COMPANY BACKGROUND:
Oolite Arts opened its doors to the public in 1984. It has an annual operating budget of $4.5 million and an endowment of $90 million. The Company has 14 employees and a Board of Directors presently composed of 15 members.
Through its artist residency program, exhibitions, direct support to artists, studio art classes, educational programs, outreach programs, art film programs, community events and curatorial lectures, the Center is recognized as the leading visual artist support organization of Miami Dade County.
To learn more about Oolite Arts, please visit www.oolitearts.org
POSITION SUMMARY:
Oolite Arts seeks a Cinematic Arts Manager to oversee and manage the organization’s Cinematic Arts Program.
The Cinematic Arts Manager oversees Oolite Arts’ two granting initiatives in film — the Cinematic Arts Residency and The Block Short Documentary Contest — and a host of related film screenings, masterclasses, workshops and social events. Together, these grants and initiatives comprise Oolite Arts’ film program which serves as a hub to support, educate and elevate Miami filmmakers and raise the overall standard of filmmaking in Miami.
Candidates must have a proven track record and experience with working in cinema; having made or worked on a film (short or feature) is preferred. Candidates must have experience in working with filmmakers, as well as working with community partners. This position will be an active public voice for Oolite’s Cinematic Arts Program.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Cinematic Arts Residency responsibilities include:
o Drafting and issuing an annual call for submissions
o Assembling a jury of nationally recognized film professionals to review all
applications and organizing attendant travel and accommodation
o Working with selected filmmakers to map out a residency plan that includes the pre-
production, production, post-production and release of their films
o Managing Oolite Arts’ cinematic residency space and the film equipment therein
o Working with Cinematic Arts consultants to advise on project trajectories
o Guide and mentor Cinematic Arts residents over the two-year program
• The Block responsibilities include:
o Drafting and issuing an annual call for submissions
o Assembling a jury of nationally recognized film professionals to review all
applications and serve as judges of the final live pitch event; organizing attendant travel and accommodation
o Working with program partners — Wolfson Florida Moving Image and the University of Miami School of Communication — to allocate resources for awarded filmmakers
o Identifying and securing a venue to serve as the location for the final live pitch event o Scheduling pitch coaching for all finalists o Working with selected filmmakers to map out pre-production, production, post- production and release of their films
o Advising The Block grantees in the creation of their films
• Public screening responsibilities include:
o Identifying and securing acclaimed films for screenings in Miami under one of three
categories: Art Films, Documentaries and Micro-budget films
o Working in collaboration with O Cinema and other potential screening partners to
ensure well-attended screenings
o Maintaining relationships with film distribution companies
o Organizing travel and accommodation for visiting filmmakers
o Planning informative Q&As with film talent to follow each screening
• Educational Public Programming responsibilities include:
o Working with Art Classes Coordinator to create and schedule beginner and
intermediate-level classes for those interested in learning the technical aspects of filmmaking (editing, lighting, filming, etc.)
o Identifying internationally acclaimed film professionals to teach masterclasses for more experienced filmmakers in the Miami community; handling attendant travel and accommodation for SKILLS, our on-going public program initiative for professional development.
• General responsibilities include:
o Establishing and maintaining relationships with national film institutions and festivals
to remain abreast of industry opportunities and best practices, with the ultimate aim of expanding networks and career opportunities for both narrative and documentary filmmakers supported by Oolite Arts
o Maintaining high production standards for all of Oolite Arts’ Cinematic in person events, from screenings and contests to classes and info sessions
o Working with CFO to maintain budgets for all of Oolite’s film programming; creating
and submitting check requests to Accounting
o Working closely with Oolite Arts’ Communications team to message film
opportunities and events
o Strategizing with the President and CEO in crafting Oolite Arts’ overall approach to
supporting, educating and elevating Miami filmmakers
o Providing weekly updates to the Programs team regarding upcoming project launch dates
o Liaising with The Miami Foundation to disburse funds from Oolite Arts film grants in an orderly and timely manner
o Keeping regular contact with all Oolite-supported filmmakers to receive project
updates, advise on production trajectory, and confirm film release dates and strategies
O Serving as an overall community voice and resource on filmmaking in Miami
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
o Bachelor's degree; a minimum of three (3) year of applicable work experience. o Proficiency in Google and Microsoft Suites required.
o Basic computer skills on a Windows system (knowledge of Adobe applications is a plus)
o Familiarity with the national independent film community (Miami filmmaking
community is a plus)
o Experience and success working in the filmmaking community, whether that be
actually working on a film or at a film festival
o Passion for the Arts and the power of storytelling.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:
o Extremely well-versed in the Cinematic Arts discipline; technical skills in the area of
filmmaking is a plus
o Effective communication, both in person and in writing (fluency in Spanish is valued but not required)
o Ability to work well with a diverse group of staff and volunteers
o Ability to work and nurture emerging artists in a holistic service environment
o Success at managing a wide array of tasks and projects and an ability to thrive in a
fast-paced work environment
o Willingness to work select weekends and to occasionally adjust hours to accommodate the needs of the job
o Excellent organization and planning skills
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those as employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Work is usually done indoors in a climate-controlled environment and usually quiet. Occasionally, the work may entail interacting with Oolite Art’s visitors and in an outdoor environment.
COMPENSATION:
The Cinematic Arts Manager’s compensation level is commensurate with experience and includes a strong benefits plan, including health insurance, and 401(k) matching.
PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION:
Applicants should submit a resume, a one-page narrative describing interest and experience, and three references. Applications will be reviewed by the Company’s senior management. Candidate recommendations are welcome.
Send resume and accompanying materials to: Email: hr@oolitearts.org Subject: Cinematic Arts Manager.
Oolite Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer.