Assistant Director of Industry and Festival Outreach

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Film Program Chair and supervised by the Director of Academic Administration, this position cultivates and promotes industry, festival and internship opportunities for SOA Film Program students and provides career and festival advising to facilitate the transition of students into the entertainment industry. Recruits film industry speakers and guests to participate in programming. Participates in the planning of the annual Columbia University Film Festival (CUFF) – a showcase of thesis-level work from students and recent alumni of the MFA Film Program – in NYC and LA with the Director of Film Program Events, the Chair of the Film Program, and key staff and faculty committees.

Responsibilities

Industry and Festival Outreach and Advising (80%)

• Develops and maintains strong relationships with film agents, managers, producers, studio executives, and domestic and international film festivals in order to create screening and career opportunities for students and alumni.
• Cultivates an in-depth understanding of students’ creative and career goals and industry developments. Researches and communicates effectively with faculty, students and industry personnel to accomplish their goals.
• Communicates weekly to students with timely, comprehensive information regarding upcoming festivals, labs, and job opportunities (details, fees, locations, links, etc.)
• Builds upon existing relationships with BAFTA, AMPAS, DGA, WGA, PGA, Sundance Film Festival, Film Independent, and other important film organizations. Cultivates new relationships with organizations in response to students’ needs and the Film program’s aspirations.
• Maintains an effective database and archive of industry contacts and outcomes, as well as a calendar and record of communications and outreach.
• Works throughout the year to coordinate and promote student participation in national and international film festivals, including special Columbia showcases.
• Prepares student filmmakers for festival events (including CUFF), and advises students regarding festival strategies, submissions, and marketing and promoting their films. Prepares for these sessions by watching student films and reading short scripts in advance. Manages student festival travel grants approved by the Chair.
• Works proactively with faculty as well as with film program and SOA staff to plan, promote, and implement events related to career development, including Exit Strategies, an annual program of panels, lectures and events engaging industry professionals and alumni to facilitate students transition into the entertainment industry. Maintains an effective database/archive of career programming, guest speakers, statistics on attendance for all events. Creates and administers evaluation surveys to inform and improve future programming.
• Coordinates annual Blue List competition in collaboration with faculty and Chair.
  Maintains database, evaluates quality, and conducts outreach to potential providers regarding internships. Assists students with internship applications.
• Supervises annual alumni mentorship program in collaboration with SOA Development, Alumni Affairs and Film faculty.

CUFF Film Festival/Script Connect (20%)

• Works with Chair, Director of Film Program Events, and key staff/ faculty to assist with the planning of the annual CUFF festival events in NYC and LA.
• Plans and executes Script Connect NYC and LA in consultation with the Director of Film Program Events.
• Collaborates with the Director of Film Program Events and Office of Communications to create film festival promotional materials.
• Promotes CUFF festival events and student films to the NY and LA film industry, Columbia community and NYC general public.
• Works with SOA Development to cultivate donors and sponsors; coordinates distribution of festival films to sponsors and others.
• With oversight by the Director of Film Events, liaises with SOA Development Office and Business Office regarding CUFF awards; Tracks, manage and process CUFF awards and awards budget.
• Tracks success of student films from previous years’ festivals and Script Connect.
• Develops and expands all film, TV, and entertainment industry contacts to attend these events, meet students at this events, and cultivate new clientele from amongst graduating students.
• Additional related duties as assigned/requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• BA and/or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum of three years related experience required.
• Knowledge and experience of film and film industry required – both international and US/Los Angeles.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communications skills (verbal and written) required.
• Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment with changing priorities and multiple responsibilities required.
• Must possess a high level of diplomacy, tact, and discretion.
• Strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines required.
• Ability to manage professional relations with various constituencies and represent the division and school in a positive manner is essential.
• High levels of computer literacy and familiarity with social media publicity required.
  Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word and Excel, required.
• Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume in order to be considered for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree desirable.
• Prior work experience in a higher education setting, particularly in student advising is a plus.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.

Commitment to Diversity 
Columbia University is dedicated to increasing diversity in its workforce, its student body, and its educational programs. Achieving continued academic excellence and creating a vibrant university community require nothing less. In fulfilling its mission to advance diversity at the University, Columbia seeks to hire, retain, and promote exceptionally talented individuals from diverse backgrounds.