New Orleans Film Society
2024 NOFF Special Events Manager
(Part-Time // Temporary)
MISSION:
The New Orleans Film Society is a 501(c) (3) arts non-profit organization whose mission is to discover, cultivate, and amplify diverse voices of filmmakers who tell the stories of our time. We produce the Oscar®-qualifying New Orleans Film Festival annually and invest year-round in building a vibrant film culture in the South to share transformative cinematic experiences with audiences and connect dynamic filmmakers to career-advancing resources.
VALUES STATEMENT: Start with the art and allow artistic vision, equity, and social impact to guide our search for resources. Champion filmmakers who have been historically denied access to resources and opportunities within the industry–– including Southern artists, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, and people with disabilities. Seek deep audience engagement. Build a working environment that is fair and fulfilling. Exhibit dedication and passion and believe that inspired and impactful programs arise from collaboration and mutual respect. POSITION OVERVIEW:
The New Orleans Film Society is seeking an experienced party or special events planner with experience coordinating all elements of successful events. The candidate should understand local and regional culture well, which could translate into memorable event experiences for Festival goers. We recognize the importance of the special events (parties, receptions, awards ceremony, alumni breakfast, and VIP Lounge) being part of the festival for networking and entertainment opportunities, and we want to produce them in a way that complements the programming of the New Orleans Film Festival and uses the same equitable practices.
The Special Events Manager reports directly to the Managing Director and collaborates closely with other Festival teams.
Timeline for the position: 3-4 months: mid-July to October 2024
The schedule for this position is flexible as long as the festival deadlines are met. We estimate that this position will average around 10-20 hours/per week, with hours going up in weeks around the event itself. The Festival is scheduled for October 17-22 .
Scope of Work:
Scouts prospect venues for special events and coordinate the rental arrangements. Collaborates with other organization leaders to conceptualize ideas and vision for special events. Manages all aspects of the events, including food, alcohol and drinks, entertainment, permits, equipment/furniture, supplies, and others. Submit and secure the special events and alcohol permit process with the appropriate governmental institutions. Collaborates with existing vendors or seeks new partners for services and products related to special event needs. Hires, supervises, trains, and schedules staff to assist with executing special events (2 employees) or any additional contracted labor. Collaborates with the Development department to secure in-kind donations for the events and to execute sponsorship activations or partnered events during the Festival. Collaborates with the Marketing department team on layout and design for special event spaces Responsible for preparing copy on special events for distribution through different communication and marketing channels. Coordinate volunteer needs with the Festival Volunteer Coordinator. Ensures attendance tracking process is in place and well managed. Oversees setup and breakdown of all special events and ensures smooth and seamless production. Coordinates with other festival teams regarding accessibility, emergency, and sustainability plans and implements them as needed. Creates run of shows for all events and ensures they are executed as planned. Responsible for proper documentation, invoicing, contracting, and payments are done promptly and effectively. Works with an existing inventory of supplies and makes purchases only when necessary. Skills, Experience + Qualifications - Required:
Alignment to the organization's stated mission and values. Previous experience with a party or other type of special events planning and execution. Have great esthetics and sensibility to adequately design and produce events that reflect local and regional cultures, emphasizing equity. High level of comfort working large live events, handling pressure, and understanding deadline-driven environments. Great organization, planning, and productivity skills. Ability to work nights and weekends during scheduled festivals and events. Ability to stand and move for prolonged hours during events and lift, carry, and load items of up to 40 lbs. Posses a form of transportation to move easily and quickly between venues across New Orleans. Self-starter with strong initiative, drive, sense of urgency & ability to work with a high degree of autonomy. Benefits & Compensation:
This position is temporary and non-exempt, and the hourly compensation is $22 per hour . Temporary staff members are eligible to receive the following benefits:
Paid sick time and holidays; Simple IRA with 3% employer-matched contribution Workers' compensation insurance. The New Orleans Film Society reserves the right to change the listed benefits at any moment, with advance notification to employees.
Location:
New Orleans Film Society staff are working on a hybrid schedule, with a portion of the week in the office and a portion remotely. The individual filling this position needs to be New Orleans-based due to the need to be on the ground during NOFF and any other pre-festival in-person events/training/site visits.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
New Orleans Film Society fosters a creative and professional environment that reflects the diversity of New Orleans. We actively recruit a wide pool of applicants representing dimensions of difference that include — but are not limited to — age, national origin, ethnicity, race, religion, ability, sexual orientation, gender, or political affiliation.
ACCESSIBILITY ACCOMMODATION: We encourage people with disabilities to consider applying for opportunities within the New Orleans Film Society. Our application process requires submitting written documentation for review, and if invited to the interviewing stage, promptly self-schedule through the provided email link and conduct phone/video calls and/or in-person meetings with final candidates. If you require an alternative application or interviewing process, we will make reasonable accommodations to received requests. Please e-mail us at or call us at .
