Ashland, Oregon

The Ashland Independent Film Festival seeks a dynamic, effective, experienced, full-time Executive Director to lead the nonprofit organization into its second decade of presenting the highest quality independent film in line with our mission of “celebrating the diversity of human experience through the art of independent film—enriching, educating and inspiring audiences of all ages.”

The AIFF is a widely recognized and highly regarded festival screening some 80-plus independently made documentaries, features, shorts and family programs each year in early April (see http://www.ashlandfilm.org/), as well as year-round programming. Operating with an annual budget of about $400,000 (plus equivalent in-kind contributions), we maintain an organizational structure comprising six year-round and nine seasonal staff supported by more than 300 volunteers from Ashland and neighboring Southern Oregon communities, with support and guidance from an active and engaged 11-member Board of Directors and 25-member Advisory Council.

AIFF is part of a strong arts community in sunny southern Oregon that includes the Tony Award-winning Oregon Shakespeare Festival and other performing arts organizations; Southern Oregon University; surrounding mountains, vineyards and wineries; and some of the finest art galleries between San Francisco and Portland. Ashland and SOU combine to create one of the best college towns in America, according to Outside magazine; and recreational opportunities abound, with hiking, biking, golf, river rafting, fishing, tennis, and skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Ashland.

We are dedicated to bringing the best independent films to our audiences while supporting filmmakers and their craft. Many filmmakers accompany their films and engage with audiences in post-screening Q&A sessions, panel discussions, special receptions and an always sold-out awards ceremony. MovieMaker magazine named the AIFF one of the “25 Festivals Worth the Entry Fee,” and the International Film Festival Summit gave our Programming Director its award for “best programmer for a regional festival.” The National Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has twice awarded the AIFF with grants.

Building on our 10-year record, and supported by a strategic plan created with wide input from the Board, staff and Advisory Council, we expect the new ED to have the vision that will take the AIFF to even greater heights. His or her responsibilities include:

• Having an understanding of and passion for AIFF’s mission and its commitment to the community
• Providing vibrant leadership with a clear vision for the organization
• Maintaining relationships with major donors and business sponsors while leading AIFF development efforts through continuing and enhancing a multifaceted fundraising strategy that also includes memberships, grant-writing, ticket sales and fundraising events to meet budgeted goals
• Ensuring the highest level of artistic content and presentation at the annual festival and other events
• Directing staff in programs and operational management
• Fostering positive, productive relationships and teamwork among staff and volunteers
• Ensuring sound financial planning and fiscal management
• Guiding the AIFF’s public relations

The successful candidate will have the energy, enthusiasm and passion needed to be an effective ED, and will bring to the AIFF the following experiences and qualifications:

• Three or more years of experience in a nonprofit organization, preferably in the arts
• Three or more years of organizational management experience
• Demonstrated strong organizational leadership to maximize existing strategies and develop new directions when necessary
• Commitment to developing diverse audiences
• Experience with financial management in a small- to medium-sized nonprofit organization
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking
• Demonstrated ability to work with a governing board
• Ability to lead and motivate staff and volunteers
• Ability to handle multiple tasks at once, sometimes with tight deadlines, while supporting staff and volunteers
• For more details, see the Executive Director job description at www.ashlandfilm.org

Candidates interested in this opportunity to be part of and lead a dynamic film festival should submit a letter of application by email, addressing the responsibilities and qualifications, along with a resume detailing experience. Address to Board of Directors, Ashland Independent Film Festival, aiffsearch@gmail.com, no later than September 19, 2011. No snail mail and no telephone calls, please. The AIFF is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate according to race, ethnicity, gender, age, or sexual orientation. All applications will receive a reply.