends and developments in film education and use this knowledge to inform the development of our programs; and collaborate with schools and community organizations to build partnerships and develop new opportunities for providing contracted educational services.
Film & TV Industry Workforce Training Program: Oversee the development and management of this expanding program that prepares participants for entry-level positions in the film and TV industry. Manage the recruitment and selection of applicants to the program; develop and refine curricula in collaboration with instructors; schedule and manage classes; hire industry professionals to teach; arrange guest speakers; provide technical and logistical support for instructors; and evaluate the success of the program. Additionally, develop a network of relationships in the film industry to create a pipeline to work opportunities and job leads for trainees and maintain communications with trainees to track their progress and cultivate community connections among them. Maintain CF's relationship with project funders, including the Illinois Film Office and the Walt Disney Company, by attending meetings and reporting on the program.
Filmmaker Services: Oversee filmmaker membership and expand services, benefits, and resources to better serve the filmmaker community. Manage fiscal sponsorship services, handle equipment access, and maintain the equipment and computer lab.
Other: In addition, the Director of Education and Filmmaker Development will coordinate with the Marketing Manager to promote CF programs, including writing class descriptions and collaborating on marketing strategies. Administrative responsibilities will include recruiting and supervising education program interns and temporary staff who will assist in the above tasks; maintaining records, databases, and statistics related to programs; preparing periodic program reports; managing the education and workforce training program budgets; representing CF at local events and in the filmmaking community; and other duties that may be assigned as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's or Master's degree in film or significant experience in film production in lieu of a film degree.
At least three years of experience working in non-profit, academic, film production, or related settings.
Experience in both teaching and film production preferred.
A strong interest in film education and mentorship.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the film industry.
Working knowledge of digital video production equipment.
Strong project management, planning, and organizational skills, with the ability to effectively utilize timelines, work plans, and project management systems.
Highly motivated, productive, deadline-oriented, and strategically-minded, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to utilize tools or design systems and processes to track data and monitor progress.
Good written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail and accuracy.
Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with a range of stakeholders.
Ability to work well independently as well as part of a team.
Experience with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Adobe Creative Cloud.
Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate is an innovator and strategic planner with a strong interest in integrating the various facets of CF's educational, training, and professional development initiatives into multiple-track pathways for filmmaker development.
Preferred Qualifications:
Track record of developing and delivering high-quality film education programs.
Experience in curriculum development.
Significant film production experience, both in the independent field and the film industry.
Experience with the Chicago film community and knowledge of the independent film scene and organizations.
Strong connections with professionals in the feature film and TV industries in Chicago as well as with film educators.
Previous experience working at a media arts or non-profit arts organization.
Benefits: This is Full-time Exempt Position and is eligible for our benefits package including paid sick leave, holidays, end of year break (Dec. 24-31), 10 vacation days, and 100% premium coverage of health benefits (medical, dental, vision).
Start Date: As soon as position is filled.
Location: This position is based in Chicago with at least 3 days/week in the office and 2 days flexible either remote or in-office, with occasional evening and weekend hours for events.