The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.
Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package:
- Hiring Range: $65,000 - $75,000
- Benefits
- PTO Overview
- Job Classification: Full Time Salaried Staff
- Grade Level: 8
BASIC FUNCTION:
Plans and manages the programming of the Gene Siskel Film Center and its related activities. Provides conceptual and aesthetic vision for the organization; serves the mission of the GSFC while supporting the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Art Institute of Chicago, and the general public.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Supervises all programming functions, including research and booking. In cooperation with the Associate Director of Programming, conducts research, develops and implements GSFC public programs, including: negotiating domestic and foreign rental agreements for a year round film program.
- Responsible for the quality and success of programmatic endeavors, including film exhibition and publications. Working with the Assistant Director of Programming, supervises all GSFC programming related publications.
- Ensures that the GSFC continues to set the standard in film presentation through research, organized series and retrospectives, touring programs, and the selection of new and important works.
- Oversees the technical manager and together they ensure that the presentation of the film programming is of the highest quality and that projection equipment is sufficient to support all forms of media presentation. With Technical Manager creates long-range plans for maintaining the integrity of the projection booth. Ensures that the Technical Manager maintains equipment for optimal operation.
- Coordinates visits by filmmakers and other guests with Associate Director of Programming and other GSFC staff. Negotiates honoraria for artists and lecturers.
- With the Executive Director leads the staff in creating a vision and future programs through travel to film festivals, symposiums and peer group meetings, and maintains contacts with filmmakers, scholars, and archivists.
- With the Executive Director and other GSFC staff, functions as one of the public representative of the GSFC’s programmatic outreach strategies through contracts and negotiations with consulates, community groups, and other art organizations to create collaborative programming.
- Participates with the Associate Director of Programming and Associate Director of Public Relations and Marketing to obtains materials and information from distributers necessary for marketing when appropriate.
- Represents the GSFC through professional activities that include publishing and participation at film festivals.
- Provides information to both the Executive Director and the Associate Director of Development on both state and federal grants to develop the programming concept and other routinely applied for grants by the Film Center.
REQUIREMENTS:
- High School Diploma required. Bachelor's degree preferred.
- Minimum 3-5 years of experience in programming retrospective and new release films for theatrical exhibition.
- Minimum 3-5 years of experience successfully meeting program revenue/expense goals, and managing a budget in an independent, non-profit, university, or art house setting required.
- Minimum 2-3 years previous experience managing teams in hybrid work environments required.
- Current professional knowledge of theatrical operations, ticketing systems, box office reporting and technical operations is required.
- Ability to work nights and weekends as needed, required.
- Working knowledge of the Chicago film landscape, including community partners, other theater, filmmaking resources and festival landscape highly preferred.
- Knowledge of and existing contacts within U.S. and international film marketplaces and film festivals, including independent and major studios. Existing relationships with other film programmers (particularly in Chicago), film buyers and agencies is a significant plus.
- Exceptional communication skills for engaging with the public, filmmakers, industry professionals, donors, and internal teams.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer; must be able to remain in a stationary position 90% of the time.
- Occasionally moves about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
- Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine and printer.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, ability to adjust focus, and the ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration.
- With proper training, may occasionally handle art.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at [email protected].
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job- related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws. Certain job functions described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
