Conference Director

This is a Full Time Job

HIRE DATE: March
WORK HOURS: Full time. In-Person. No remote opportunities available.
REPORTS TO: Executive Director

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Conference Director's role is to program the annual Writers Conference, work with the Film and Screenplay Department's creative heads to develop and implement cross programming to ensure cohesion within Festival programming and across all Festival initiatives, market to both the general public and the established Conference and Festival registrant base, help create the Festival's Program Book, and program and schedule additional year-round Austin Film Festival programs. The Conference Director will work with all departments in creating a cohesive program and to advocate the Festival's mission throughout the year.

ENVIRONMENT: While working for this critically recognized organization, applicants are expected to be able to work efficiently and professionally in a fast paced, team-oriented production environment. In such an environment, the ability to work well under pressure, excellent communication skills and intense organizational skills are a must.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The responsibilities of the Conference Director include but are not limited to:
Programming
• Create a program (200 panels over 4 days) which fulfills AFF's mission and goals while sustaining the reputation of the Festival's programming. This includes: inviting honorees, guest speakers and moderators, managing their expectations, creating panels based on industry news and visionary storytelling and catering to an audience of first-time attendees, professional screenwriters and filmmakers, and a general crowd of film lovers.
• Work closely with ED, Development, Screenplay and Film Departments to ensure programming is furthering the Festival's mission.
• Maintain the excellence of the program, regardless of strict budget limitations.
• Facilitate and continue to build the slate of strong television premieres.
• Program retrospective screenings and corresponding guest programmers.
• Facilitate and continue to build the slate of strong television premieres.
• Assist with helping select jury members for all competitions.
• Event planning for year-round programs including but not limited to: Conversations in Film, screenplay readings, Young Filmmakers Program, writers retreats, and film screenings.

Communication
• Demonstrate timely and effective written and verbal communication.
• Act as the primary point of contact with all incoming speakers. Be thorough in setting and managing expectations, guidelines and schedules.
• Facilitate hospitality handlers for honorees and special guests; provide itineraries for parties involved.
• Manage a Conference team which consists of a Conference Coordinator, interns, and a large base of volunteers.
• Lead the Film and Screenplay Departments in continuing legacy cross-programming and establishing new Festival initiatives.
• Conduct weekly Creative Meetings with the ED, Senior Film Program Director and Script Competition Director to brainstorm new ideas and ensure goals are being met.
• Assist with helping select jury members for all competitions
• Identify and establish relationships with individuals and companies that can play a larger role within the Festival in future years (panelists, mentors, fellowship deals, etc.).
• Assist the Senior Film Programmer in creating a strong slate of marquee films for the Festival.
• Conduct ample research and outreach to distributors, producers, executives, and alum - executed and maintained year-round
• Travel to LA and set meetings with distribution and production competitions
• Help coordinate guests for each film to make every screening an event
• Utilize the Festival's history to help secure programming
• Attend weekly staff meetings and marketing meetings w/ detailed weekly reports. Advocate for the Festival's mission in all meetings. Create excitement throughout departments by communicating secured guests and programming
• Collect and edit panelists' photos, bios, addresses and all contact information; maintain Conference contact databases
• Work with Marketing department to create and execute marketing plan for the Film Festival, Conference, and year-round events, including outreach to past and potential new registrants, partner organizations, screenwriting and filmmaking groups, and schools & universities; Conference and other Festival brochures.
• Collect, organize, and turn in content for the Program Book

Event Logistics
• Oversee registration, gift baskets, Festival bags for all panelist and moderators.
• Work with ED to secure all venues for Conference and oversee complete production of Conference including hotel BEOs, Conference signage, chairs and audio.
• Write panel, bio, schedule content for the Program Book

QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's Degree

REQUIRED SKILLS:
• Loves to solve problems
• Able to focus on important goals amid uncertainty
• Balanced technical ability with people skills