Director, Film Commission Services & Industry Development

The Manitoba Film & Sound Recording Development Corporation, dba Manitoba Film & Music (MFM), is a statutory corporation of government, funded by the Province of Manitoba through Manitoba Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism.

Manitoba Film & Music (MFM) is dedicated to fostering the growth and sustainability of Manitoba’s film and music industries and supports them through its objectives, which are to create, stimulate, employ and invest in Manitoba by developing and promoting Manitoba companies, producing and marketing film, television, video and music recording projects as well as to promote Manitoba as a film location for offshore production companies.

Reporting to the CEO & Film Commissioner, the Director, Film Commission Services & Industry Development plays a pivotal role in advancing Manitoba’s film and television industry by driving sales, marketing, business development, and workforce growth. Working within the strategic priorities in the organization’s strategic plan, this role is responsible for leading the film commission department, expanding market share, fostering partnerships, securing sponsorships, supporting industry growth and ensuring Manitoba remains a premier destination for film and TV production. A key objective is to make everyone a fan of the film industry, building engagement and enthusiasm across stakeholders.

MFM is now accepting applications for its new senior executive team member and is seeking an individual with business and analytical acumen to join the Manitoba Film Commission office. Essential skills include exceptional attention to detail, superior comprehension and analysis abilities, commanding time management skills, and an affinity for client services. Prior knowledge of MFM’s film/television programs and the film industry is a definite asset, as is good knowledge of Winnipeg and rural Manitoba. The candidate must be fluent in English (proficiency in French is an asset).

The position is a full-time, salaried position with pension and benefits. This is an in-office position which includes additional hours during the week and weekend, as well as travel both nationally and internationally. A valid Manitoba driver’s license and Canadian passport is essential. Candidates must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Film Studies, Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Economic Development, or a related field. A Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), Economic Development, or a related field is an asset. Equivalent combination of education and extensive industry experience will be considered.
• Experience: Ten plus years in film industry, business development, business strategy, economic development, marketing, or a related field.
• Strong sales, marketing, and partnership development skills with a proven ability to drive industry growth and secure funding or sponsorships.
• In-depth understanding of the film production ecosystem, including workforce development, financing, distribution, and industry regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze market trends and leverage economic insights to develop strategic initiatives.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities, with experience liaising with executives, government agencies, and industry associations.
• Experience working with unions, guilds, studios, and international production companies to facilitate high-profile productions.
• Passion for growing and promoting the Manitoba film industry, with a track record of building successful industry relationships and driving economic impact.Strong leadership skills with a focus on collaboration, teamwork and problem-solving to achieve results.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Industry Growth & Business Development

• Develop and execute long-term business strategies, including marketing plans, sponsorship initiatives, and business engagement activities to attract production to Manitoba.
• Identify global trends and economic factors that impact the industry, leveraging market intelligence to drive informed decision-making.
• Connect with local and international producers, studios, and executives to promote Manitoba as a premier production destination.
• Liaise with film crews, unions, guilds, educational organizations, and industry associations to enhance production capabilities and address workforce needs.
• Establish workforce development frameworks in collaboration with stakeholders to strengthen local industry talent.

Marketing & Engagement

• Lead global marketing efforts, including targeted outreach to national and international studios and production companies.
• Position Manitoba’s film sector as a competitive and world-class industry through promotional campaigns and industry events.
• Partner with business associations and economic development agencies to align film industry growth with broader provincial economic strategies.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including marketing and finance to drive operational efficiency and strategic alignment.
• Represent the Film Commission at industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events.

Partnership & Sponsorship Development

• Build and maintain relationships with business leaders, sponsors and key industry partners.
• Negotiate sponsorship agreements to support film-related events and initiatives, enhancing Manitoba’s industry presence on a global scale.
• Facilitate cross-sector collaboration to create mutually beneficial opportunities for businesses and film industry stakeholders.
• Organize presentations, networking events, workshops, and industry panels to foster connections between local professionals and visiting productions.

Film Commission Management and Oversight

• Supervise and support staff responsible for location services, stakeholder engagement, and scouting, ensuring high quality service delivery and operational efficiency.
• Prepare reports and presentations on industry development efforts, economic impact, and performance metrics.

As part of the senior leadership team, this role is ideal for a visionary leader who thrives in a dynamic environment and is committed to positioning Manitoba as a top-tier film production hub. For more information on Manitoba Film & Music and the Manitoba Film Commission visit www.mbfilmmusic.ca.

Qualified candidates are required to electronically submit a cover letter and resume (which includes salary expectations and availability) to Kevin Gabriel, Chief Operating Officer, by email to kevin@mbfilmmusic.ca. 

 Manitoba Film & Music is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons. We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Deadline for submissions:  5:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 22, 2025