Merchants Distributors, LLC

Responsible for the strategy and operations of the Origami Studio and MDI Events teams and delivering creative excellence, efficient output, and building the MDI brand across digital platforms. This role will work closely with internal stakeholders and external creative agencies to identify opportunities for business growth and to adapt high-level conceptual work into omnichannel communications and experiences.
Responsibilities

• Manage operations of Origami Studio and MDI Events; maintain responsibility for all content production, client relations and finance management functions
• Manage all aspects of event planning including logistics, contract negotiations, guest lists, venue preparation, materials, security, catering, entertainment, etc.
• Manage and provide creative direction for studio and events. Stay current, and often ahead of the curve, on event planning, design, and production trends, proactively identifying and solving operational challenges
• Responsible for all aspects of events including researching resources, conceptualizing themes, coordinating online presence, content and designing promotional materials
• Oversee client experiences from conception through post-event, managing onsite preparations, production, and ensuring high quality service
• Nurture relationships with vendors, venues and other industry contacts while building and maintaining a comprehensive database
• Identify and implement strategies to drive visibility and improve revenue opportunities; collaborate with team to support event schedule and long-term business growth
• Manage studio activities including recruiting freelance techs, maintaining equipment and supplies, and providing technical guidance on software, storage, and video streaming
• Collaborate with consulting producers, talent, and production staff to ensure alignment with visual requirements as well as branding guidelines
• Develop shooting plans including lighting and camera operations and movements, providing direction on last minute changes
• Assist business leads and show production staff to prepare and create original event, in-studio and digital content
• Motivate and inspire teams of designers, art directors and writers to deliver creative excellence
• Coach and develop team members with regular informal and formal feedback, development plans, and strengthening relationship management skills as well as monitoring of workload and assignments.

Qualifications

• Knowledge generally associated with a bachelor’s degree
• 10 years professional experience in studio production and event management
• 5-7 years create management experience preferred; portfolio required
• Experience with directing photographers for commercial applications and dealing with a live streaming environment
• Ability to collaborate with editorial, creative and sales departments to tell the story
• Familiarity with building financial models, pitch decks, promoting new programs through both traditional marketing and social media channels
• Proficient with event management systems, audio and video editing, creative storage, project management, production software, and cloud content delivery solutions.
• Ability to work under pressure and give direction to internal and external agencies
• Willingness to travel as needed and work in-person or flexible hybrid based on business needs

Direction/Responsibility

• Reports directly to the Director of Advertising
• Responsible for managing the workload of 2 videographers and a Business Presentation Designer as well as providing direction to various contractors

Merchants Distributors, LLC