Film Leadership Executive Director Opportunity (Baltimore, Maryland)

The Maryland Film Festival (MdFF)/SNF Parkway Theatre in Baltimore, Maryland, is seeking an entrepreneurial and dynamic Executive Director. We recently completed a rigorous visioning and strategic planning effort. Our renewed vision is to serve as a contemporary center for the moving image. We provide a socially-engaged, community-responsive and participatory mix of the best elements of a movie theater and arts center. We harness the accessibility of the moving image and the collectivity of cinema to support the efforts of our communities. The Executive Director will have the opportunity to lead the implementation of our ambitious strategic plan, strengthen our fundraising operation, and grow our impact. We have an operating budget of ~$1.4 million, which is projected to grow substantially over the next five years. The hiring range is $125,000-$150,000 and includes a competitive benefits package. The approximate start date is early Summer 2025. Apply here or contact segunning@devosinstitute.net.

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Who Are We?

The mission of the Maryland Film Festival (MdFF)/ SNF Parkway Theatre is to bring films, filmmakers, and audiences together in a friendly, inclusive atmosphere that reflects the unique aspects of our community, while participating in and adding to the larger film dialogue across the country and across the world. We believe film is for everyone and use film, live arts, and new media as a springboard for conversation, learning, skills development and creation. We see our role in Baltimore and the field as a home for filmmakers, a world-class destination for cinema, and a stalwart advocate for democratizing the power of story, as told through film, and expressed through each individual storyteller’s voice. We operate the historic SNF Parkway Theatre, the Renaissance revival style movie palace built in 1915 and renovated in 2016 with support from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the State of Maryland and many other donors. The Parkway serves as an anchor institution in Baltimore’s Station North Arts District. We offer a suite of dynamic year-round programming and host the annual Maryland Film Festival, now in its 26th year.

What’s Next?

From 2018 to 2024, we engaged in a rigorous visioning and strategic planning process to chart our future trajectory. In response to the evolving state of film, the opportunities available to Baltimore’s creative communities, and the need for an increasingly sustainable business model, the SNF Parkway has expanded its programming to include five primary activities:

  • Film+: Screenings: that build on the decades of success of the MdFF by elevating the filmgoing experience with in-person content, filmmaker talkbacks, introductions by community leaders, and other pre- and post-film activities.
  • Filmmaker Services: Career accelerating technical assistance and networking for emerging and established local film and media makers, solidifying Baltimore as a regional hub for next generation talent.
  • Live Arts: Performances by musicians, comedians, and small ensembles inside the Parkway, programmed in collaboration with other community cultural organizations.
  • New Media: Immersive video installations, Esports tournaments and gaming premieres and expositions – Baltimore is now the 4th largest gaming community in the US, and the crafts of game
    development and filmmaking are converging. This movement needs a home in Baltimore.
  • Education/Community: Field trips, student screenings, adult film history courses, and partnerships that offer discounted access to the Parkway for select community organizations.

These changes align with exciting opportunities posed by a fast-changing media environment, as well as with a business model that positions the SNF Parkway Theatre for long-term sustainability. Learn more
about our renewed vision here. Since launching the new vision in June 2024, we have experienced
tremendous momentum and served over 9,000 visitors.

EXPLORE OUR WORK: Website, Facebook, Instagram

At this exciting time, we are looking for an entrepreneurial and dynamic Executive Director to advance our impact.

What we are looking for in our next Executive Director

  • Someone passionate about independent film and investing in our community. We are looking for an Executive Director who is passionate about building community through film, the arts, education and new media in Baltimore. If not already based here, you will be enthusiastic to relocate and spend time in our community.
  • An organized fundraiser and relationship builder. We are looking for an Executive Director who will strengthen our fundraising portfolio and build trusting relationships within our ‘family’ of board members, staff, artists, partners, visitors, donors, and the broader community. You will bring direct or relatable experience that will enable you to lead our fundraising program. You will have strong interpersonal skills, be a good listener and value diverse perspectives.
  • An entrepreneurial business strategist and marketer. We are looking for an Executive Director who is excited to develop entrepreneurial strategies to develop new audiences and activate our space through community and commercial rentals. You will be data-driven in your approach and have a track record of collecting and analyzing data to inform decision-making.
  • A strong team leader. We are looking for an Executive Director who will lead, mentor, support, expand and develop our professional staff. You will bring experience managing and growing a team.

