Description:

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Program Director – Special Events

Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE)

Chicago Film Office Division

Number of Positions: 1

Starting Salary: $118,128

The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city — to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city — serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago.

The Program Director - Special Events position will report to the Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Film Office and serve the needs of the local film and media industry and be its advocate. The position will also manage and oversee the Chicago Film Office’s permit operations and provide support for current film and television production in Chicago. In this capacity, the position will perform the following:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Direct and oversee all aspects of the Chicago Film Office’s permitting process, city service requests, and referrals to sister agencies to support film and television productions that are currently filming or planning to film in the City of Chicago

• Manage a significant production portfolio of television series, feature films, commercials and/or other large and mid-size permitting projects, city service requests, and advising production teams as they plan production in the City

• Support all other aspects of the Chicago Film Office’s activities including but not limited to cultural programming, industry programming, special initiatives, and partnerships with city, state, and industry stakeholders

• Supervise staff involved in film and television permit and production support activities

• Participate in strategy conversations, team meetings, tasks, projects, and cultural and industry programming calendar of events; and contribute to meetings and joint projects with DCASE colleagues, key City partners, civic, and industry stakeholders

• Provide general logistical and community relations guidance to location departments and production teams ensuring that productions are following recommendations and requirements agreed to as part of the permitting process

• Conduct and oversee the confirmation of scheduled intake meetings with location managers and production teams for large projects in advance of the commencement of principal photography

• Serve as a liaison with other City departments (CDOT, OEMC, CPD, CFD, CDA, etc.), agencies, Aldermanic offices, community representatives, businesses, local residences, film industry, and stakeholders as appropriate to build positive and collaborative relationships, provide excellent customer service, flag impacts, seek input and necessary compromises, and resolve issues enabling film and television productions to proceed

• Conduct set visits to permitted productions filming in the City; represent DCASE as a speaker, host, or moderator during industry and public events as required; respond to inquiries, provide public services and information; and attend industry events such as industry conferences, film festivals, and organizational events

• Research relevant information and assist in the development of promotional campaigns for Chicago in collaboration with stakeholders that have shared goals to increase the profile of the Chicago film industry

• Direct and manage the accuracy, completeness, maintenance, and archive of records and data regarding the Chicago Film Office’s support of production through permitting and other city service requests; generate data status reports to track and provide meaningful metrics of the Chicago film industry’s growth and trajectory

• Assist with DCASE events, programs, and activities

• Perform related duties as required

Additional duties may be required for this position

LOCATION: Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE)

Chicago Film Office Division

78 E Washington St, Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago, IL 60602

HOURS: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

Must be flexible to work early mornings, weekends, evenings, and some holidays.

Work indoors and occasionally outdoors in extreme weather conditions and noise.

THIS POSITION IS NOT IN THE CAREER SERVICE

Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

· Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, or a directly related field, plus five years of work experience in events planning and promotion, of which three years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience

Equivalencies:

· Nine years of work experience in events planning and promotion, SUPPLEMENTED by three years of related supervisory experience; OR

· Associate’s degree from an accredited college in Marketing or a directly related field, SUPPLEMENTED by seven years of work experience in events planning and promotion, including three years of related supervisory experience; OR

· Master’s degree or Doctorate from an accredited college or university in Marketing or a directly related field, SUPPLEMENTED by four years of work experience in events planning and promotion, including three years of related supervisory experience.

NOTE: You must provide your transcripts or diploma at the time of processing, if applicable.

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires applicants to complete an interview which will include a written exercise as part of the interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the oral and written parts of the interview will be selected.

Preference will be given to candidates possessing the following:

· Bachelor’s degree in Film, Media, Communications, Arts Administration, or a directly related field

· Previous work experience in Film production, film conferences and festivals, and film industry advocacy

· Previous work experience with government structure and protocol

· Familiarity with the local film and filmmaking industry and media organizations

· Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Internet research

· Previous work experience with general office protocol

Knowledge: Local film industry and institutions. Government structure and protocol. Local film community and industry resources. Best practices of community relations. National trends in the making of independent features, television series, documentaries, and new media. Best practices of other cities, states and countries who also compete for and support this industry. Familiarity with local incentive programs and the application process.

Skills: Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook, and Internet research. Excellent written and oral communication. Effective time management and multi-tasking. Public speaking.

Abilities: Critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, and the ability to work under a short deadline. Collaborate well amongst governmental officials, people of diverse backgrounds, department heads, and production representatives to identify problems and build consensus. Ability to decipher and navigate complex logistics and prioritize long lists of details and requests for services.

Other Requirements: Must be creative and open to ideas across disciplines. Must be able to work flexible hours to include mornings, weekends, evenings, and some holidays.

Working Conditions: Work indoors and occasionally outdoors in extreme weather conditions and noise. General office environment, using standard office equipment.

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicago in an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer.

City of Chicago

Brandon Johnson, Mayor

Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on 05/17/2024.