Timing: Approximately February 1-April 15, 2024
Employment Status: Seasonal Consultant, primarily remote with required in-person attendance, March 25-April 15, 2024
Compensation: $8,500 Stipend and additional reimbursement for travel and accommodations
Reports to: CIFF48 Guest Relations Manager, Artistic Director, Programming Teams, and CIFF Full-time Staff
Festival Information: CIFF48 (April 3-13, 2024) at Playhouse Square
OVERVIEW
The Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) is seeking a welcoming and helpful, self-sufficient, and detail-oriented person with strong communication and organization skills, to work in conjunction with the Guest Relations Manager to coordinate all aspects of CIFF guests' transportation and Festival schedules, as well as the co-management of the CIFF48 Guest Relations staff team.
WHO WE ARE
Founded in 1977, the Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) strives to fulfill its mission to promote artistically and culturally significant film arts through education and exhibition to enrich the life of the community. The Cleveland International Film Festival's vision is to be a leader in helping the world discover the power of the film arts to educate, entertain, and celebrate an inclusive human experience. In other words, CIFF presents the newest and best films from around the world, and does everything in its power to make sure that its audience learns something along the way - about other cultures, about the topic at hand, about the experience from the filmmakers themselves.
CIFF's Guiding Principles include:
- Setting high standards for quality film education and exhibition, placing artistic and cultural merit above commercial appeal;
- Working collaboratively to provide access to quality film arts;
- Providing the best audience experience possible;
- Championing diversity, equity, and inclusion while fostering understanding and appreciation of myriad cultures and values
- Cultivating an innovative and forward-thinking organization that catalyzes community and partner neighborhoods;
- Promoting among board, staff, and volunteers a work environment based on integrity, professionalism, teamwork, trust, and respect; and
- Ensuring the organization's financial stability and increasing its financial self-sufficiency.
WHO YOU ARE & WHAT WILL MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL:
- Relationship-building: You develop and maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with a diverse group of constituents and know how to build alliances even when there are competing interests and perspectives.
- Drive to achieve results: You have a strong work ethic-a track record of accomplishing goals and getting results even when there are obstacles. You set a high bar and meet it, because you think ahead, anticipating hurdles and coming up with thoughtful solutions.
- Commitment to racial equity and social justice: You recognize the role of race, income, age, immigration status, and other identities in shaping our cultural landscape and access to the arts. You recognize how your own identities show up in the work, and welcome, reflect on, and act on feedback with an eye toward continuous learning about race, ability, and other lines of difference.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
- Collaborate with the Guest Relations Manager to research flights, and track all guest attendance, travel, accommodations, and Festival schedules in Airtable, ensuring seamless travel plans and creating a welcoming and enjoyable Festival experience for all guests
- Coordinate flight schedules and logistics for Festival guests, including feature filmmakers and competition jurors with consideration for budget, travel partnerships and sponsorships, screenings and events schedules, and guest-specific requests and needs
- Support the Guest Relations Manager by assisting with confirming/hiring, scheduling, and supervising the Guest Relations staff team
- Serve as a liaison between Festival guests and American Limousine and/or ride-shares to ensure ground transportation to and from transportation hubs for all Festival guests, including feature and short filmmakers, and jurors
- Schedule and book hotel and short-term homestay reservations for determined guests, working in coordination with the Guest Relations Manager and partner hotels
- Assist the Guest Relations Manager with the planning and execution of guest-related events during the Festival as well as offering guidance to filmmakers organizing private events
- Oversee the creation and assembly of welcome materials including itineraries, pass and ticket credentials, and swag bags for guests
- Gather, transport, and set up Guest Relations supplies and space for CIFF48
- Collaborate with and assist all Guest Relations staff, including the Guest Relations Manager, Short Films Lead Programmer, Short Films Programming Manager, Jury Coordinator, Ambassadors, and third-party ground transportation services
- Attend appropriate meetings, including team meetings, staff meetings, and CIFF48 Staff Orientation
- Produce a wrap-up report and attend Guest Relations wrap-up meetings, post-festival
QUALIFICATIONS:
- High School Graduate or GED
- Minium of one to three years Guest and/or Customer Service experience required
- Familiarity with booking travel and transportation, preferably at other film festivals
- Knowledge of Guest Relations best practices, preferably at other film festivals
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Exchange/Office 365, Google Workspace, Airtable, Eventive, and Shiftboard
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Professional oral and written communication skills
- Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
- Impeccable planning and organization skills
- Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Flexibility and adaptability to manage stress, multi-task, and problem-solve
- Collaborative spirit focused on diplomacy and teamwork, including the ability to work with diverse groups and people
- Willingness to take initiative and to take and give instruction
WORKING CONDITIONS:
This position will require sitting, standing, and moving during working hours and may require evening and weekend hours leading up to and during CIFF48 (April 3-13, 2024).
TO APPLY:
Email your resume and cover letter to ciff@clevelandfilm.org. The deadline to apply is November 15, 2023.