Responsibilities

  • In partnership with the Board, provide strong leadership to the overall strategic and operational direction for MdFF/SNF Parkway Theatre. Play a leading role in long-range strategic planning and strategy development.
  • Oversee and collaborate with the programming staff to bring the programming vision to fruition and evaluate all programs and events. Partner with the Board to review MdFF’s renewed program strategy and identify opportunities to enhance MdFF’s impact.
  • Effectively communicate with the staff and public, building strong relationships with the MdFF family of members, donors, board members, volunteers, visitors, municipal leaders, and the community. Foster an organizational culture of respect, excellence, and teamwork.
  • Build the Board and maximize board members’ time and expertise to advance MdFF’s mission. Track progress on operational and financial goals and report to the Board.
  • Lead MdFF’s fundraising and marketing efforts including:
    • Oversee MdFF’s marketing and visibility effort, developing programmatic marketing strategies that market individual programs and an institutional marketing effort that raises organizational visibility.
    • Represent MdFF in the community and in regional and national industry networks.
    • Partner with the Board in fundraising efforts and leverage the Board in visibility efforts.
    • Engage and manage specialized consultants and contractors as needed.
  • Serve as MdFF’s lead financial director, managing the budget, finances and reporting processes. Partner with the Board to ensure fiscal responsibility and supporting policies.
  • Oversee strategy for investments in physical infrastructure that will ensure the Parkway is welcoming and aesthetically compelling for patrons, and that the facility can effectively serve as a multipurpose venue for digital cinema, live music, gaming, and small performance.
  • Direct, support, mentor, and collaborate with MdFF’s professional staff, organizing the team to efficiently and effectively implement processes across the organization. Ensure all team members are aligned with the organization’s goals and have the necessary tools to fulfill those goals. Oversee performance evaluation.
  • Attend evening and weekend meetings and events, including public programs, Board meetings, fundraising, and community programs that provide opportunities to engage MdFF’s constituents.

Who you’ll be working with

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors. Direct reports include: Director of Parkway Operations (FT), Director of MdFF and Annual Film Programming (FT), Theater Manager (FT). Independent contractors also support program operations, marketing, grant writing, donor communications, and finance.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

  • Passion for film, the arts, education, new media, and community. Mission-driven thinker inspired by the MdFF’s mission and vision. Ability to build trusting, productive relationships.
  • Non-profit management experience including experience managing budgets and finances, leading fundraising and marketing strategies, and leading a team is highly valued.
  • Ability to collect and analyze data to make informed business decisions.
  • Exceptional interpersonal leadership skills, including experience directing and developing a professional team. Strong public speaking, presentation, and writing skills.
  • Ability to oversee interior and exterior construction projects in partnership with the Director of Operations and specialized contractors.

Employment and Compensation

  • Start date: Negotiable, ideally early Summer 2025. Salary: $125,000 – $150,000
  • Maryland Film Festival is located at 5 W North Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201.
  • Benefits: MdFF offers a competitive benefits package, including health care, paid time off, and a 401K program.
  • Please see the Supporting Materials for additional context.

To Apply

Please upload your resume and answer the short answer questions HERE.

We will review applications on a rolling basis beginning in March 2025 and continue to accept applications until the position is filled. For questions or accommodation, please email segunning@devosinstitute.net.

This search is being facilitated by the DeVos Institute of Arts and Nonprofit Management, a leading provider of arts management services. Learn more here.