VIFF – Artistic Director of Programs

The Organization

VIFF is the home of film and film culture in Western Canada.

Driven by passion and curatorial excellence, VIFF encourages understanding of the world’s cultures through the art of cinema. We believe that film has a unique ability to celebrate the complexity of the human condition and that it is our responsibility to steward that power toward creating meaningful change in our world.

Founded in 1982, The Greater Vancouver International Film Festival Society is a not-for-profit cultural organization that operates the internationally acclaimed Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) and the year-round programming of the theatres at the VIFF Centre The Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF). VIFF is a charitable, cultural organization dedicated to presenting the best of International, Canadian and local cinema, as well as creating educational and transformational experiences for film creators and lovers of all ages and backgrounds.  The festival produces screenings, talks and events as a catalyst for a diverse community to discover, discuss and share the creativity and craft of storytelling on screen.

THE ROLE

VIFF is seeking a visionary, creative, and energetic individual to serve as its Artistic Director of Programs. Working in partnership with the Artistic Director of Films, you will share the responsibility for creating the organization’s artistic vision, generating annual and long-term programming plans, and continuously evolving existing programs. Reporting to the Executive Director and focusing on curatorial excellence, audience growth, and revenue generation, the Artistic Director of Programs is accountable for the artistic direction, structure, implementation, and success of the following program areas:

• Year-Round Programming
• Artist Development Programs
• Industry Engagement Programs
• VIFF Talks
• LIVE events
• Aspects of festival film programming
• Strategic projects

Your responsibilities will include the development of an annual programming plan, operating plan, staffing requirements and budget and collaborative work with;

Executive Director: Set annual priorities and goals for programming and artistic direction.

Artistic Director of Films: Envision an annual & long-term programming plans and identify areas of cross-over between program areas.

Senior Operating Committee: Serve as a member of the senior decision-making group to promote the vision and values of VIFF and developing and executing strategic plans.

Operations Department: Establish an annual operating plan that properly resources the various programming areas.

Development Departments: Establish and supports funding opportunities for all existing and new initiatives.

Marketing Department: Establish earned revenue targets and strategies based on the annual programming plan.

Finance Department: Develop an annual budget that properly resources the department.

Key Deliverables

• Annual Programming Plan
• Multi-Year Programming Plan (aligned with strategic planning)
• Annual Operating Plan
• Programming Policy & Procedures
• Annual Report & Board Report

Performance Competencies & Traits

• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Resilience
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Visioning
• Stakeholder focus
• Leading, coaching and developing others
• In-depth problem-solving and decisive decision-making

Key Accountabilities:

• In collaboration with the Artistic Director of Films, lead a diverse programming team, as well as the coordination of staff required to support areas of intersection between programming streams (mentorships, guest curators, artist residencies, industry programming, educational initiatives, etc.).
• Develop programs which expand VIFF’s delivery of mandate, ensuring VIFF continually provides vibrant, contemporary, and trusted curatorial and cultural programming for audiences and artists.
• With the Artistic Director of Film and Executive Director, lead the Society’s mandate to engage the film industry and community.
• Serve as a public-facing representative of the organization with the media, Filmmakers, industry, society members, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure VIFF offers a diverse program curated by a wide range of curators with unique perspectives, backgrounds, and skill sets.
• Support the development of the annual operating budget by establishing earned revenue targets and program plans and outlining strategic investments

Artist Development & Industry Engagement:

Support and cultivate artists through: Catalyst, Labs, Amp, artist and audience engagement programs such as talks and master classes and residency programs.

• With the Senior Operations Manager, establish operational requirements for executing impactful artist development programs.
• Develop the necessary structure for artist development programs and key stakeholders to ensure events are delivered with a high-level of production value and in a manner which helps elevate VIFF’s brand/identity.
• Design, program, and lead Artist and Industry engagement events at VIFF such as:
• Marketplace development
• Networking opportunities
• XR and Creative Technology related exhibitions

Programming:

Support the Executive Director’s strategic plan and vision, and with the Artistic Director of Film, co-lead the programming of International, Canadian, and Indigenous films, by leveraging the skills, specializations, and experience of senior programmers and seasonal curators to create an ambitious annual program.

• Lead the visioning and development of new programs across a wide scope of artistic expression.
• Assess the viability of all programming initiatives from all perspectives (e.g. artistic, operational, financial, alignment with strategic priorities).
• Ensure VIFF’s programs are diverse, accessible, increasingly decolonized, and representative of the region’s cultures and communities and refine and strengthen VIFF brand with each program.
• Develop programs which develop, nurture, and champion artists, with a focus on supporting and strengthening the local filmmaking community.
• Encourage connection points and continuity between programs. Ensure all VIFF programs reflect organizational values, are sensitive to and reflective of current events and concerns (local, national, and global), and anticipate evolutions in filmmaking, film exhibition, and film culture.
• With the Artistic Director of Film, determine plan and budget for annual curatorial travel and networking.
• Contribute to the Festival film program by programming approximately 10-15 features within a specific program or area of focus. Possible focus areas: Canadian Film, Indigenous Film, Documentary & Regional Cinema
• Curate or supervise the curation of LIVE Performances and Events (live-scores, performances, installations) for the festival and year-round.
• Support ongoing programming of VIFF Centre and other venues, year-round special event programming, selection of guest programmers and facilitate co-productions and partnerships.
• Serve as VIFF’s spokesperson and conduct Q&A’s, panels, and artist interviews in support of the Year-Round Programmer and Festival programming team.

Revenue Generation & Financial Management:

Programs that fall under the direction of the Artistic Director of Programs are expected to generate net profit for the organization. Financial accountability is a key aspect of this role, the Artistic Director of Programs develops and revitalizes programs with strategic revenue diversification and growth as key deliverables.

• Support Government Relations, Sponsorship, and Philanthropy to create cases for support, decks, and granting applications through the development of program briefs and narratives.
• Set, monitor, and achieve sales revenue targets through strategic programming initiatives and close monitoring of program performance.
• With the Director of Marketing, provide strategic input to the sales strategy and overall sales targets.
• Work with the Operations Department to understand operational considerations, costs, and budgets.

Personnel Management:

Supervise, recruit, and train VIFF Centre staff, Guest curators, Amp, Industry, Live and Labs managers/leads.

• With the Artistic Director of Film, set priorities for and recruitment of programming staff and guest programmers and curators.
• Ensure that the team supports the Programming plan, the organizational timeline, and VIFF’s strategic plan, operating plan, policies, and procedures.

Marketing and Communications:

Support the Marketing Director, ensuring programs are supported by a strategic and marketing plan.

• For programs within purview, provide copy, relevant community outreach support, and proofreading to Marketing and PR team efforts such as: promotional e-blasts, press releases, print and marketing materials.
• Support fund development with respect to programming.
• Aid planning, writing, and editing of grant applications.
• Work with Sponsorship to ensure prospecting, securing, and activating sponsors/partners.

Qualifications & Experience

Candidates will require 5+ years of progressive experience in a similar role, with a recognized film festival, institute or organization, ideally in Canada or the United States. Formal education is an asset but not required.

Compensation

VIFF offers a comprehensive compensation package with an annual salary range of $80,000 to $95,000 per year, commensurate with experience, and will include membership in VIFF’s benefit programs. The ideal candidate will be expected to relocate to Vancouver.

Application Instructions

The VIFF Artistic Director of Programs search is led by Martin Bragg and Nicola Dawes of Martin Bragg & Associates. To apply in confidence, please email your letter of interest and resume to Martin Bragg & Associates at viff@mbassociates.ca The review of applications will begin immediately and the deadline for receipt of applications is May 22, 2024. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and will receive an acknowledgement of their application. Please review the complete position profile here, prior to applying.