Programme Coordinator

Salary: €28,000 pro rata

The Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival is seeking a Programme Coordinator to join its team and play a leading role in delivery of the festival.

Taking place 23 February – 6 March 2022, the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival is Ireland’s premier film festival event. The Festival curates and presents the best in emerging international and Irish film for a wide audience through its annual festival.

Job description

Reporting to the Festival Director, the Programme Co-ordinator will play a leading role in delivery of Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival.

In partnership with the Festival Director:

• The delivery of an extensive and diverse cultural programme including Irish and international film that engages different audiences.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the VMDIFF programming policy to deliver VMDIFF’s strategic aims and priorities.
• Enhancing and developing productive relationships with partners and stakeholders.
• Ensuring VMDIFF operates to the highest standards of cinema provision delivering and exemplary cinema experience to patrons.

Responsibilities

Programming

• Develop criteria for film selection and create an online survey for pre-screeners to evaluate films.
• Establish selection timeline and track programming budget.
• Notify declined film submissions through the FilmFreeway / Filmchief / internal email system.
• Source rights and print for films accepted to VMDIFF, negotiating terms and booking films as necessary.
• Confirm and collate all materials, images and text relating to the programme for festival promotional purposes.
• Develop integrated programming for public and industry events, developing opportunities for critical engagement through facilitated talks, courses and workshops etc.
• Plan, manage and deliver events.
• Represent VMDIFF on panel discussions, events, film introductions Q&As etc.
• At times, offer content for DIFF blog, social media, and website.

Relationships

• Build and maintain relationships with external suppliers such as distributors, sales agents, filmmakers, transport companies, technical companies etc.
• Work with Festival Director for developing relationships with the Irish and international filmmaking community.
• Manage the screening team.

Technical

• Work with the Print Transport Manager on print transport systems and procedures.

Communication and Public Affairs

• Champion the consideration of audience development and engagement in relation to VMDIFF programming and public affairs.
• Work with the Festival Director and Head of Development and Marketing in observing and responding to audience trends and our own audience data.
• Facilitate media requests for interviews etc that help promote VMDIFF’s various programmes and events.
• Work with the marketing team on production of marketing materials including leading on film copywriting.
• Work with Head of Development and Marketing and programming team on audience development initiatives to increase public participation in activities and ensure that VMDIFF’s objectives and activities are communicated effectively to the public and key stakeholders.
• Work with staff across the organisation to ensure that and excellent customer service experience is delivered on a consistent basis.

Finance and Operations

• Ensure that financial resources are managed in a productive manner and within budget.

Other

• Fully participate in company meetings and events when required.
• Attend relevant training as and when required.
• You will be open to working with a dedicated and vision-led team and have a commitment to ensuring Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival maintains and inclusive and positive organisational culture.
• Undertake occasional evening, weekend and public holiday duties when required by the programme.

This job description describes the principal purpose and main elements of the job, but is not intended to be all-inclusive.  The post holder is expected to work flexibly and respond positively to changing business needs at this time.  It is a guide to the nature of the main duties as they currently exist.

Person specification

VMDIFF requires that candidates be able to demonstrate strong examples of their past experience, highlighting that they have both the capability and desire for this role.  Specifically, it is seeking someone who has:

Experience and Knowledge

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in film programming either in a festival or in cinema.
• An excellent and comprehensive knowledge of all types of film including art-house, independent American and European, Irish, UK and world cinema.
• Proven experience and success in devising and implementing dynamic and engaging cultural cinema programmes.

Personal Qualities/Attitudes

• Possesses the flair and creativity to identify and frame cohesive programmes in collaboration with the Festival Director and programming team.
• A natural capacity to facilitate productive relationships with external partners in cultural agencies, education and corporate supporters/sponsors.
• Someone who combines vision and the ability to make things happen.
• A track record working with budgets
• Strong organisational skills and ability to work to tight deadlines.

How to apply

Send a CV and cover letter outlining your experience for the role to jobs@diff.ie. Interviews will be held 12/13 August 2021.

Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and ethnicities.

The closing date for this position is 06/08/2021 at 12:00