Executive Director, Independent Film Alliance Chicago | Full-Time Position
Independent Film Alliance Chicago (IFA Chicago) seeks a full-time Executive Director with excellent communication, leadership, fundraising, and administrative skills; who has a passion for independent film and television, is inspired by our mission, and is excited about championing the next generation of storytellers.
ABOUT IFA CHICAGO
IFA Chicago was founded in 2020 as the result of a merger between two non-profit organizations (Stage 18 and IFP Chicago), and thus has a long history of serving Chicagoland filmmakers.
Located in the heart of North Lawndale at Cinespace Studios, Independent Film Alliance Chicago launched with a mission to provide the community and resources needed to build a diverse and sustainable industry of independent content creators. IFA believes that developing above-the-line talent (writers, directors, and producers) is vital to achieving this mission. Inherent in IFA’s philosophy is the artistic, ethical, and moral imperative for inclusion of underrepresented individuals both within IFA and the broader field.
AT IFA WE BELIEVE THAT
Developing above-the-line talent (writers, directors, and producers) is vital to achieving our mission
Opportunities for this career trajectory should not be limited to those who can afford to go to expensive film schools
Individuals from underserved communities should have the resources and access to have agency over their own stories
Chicago has the power to retaining creative talent that is not forced to the coasts in order to make a living
Amplifying the rich diversity of voices that make our region unique is an important contribution to the national conversation
Sustaining an independent, creative film industry in Chicago is vital to the cultural health and artistic identity of our city Independent film is a powerful medium in which to experience diverse human stories that enrich, enlighten and provoke empathy among millions of viewers
Position Overview
The Executive Director of IFA Chicago provides the strategic vision, organizational management, personnel and board development, and community leadership necessary for IFA to achieve its long term artistic and financial goals. The position reports directly to the IFA Board of Directors.
The ideal candidate has a background in the Chicago arts community and/or the national independent film industry and a strong passion for community transformation. They have excellent interpersonal communication and team management skills, a desire for continued leadership development, are well connected to possible partners, funders, and donors, have strong administrative skills, and can manage both high-level strategic initiatives and detail-oriented items simultaneously.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and Board Governance
Work with the Board of Directors and IFA leadership to define and ensure strategic growth in accordance with the mission
Communicate clearly, professionally, and efficiently with the Board and Board Chair
Work closely with the Board to develop and execute fundraising campaigns
Uphold a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture of the organization through a clear communication and leadership style
Work to implement IFA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging values across all interpersonal interactions, IFA events, and community/membership engagements
Fundraising and Financial Management
Cultivate, maintain, and grow donor relationships
In partnership with the Board, execute successful fundraising campaigns, developing short and long term fundraising goals, including the planning and execution of the end of year MAGIC HOUR gala
Maintain the fiscal integrity of the organization, including:
Create and manage the annual budget. Share quarterly financial reports with the Board of Directors and Finance Committee
Maintain consistent communication with the Board Chair and Finance Committee on all significant financial developments
Work closely with the accounting, tax, and audit teams to process invoices, collect receipts, and prepare any audits
Actively identify and execute on grant opportunities and required grant reports, delegating to grant writers and support staff as necessary
Lead Mission and Strategy
Work with the Board and staff to fulfill the mission of IFA Chicago through programming, community engagement, strategic planning, membership growth, and community outreach
Work with any designated committee(s) and Board to develop and implement a long term strategic-plan
Plan, execute and assess programming with a focus on impactful events and programs that align with mission, in partnership with staff and any designated committee(s)
Actively participate in the greater Chicago film community: attending community events, speaking on behalf of IFA and the mission, and connecting with local filmmakers
Work closely with other organizations and key partners to identify opportunities for collaboration, resource-sharing, and cross-promotion
Maintain active engagement with members of IFA Chicago
Maintain active communication with Luminary Board and Creative Cabinet members, growing these groups and creating opportunities for engagement as appropriate
Operations and Team Management
Manage staff by setting expectations, facilitating their professional development and career goals, conducting annual performance/salary reviews, providing support as necessary
Grow the internal staffing infrastructure in accordance with the strategic plan and the organization’s financial resources
Effectively oversee the management and operations of all programming, the office space, and any physical event space as it relates to the operations of the organization
Work with our partners at Cinespace Studios to ensure smooth facility operations and a positive ongoing partnership
Job Qualifications
Bachelors or Master’s Degree in arts, public administration, non-profit management, or related field and/or a minimum of three years of experience in the non-profit sector
A proven track record in strategic planning and development, finance management, and management of a senior team
Experience communicating and working with multiple stakeholders at different levels within the organization
Experience working closely within an artistic community, arts non-profit and/or film experience a plus
Experience leading an organization in a phase of growth/development
Comfortable establishing, meeting, and reporting on key performance metrics as it relates to personal professional performance
Demonstrated success leading short and long-term fundraising efforts
Comfortable with and experience acting as the public face and key spokesperson of an organization
Communicates effectively in English, both orally and in writing, additional language skills are a plus
Service in and leadership of teams and volunteer-driven initiatives
Enthusiastic about inclusive leadership: willingness to give and receive feedback, address and build awareness around any personal biases, approach differences in individuals, cultures, and communities with curiosity, empathy, and kindness
Excellent time management and prioritization skills
The above is not a comprehensive list of job duties.
Salary: $80K Base Salary + $10k Target Bonus, Full Benefits available
Closing Date: Open until filled
Terms of Employment: Full-Time Exempt Position (40+ Hours a week additional hours required for after-hours meetings, events, etc.)
Reports To: Board of Directors
Interested candidates please submit resume, cover letter, and references to careers@ifachicago.org.
IFA is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. We are committed to building an inclusive, creative, brave, and diverse staff reflective of the community we serve.