JOB OPENING

Operations and Communications Manager

Location: Brooklyn, NY / Remote (to be discussed)
Position type: Salaried, full-time / part-time W2 (based on candidates’ needs and experience.)  
Application Deadline: January 16, 2022
Reports to: Executive Director
Start Date: February-March 2022

ABOUT THE FLAHERTY 

The Flaherty (International Film Seminars, Inc., New York, NY) is a small non-profit organization dedicated to fostering community around the moving image. The organization's central event is the annual Flaherty Seminar, which brings together artists, media professionals and lovers of film for a week of screenings and immersive conversation about the state of non-fiction filmmaking and the visual arts in dialogue with documentary. Founded in 1955 and named after filmmaker Robert Flaherty, the Flaherty Seminar is the longest continuously-running film event in North America. It has introduced audiences to the works of hundreds of influential filmmakers, including D.A. Pennebaker, William Greaves, Agnès Varda, Satyajit Ray, Cauleen Smith, Bruce Baillie, Natalia Almada, and many more. Today, the Flaherty also organizes Flaherty NYC, a curated film series in New York (now in its twelfth year), as well as screenings and partnerships around the world. 

The Flaherty has a long-standing commitment to engaging critically with the ethics and aesthetics of nonfiction filmmaking in the widest sense. We create and nurture spaces that debate authorship, representation, inclusion, consent, access and accountability, and are propelled by a desire to upend entrenched norms and unequal (and often unexamined) power dynamics. We champion new models of nonfiction filmmaking, curating, and theorizing. 

We are committed to employing the tools proposed by Frances Flaherty – community and conversation, free of pretension or preconception – to examine the legacies of colonialism, racism, and inequity that remain deeply embedded in Flaherty’s oeuvre and still plague the production, exhibition, and critical reception of many nonfiction forms. The Flaherty is currently in an exciting moment, restructuring with the aim of expanding the relevance of our history and mission by deepening participation, inclusion, and accessibility.

OUR EMPLOYMENT PHILOSOPHY

The Flaherty is strengthened by the diversity of our staff, and we welcome such diversity including race, gender identity or expression, educational attainment, disability, veteran status, and personal experience with the criminal justice system. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, and we strongly encourage people of color and persons with disabilities to apply. We actively cultivate an institutional culture that reflects the values of respect, equity and inclusion that we seek through our work to amplify in the larger world.

We hire, promote and retain employees based on their professional qualifications, demonstrated abilities and exceptional performance. As a small non-profit, we hold our employees to high standards and seek individuals who exhibit the employee qualities and ambition required to help The Flaherty meet its mission. All personnel decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, discipline and discharge, are made without discrimination based on any protected characteristic as defined by law.

Read our full Employment Philosophy here.

ABOUT THE POSITION 

The Flaherty is seeking an Operations & Communications Manager to manage external communications and internal administrative systems to ensure the effective operations of our programs and connect our work with our ever-growing community of artists, audiences, and partners. Our ideal candidate has competencies and experience in Communications, Production, and Operations.

Working closely with our Program Director and Executive Director, the Operations & Communications Manager will lead the development, planning, and execution of The Flaherty’s communications strategies, manage a range of operations, development, and internal communications activities, and serve as key liaison with partners and other contractors.

As part of our small, collaborative, and ambitious organization, this position provides ample opportunity for professional growth and to learn important aspects of nonprofit management. The Manager will be successful if they feel competent and excited by balancing their roles in both Communications and Operations. This individual will also have the opportunity to contribute to the continued development of The Flaherty. In recruiting for this newly created position, we’re seeking a colleague who is flexible and will complement and grow with our team. This position is ideal for someone who wants to contribute to strengthening the internal systems and processes of an organization committed to reflecting its values in excellent management practices. We potentially accommodate remote work and a part-time schedule.

The Flaherty is committed to a diverse workplace and is an enthusiastic equal opportunity employer for people of all backgrounds and ages. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply. 

Primary responsibilities / Key areas

  1. Operations: Manage daily non-profit operations, systems, and workflows.

  2. Communication: Expand Flaherty’s visibility and reach by managing the website, social media, newsletter, and all other communications.

  3. Production: Assist with the production of the Flaherty Film Seminar, Flaherty NYC, and Fellowship Programs, ensuring they are delivered on time and to the highest standard.

