Director of Film Programming (contract position)

Duration : June 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 (Term contract, possibility of renewal)

Must be available for Whistler Film Festival December 4-8, 2024

Start : On or about June 1, 2024

Compensation : Commensurate with experience

Location : WFF Office (Whistler) - 208-1200 Alpha Lake Road, Whistler, BC V8E 0H6 *Remote work is possible

Deadline to apply : 5 : 00pm PT, Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

To apply : Please submit a resumé and cover letter explaining why you think you are the right person to be our Director of Film Programming via the application form at : www.

whistlerfilmfestival.com.

The Whistler Film Festival Society (WFFS) is accepting applications for the position of Director of Film Programming. While this is a flexible role, the candidate must be available to work full-time for the organization between September and December.

Organization Description

Renowned as Canada’s coolest film festival’, the Whistler Film Festival Society (WFFS) is a charitable, non-profit organization that fulfills its mission through producing :

• A highly respected and recognized international film festival (WFF) and industry summit that draw industry, audiences and global exposure for Canadian talent;
• A slate of 13 talent programs for over 80 Canadian artists - screenwriters, producers, directors, actors and musicians - with plans to expand and enhance programming;
• Supplemental year-round film and event programming that enriches community life beyond the festival;
• Film and talent programming that nurtures gender parity, inclusivity and diversity.

The Whistler Film Festival (WFF) has become one of Canadian film industry’s liveliest gatherings, recognized as one of the top seven film festivals in the world to attend and one of ten of the most amazing film festivals worth attending in North America.

It is one of Whistler’s signature cultural events.

The Whistler Film Festival presents feature and short film programmes, including Oscar contenders, breakthrough Canadian films, and award-winning stories from around the globe.

The festival hosts lively networking Après events, conversations with top talent, Q&As and more, all set in the world-class ski resort of Whistler, where there’s always time to hit the slopes, explore the fine dining, or relax.

2024 marks the 24th year of operation for the organization, with the Whistler Film Festival + Content Summit taking place December 4-8, in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual who wants to be part of a new era in the evolution of our organization as we work to realize an ambitious future.

Reporting to the Executive Director and supported by an exceptional programming team, the Director of Film Programming will be responsible for the planning and execution of all film programming with input into industry programs including the Whistler Film Festival and Summit, as well as year-round initiatives and future program development.

The Director of Film Programming will be expected to work autonomously to bring enormous ingenuity to our organization, have an excellent knowledge and understanding of the Canadian and international film and screen industries, and be the creative lens of our annual Festival and Content Summit.

The Director of Film Programming will be able to both refine existing film programs and create new directions for our organization while working to achieve the vision and goals set out in the Society’s business plans.

The role also serves as an ambassador for our Festival both in Canada and internationally, ultimately connecting with other filmmakers, industry and festival representatives in Canada and around the world.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee Programming team and responsible for all film programming
• Assist team with determining and developing the organization’s direction and programs
• Programming of up to 40 feature films and 50 short films for the Festival
• Select, review and book all films, and manage submissions
• Write programming notes for films and industry initiatives for publications and website
• Communicate with internal departments regarding critical path deadlines for programming events, publications and website
• Work with Executive Director and industry consultants to develop film programs, advise on industry and talent programs, and set and manage the budgets and curricula of such programs
• Provide, maintain and grow database of contacts both domestically and internationally cultivating long-term relationships that can provide opportunities for partnering with, consulting, speaking, attending events, guests and juries for all programming initiatives
• Coordinate visits of guest artists and speakers with Film Program Manager and Guest Manager
• Advise on publicity for all screenings and guest artists with PR team

General Duties :

• Create and regularly revise a timeline / critical path required to carry out the programming and development work of the festival and to fulfill the milestones set out in this schedule
• Work with the allocated programming budgets, and maintain detailed records of programming costs
• Attend and provide status and budget reports at staff meetings
• Keep accurate and easily accessible records of all work in order to ensure organizational continuity
• Attend the industry events and festivals as required
• Conduct follow-up post Festival with all contributors
• Attend a Festival post mortem meeting and provide a post event report

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in Film Studies, Business or Communications (or similar) is an asset
• Minimum 10 years experience in the film industry (international and domestic preferred)
• 10 years management and administrative experience
• Strong knowledge of domestic and international film distribution and marketing, film funding practices, co-productions and international film festivals and industry markets
• Strong familiarity with domestic and international filmmakers, programming and working in film festival environments
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with an ability to maintain satisfying industry and international relationships and contacts
• Live event and special event production experience is preferred
• Exceptional computer skills, with significant experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Excel). Experience with large databases an asset
• Exemplary communication and organizational skills with natural ability to work efficiently on many projects with varying deadlines, manage budgets and anticipate priorities
• Previous experience with production, broadcast, publicity, distribution, cultural agency and film studies is an asset
• Adaptable to a flexible work schedule including some evenings and weekends as required
• Considerable contacts in the Canadian and international film community
• Available to travel domestically and internationally to represent WFF
• Excellent leadership abilities, a positive attitude and strong work ethic
• The qualified candidate must be willing to commute between Vancouver and Whistler as required.

How to apply : We invite qualified candidates to apply by the deadline : 5 : 00pm PT, Wednesday, May 1, 2024 via our website at : www.

whistlerfilmfestival.com.

We thank everyone who applies for their interest, but only candidates selected for an interview are contacted. All applications are considered confidential.

WFFS values diversity and encourages applications from members of groups that are historically underrepresented including : Women, Indigenous, Black and people of Colour;

people identifying as LGBTQ2AI+ and / or non-binary; people living with disabilities; and members of other equity seeking groups.

WFFS encourages applicants to self-identify if they wish to do so during the application process. The Whistler Film Festival Society is an equal opportunity employer, and operates a safe and healthy work environment consistent with Provincial and Federal regulations and the WCB.

The Whistler Film Festival Society is located on the traditional unceded territories of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and Lil̓wat7úl (Lil’wat) Nation.

J-18808-Ljbffr