Artistic Director

Artistic Director – Media Arts Center San Diego

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Artistic Director (AD) will be responsible for the vision and creative direction of all exhibition-related initiatives for the Media Arts Center San Diego. The ideal candidate is well-versed in Latinx and international cinema, has experience curating diverse showcases and programs, and is a willing collaborator with new and existing community partners. Our film programming has consistently represented relevant cinematic trends and sensibilities, while championing marginalized artistic voices. The AD must be willing to stay true to this tradition while further innovating and elevating our programming. The AD will work with the Exhibitions Director and other Exhibitions Staff to ensure smooth operations of our film programs. The AD will also act as an ambassador for our programming with media partners. 

Responsibilities:

Digital Gym Cinema

• Provides leadership in proliferating the artistic vision for the Digital Gym Cinema
• Seeks out films that would have engagement with San Diego audiences
• Manage bookings for the Digital Gym Cinema on weekly basis
• 2-3 films a week, including community partner screenings
• Negotiate beneficial exhibition terms with distributors 
• Develop and execute 3-4 specialized film showcases throughout the year
• Provide film info (synopses, trailers, assets) for Exhibitions Team 
• Send out weekly box office reports to distributors
• Forward invoices to bookkeeper
• Schedule at least 2 monthly Q&A sessions
• Update film calendar/box office database on our website with upcoming releases 
• Collaborate with Exhibitions Team on print traffic needs
• Meet once weekly with Director of Development to discuss marketing strategies and possible community partners per film
• Creates weekly cinema schedule 
• Collaborates w/ MACSD Director of Development with community partners and DGC funders on booking films relevant to their interests
• Acts as an ambassador for the Digital Gym Cinema’s film programming whenever needed (i.e. media interviews, guest speaking engagements, etc.)

San Diego Latino Film Festival (SDLFF)

• Oversees the programming team for the SDLFF (including programmers and selection committee)
• Creates an outline for showcases to be included in the festival
• Views films submitted through the call for entries process and from sales agents, studios, distributors, etc. 
• Seeks out films that would have engagement with San Diego audiences
• Develop an artistic vision for each edition of the festival, with a focus on positive portrayals of the Latinx experience
• Sets strict deadlines for festival programming
• Collaborates with special events team on key guests for the festival
• Creates the festival schedule
• Gathers, writes & uploads all necessary text for printed catalog and festival website
• Meets with the Exhibitions Director and Dir. of Develop. on a consistent basis to discuss marketing goals, ideas, and audience engagement plans.
• Moderates introductions and Q&As during 11-day festival
• Acts as an ambassador for the SDLFF’s film programming whenever needed (i.e. media interviews, guest speaking engagements, etc.)
• Collaborates w/ MACSD Director of Development with community partners and SDLFF funders on booking films relevant to their interests
• Shares film/guest  information with press and marketing on a consistent basis

Other Initiatives

• Oversees the curation of initiatives like the iVIE Awards and Student Film Festival (June), and other special film exhibition events (TBD) for Media Arts Center San Diego. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Film and/or Arts Related Field
• 2-3 Years of Curatorial Experience, w/ a strong knowledge of Latino, Spanish, Latin American cinema.
• Preferred: Non-profit administration experience
• Connections with studios, distributors, film festivals, filmmakers, etc.
• Excellent verbal and written skills
• Collaborative

Salary: $60,000-$70,000 (based on experience). Cafeteria healthcare plan. 10 days paid time off and 8 paid holidays. Status: Full-Time, Exempt. Evening and weekend availability is required.  MACSD is committed to offering professional development opportunities for staff. In-person (San Diego, CA).

If hired, employment is considered at-will,, which means that either the employer or employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and without prior notice.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time unless restricted by a negotiated contract.

MACSD is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status.

MACSD is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and prohibits the use of illegal drugs or the misuse of prescription drugs on company premises or while performing company business. As a condition of employment, successful candidates must agree to comply with our company’s drug-free workplace policy.

HOW TO APPLY

Application Deadline: Friday, June 16, 2023

Please the following items (PDF versions preferred):

1. Your current resume/CV, and 
2. A cover letter stating your interest in and qualifications for the position (2 pgs max.)

Applications submitted without a resume/CV and a cover letter will not be considered.

Please email the application materials to:

Ethan van Thillo, Executive Director, MACSD

[email protected] 

Email subject line: “Artistic Director” 

Media Arts Center San Diego