Film Curator [Northwestern University]

Northwestern University Opportunity (Job ID 24929):

Northwestern University seeks to employ a varied and diverse range of dynamic people who understand the importance of our mission and vision. When you consider a career at Northwestern University, you know that you are joining an institution with a deep history of academic, professional and personal excellence.

Currently, we have a career opportunity as a Film Curator (Evanston Campus).

Job Summary:

The Mary and Leigh Block Museum’s Film Curator plays a key artistic role in making the museum a dynamic site for innovative film and time-based media programming as part of Block Cinema and in the galleries. The Film Curator is a full-time position within the Curatorial Department and reports to the Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs. The Film Curator oversees the Block Cinema Coordinator, which is a full-time, non-exempt position providing administrative support for Block Cinema; a part-time projectionist; student work-study aids who assist with box office duties; and a newly formed Block Cinema Student Advisory Committee.

The Film Curator forges strong interdisciplinary connections and draws upon the unique context and resources of Northwestern University including its renowned faculty, departments, and schools by curating a quarterly screen series for Block Cinema; curating exhibitions in the Block’s galleries, whether individually or as part of a curatorial team; and/or developing other cinema-related programming,.  He/she develops an expansive program with a global perspective that ranges from Hollywood to Nollywood, from classic to alternative genres, and from traditional film and video to experimental time-based media forms and web-based art.  The Film Curator creates synergies between the museum, the campus, and the broadly defined film community locally, nationally, and internationally. He/she is an active participant in intellectual discourse surrounding film studies, history and screen cultures, and innovative experimentation in time-based media. He/she creates a program that nourishes a dialogue about film in Chicagoland and beyond.

The Film Curator is committed to collaboration, including working closely with faculty, students, Block curators and engagement staff, and the regional film community to realize a broad, balanced, and well-rounded program that embraces all genres of film, as well as new technologies that are transforming the uses and conceptions of the medium. He/she will conceive, curate, and implement Block Cinema’s quarterly film program, including overseeing the museum’s print and online publications connected to it; curate periodic original exhibitions in the Museum’s galleries and participate on the curatorial team for exhibitions when relevant;  and develop innovative film and time-based media-related engagement programs working cooperatively with the Block’s Engagement Department.  He/she will deepen the Block’s relationship with Northwestern University faculty and undergraduate and graduate students and will involve faculty, students and others in content development when possible. He/she will be active within the film world through membership in specialized organizations and participation in film festivals nationally and internationally and scholarly meetings as appropriate. He/she will be an active mentor to Northwestern students.  As the ‘public face’ of Block Cinema, he/she serves as an ambassador for Block Cinema, in particular, speaking on behalf of its programs and supporting the Museum’s donor relations and grant-writing efforts as requested.

Specific Responsibilities:

Artistic and Scholarly Responsibilities:

• Provides artistic leadership of Block Cinema programming, assuring a balanced and expansive program that presents film and other time-based media across genres, from classic to experimental, with a global perspective.
• Conceives and implements a quarterly film program; researches and selects films and organizes associated programs based on aesthetic merit; relevance to teaching and learning at NU, and connections to the Block Museum’s mission and through lines.
• Generates knowledge germane to the study of film and other time-based media through exhibitions, programming, research, publications, and the development of public programs.
• May collaborate with faculty in curating film and time-based art exhibitions and screenings; film projects for the museum’s galleries; proposes and curates film and/or time-based media-related exhibitions for the museum’s galleries; engagement programs and publications related to film and other time-based media being executed by others.
• Maintains ongoing active professional relationships (i.e. film curators, film writers, directors, producers, actors, etc.) in the film community. Travels to film festivals internationally to view films and meet with industry professionals.
• Identifies potential partners and/or venues for tours of Block Cinema programs.  Identifies potential film series’ organized by peer institutions for presentation at the Block.  Attends film programs and other events around the Chicago area to network, to represent the Block Museum, and to stay abreast of the field.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Supervises equipment usage and maintenance.
• Assists in grant-writing and other fundraising for Block Cinema and/or film-related programming/exhibitions as requested.
• Negotiates film rental rates, terms and conditions with distributors and archives.  Oversees traffic and projection standards in compliance with archival loan requirements.
• Researches print sources and copyright holders for Block Cinema, and/or supervises performance of this work by coordinator. Corresponds with film curators and programmers on films, print sources, and possible collaborations.
• Orders projection booth and other Block Cinema-related supplies as needed.
• Maintains Block Cinema’s schedule for screenings and participates on Block’s Building Usage Committee to advise on use of auditorium for non-Block requests.
• Attends strategic planning meetings and contributes to the curatorial vision and initiatives of the museum as appropriate. Oversees the new Block Cinema Student Advisory Committee; Partners with the Block Museum Director and Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs to define the mission/vision.
• Plans, assigns, and reviews the work of Block Cinema Coordinator, projectionists, and student workers. Oversees the Block Cinema budget.
• Supervises Block Cinema special events.