  4. Grants & Partnerships: Manage all partnerships and grant reporting, assist with grant applications

KEY DELIVERABLES/OUTCOMES

  • Develop and maintain effective workflows of all Flaherty Programs - including Flaherty Film Seminar, Flaherty NYC, and Fellowship Programs, and Special Projects.

  • Develop and maintain a year-round communication strategy (on social media, newsletter, and e-blasts) to reflect the historical and ongoing work of the The Flaherty programs, highlighting our partners, past programmers, artists, and archive.

  • Develop and maintain a functional content management system (CMS)

  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive year-round grant proposal and reporting calendar, tracking historical partnerships, grant requirements, reporting needs, and application deadlines.

  • Assist Executive Director in developing a robust fundraising and partnership strategy.

FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Include but are not limited to:

Operations & Production

  • Manage daily non-profit operations 

  • Work alongside the Program Director on the production of all Flaherty Programs

  • Assist the ED with budgeting, planning, reporting, auditing, and regulatory compliance.

  • Manage the filing and organization of internal documents, overseeing organizational systems and backup.

  • Manage the delivery of contracts, invoices, W8/W9 and payment to independent contractors

  • Maintain and update permanent records/archive of the Flaherty including IFS history, mailing lists, audio archive, film database, web site, storage units, and other related records/archives.

  • Identify and address problems and opportunities by developing and implementing operational policies and procedures

Communications

  • Oversee all written materials for programs, press releases, grants, website assets, and other key external facing materials.

  • Assist Program Director with the communication needs of all Flaherty Programs, including the Seminar, FNYC, and Special Projects

  • Coordinate with writers and press on coverage of Flaherty events

  • Communicate key aspects of programs to funders, internal and external stakeholders, and the public.

  • Develop and oversee a comprehensive communications calendar and create content for publications, website, and social media.

  • Develop and update website as needed.

  • Maintain an accurate internal and public facing calendar of programs, events etc.

  • Manage monthly newsletter & eblasts

  • Manage social media platforms (Facebook, lnstagram, Twitter)

  • Manage archivist in updating online archives on Flaherty website

  • Manage graphic designers and visual identity deliverables on all projects

Grants & Partnerships

  • Assist with grant applications.

  • Collaborate with ED on the creation and maintenance of a comprehensive grant proposal and reporting calendar, including renewal of current grants (10-12 annually) and new grants and sponsorships.

  • Manage all grant reporting and funder recognition requirements to ensure they are properly adhered to, including data collection needs.

  • Manage partnership details, contracts, and mentions across all communications


QUALIFICATIONS / POSITION REQUIREMENTS 

  • Legal authorization to work in the United States

  • Strong project management and leadership skills

  • Strong proven competencies in Communications, Production, and Operations

  • Highly organized and detail oriented with a track record of meeting short- and long-term responsibilities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, high volume organization, with superior attention to detail without losing sight of the big picture.

  • Demonstrated ability to self-manage and work independently

  • Proficiency in Airtable, Google Docs, Sheets, and Excel.

  • Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign and Photoshop.

  • Exceptional written and verbal communications skills

  • Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work well within a team.

  • Fluency in social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

  • Must attend annual Flaherty Film Seminar June 24-July 1 2022.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

  • Degree in Arts Administration, Film, Media Studies, or Nonprofit Management 

  • Project management training

  • Experience working in small teams in faced-paced environments

  • Experience coordinating, producing or otherwise working for large international events: festivals, conferences, or otherwise

  • Experience planning and executing strategic communications plans.

  • Knowledge of SquareSpace, Website Management

  • Graphic Design and/or film editing experience a strong asset.

  • Experience with fundraising and grant reporting

  • Experience working in nonprofits or as an arts administrator

  • Knowledge of, and/or experience with The Flaherty is an asset

SALARY RANGE: $40-55,000, based on experience (for a full time position)

Benefits: Medical insurance, Paid time off

HOW TO APPLY

Your application should be sent as a single PDF document that includes:

  • A one-page cover letter that shares why you are interested in the position and what you would bring to the role 

  • Your preference for remote or in-person work, as well as your availability (full and/or part time)

  • A CV 

  • Names and contact information for two professional references 

Your application should be submitted to: Flaherty Hiring Committee and emailed to Samara Chadwick, Executive Director at samara@theflaherty.org. Please include the job title “Operations and Communications Manager” in the Subject line. Only complete applications sent as a single PDF will be reviewed. 

The deadline is Sunday January 16th 2022. While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.