Engagement and Communications Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with the Associate Director of Engagement on developing and implementing an integrated engagement program and communications strategy for Block Cinema. Participates in the Block’s engagement programs (e.g. giving lectures, attending symposia, organizing pro-seminars); Contributes to the museum’s communication strategy via electronic media; prepares presentations for stakeholders.
• Researches and identifies scholars and other experts to introduce and participate in Block Cinema programs; invites and hosts these guests.
• Oversees film programs curated by others and presented at the Block Museum, such as faculty (i.e. booking and logistics).  As part of curatorial team, participates in discussions that lead to increasing student involvement in the Block as well as the general public. Develops programs to involve students in Block Cinema.  Creates opportunities to involve faculty and students in research, development, and implementation of Block Cinema programs.
• Develops and Implements a long-range strategy for Block Cinema (i.e. audience development in consultation with engagement department).
• Collaborates with the Engagement Team to strategize the publicity and marketing for quarterly program(s) and/or series. Prepares texts in support of Block Cinema programs (i.e. press releases, website texts, brochures, catalogues, etc.). Pitches Block Cinema programs to press as needed.  Collects data, monitors, and evaluates audience participation.  Partners with University Relations on monthly press emails and press releases.
• Oversees Block Cinema paper calendar delivery plan around Chicago, Evanston campus; collaborates with the graphic designer to produce quarterly calendars and with printers on a print production and delivery schedule.
• Mentors undergraduate and graduate students; advises students on career and educational opportunities.

Miscellaneous:

• Performs related duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Master’s Degree or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired.
• Possess a minimum of three years film programming experience.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Knowledge and expertise in the history of film including diverse current practices and some knowledge of gallery-based film and video practices.
• Active connections with film distributors, film curators, film archives and film programming venues.
• Public programming experience germane to film programming (i.e. organization of lectures, symposia, etc.).
• Excellent writing and public speaking skills.
• Adaptability – Works effectively in an environment in which the parameters may change daily; adjusts behavior to meet the needs of different people and situations.
• Assertiveness/Independence – Takes forceful stands on issues without being excessively abrasive; expresses own opinions even when adopting an unpopular position.
• Coaching/Mentoring – Trains people for current assignment and develops them for promotion; uses feedback and personal example to encourage higher performance.
• Collaboration – Facilitates open and effective communication, cooperation and teamwork within and outside of one’s own team; respects the needs and contributions of others.
• Communication – Communicates effectively one-to-one, in small groups and in public speaking contexts; writes precise, well-organized emails, letters and proposals while using appropriate vocabulary and grammar.
• Customer Focus – Regularly monitors customer satisfaction; provides suggestions to improve quality and value to the customer.
• Diversity – Creates an environment of understanding and acceptance; solicits input from a wide variety of people and functions; challenges organizational policies and practices that may be exclusionary.
• Efficiency/Dependability – Effectively performs duties and responsibilities; displays attention to detail; supports organizational policies; anticipates demands/pressures of assignments and adjusts accordingly.
• Ethics and Integrity – Follows through on commitments; incorporates honesty, respect and fairness in daily actions; demands trustworthiness from others; demonstrates courage and objectivity.
• Initiative – Exhibits energy and desire to achieve; sets ambitious goals and acts decisively; takes action that no one has requested to improve or enhance job results and avoid problems.
• Innovation/Creativity – Explores alternatives to existing products and services; identifies opportunities to improve procedures and practices; shows imagination.
• Judgment – Demonstrates logic, rationality and objectivity; shows common sense; uses all available information to make educated decisions.
• Management Change – Seeks projects that initiate changes in the organization; informs team members of upcoming changes; creates clear time frames and involves those who will be affected by changes in the planning and implementation process.
• Multi-Tasking – Demonstrates ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Negotiation – Finds common ground to accommodate the conflicting needs and wants of different stakeholders.
• Organization – Plans, organizes and schedules in an efficient, productive manner; anticipates contingencies and pays attention to detail; targets projects or initiatives that require special attention and focuses on key tasks when faced with limited time and/or resources
• Planning – Devises and implements clearly defined strategies to achieve business objectives.
• Problem Solving – Formulates realistic plans and contingencies and establishes appropriate measurements of anticipated results.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5 years of related experience.
• Experience with film programming in a higher education environment.
• Distinguished record of film programming at the national level.
• Mentoring or teaching experience.
• Record of publications.

Working at Northwestern University:

Beyond being a place to learn and grow professionally, Northwestern is an exciting and fulfilling place to work! Northwestern offers many benefit options to full and part-time employees including: competitive compensation; excellent retirement plans; comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage; dependent care match; vacation, sick and holiday pay; professional development opportunities and tuition reimbursement.

Northwestern greatly values work/life balance amongst its employees. Take advantage of recreational, cultural, and enrichment opportunities on campus. Employees also receive access to childcare solutions, retail discounts, and other work/life balance resources.

Northwestern University is an equal opportunity employer and strongly believes in creating an environment that welcomes students, faculty and staff of all races, nationalities and religions. In doing so, we offer our students the opportunity to learn and grow in diverse communities preparing them for successful careers in an increasingly global and diverse work force.

For consideration, please click on the link below. You will be directed to Northwestern University’s electronic recruiting system, eRecruit, where you will apply for current openings. Once you apply, you will receive an email confirming submission of your resume. For all resumes received, if there is interest in your candidacy, the human resources recruiter or the department hiring manager will contact you. Job Opening ID number for this position is 24929.

https://nuhr.northwestern.edu/psp/hr91prod_er/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL?Page=HRS_CE_JOB_DTL&Action=A&JobOpeningId=24929&SiteId=1&PostingSeq=1

As per Northwestern University policy, this position requires a criminal background check. Successful applicants will need to submit to a criminal background check prior to employment.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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