DEADLINE: 27 October 2024
RAI FILM Festival Manager
Contract Type: Full-time, Fixed-term (6 months)
Location: A mixture of working in London, remote with travel to the festival venue in Bristol, UK
Salary: Renumeration will be based on the RAI’s standard officer rate of £35,230 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance
Start Date: 15 November 2024
End Date: 9 May 2025
Interview during week commencing: 4 November 2024 (interviews will take place in-person, at The RAI offices in London)
About RAI FILM Festival
The RAI FILM Festival is an internationally renowned biennial event showcasing films and documentaries that focus on the world’s diverse cultures and communities. Organised by the Royal Anthropological Institute (RAI), the festival is dedicated to promoting cross-cultural understanding through the art of filmmaking. The 2025 edition has three distinct components:
- In person festival – 27-30 March 2025 at the Watershed Cinema and the Arnolfini Arts Centre and Gallery in Bristol, UK. 4 days of film screenings, gala events, workshops, and talks.
- Festival films online – April 2025 streaming over 80 films available 24/7 worldwide
- Visual and Multimodal Anthropology Online Conference – 28 April to 3 May 2025.
We aim for an exciting lineup of screenings, discussions, workshops, and events, making it a must-attend for filmmakers, anthropologists, and audiences interested in global cultural perspectives.
The Role
We are seeking a dynamic, experienced, and creative Festival Manager to help with the planning and execution of the 2025 edition of the RAI FILM Festival. The Festival Manager works directly beneath the Festival Director, acting as a primary coordinator for the festival’s administration and execution. This role involves hands-on management of both online and in-person events, with a strong focus on logistical and operational tasks to ensure a smooth and successful RAI FILM Festival 2025.
Key Responsibilities
- Event planning and coordination – managing festival team
- Financial management – accurate financial reporting and reconciliation
- Venue logistics – coordinate with the in-person Watershed and Arnolfini venue teams to set up screening rooms, projectors, sound systems, and accessibility options
- Managing communications – with distributors / filmmakers, confirming their participation, agreeing on any licensing rights, and ensuring they provide us with the film files, and other optional/non-crucial info (e.g. director’s bio, headshot, etc.)
- Guest and VIP management – hospitality, organising hotels and travel, liaising with speakers, confirming their participation, and sending out the relevant info packs
- Ticketing and audience services – liaising with the venue, setting up online systems
Qualifications
Education:
- Undergraduate degree in Anthropology, Film Studies, or a related field.
Experience:
- At least 5 years of experience in film festival management, event planning, or a related field.
- Proven track record in managing both online and in-person events.
- Strong knowledge of the documentary film industry, including film distribution, rights management, and festival circuits.
Skills:
- Excellent leadership and team management skills.
- Strong organisational and project management abilities.
- Proficiency in marketing, public relations, and sponsorship development.
- Knowledge of digital platforms for online event management.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
- High proficiency in IT and digital tools, particularly Microsoft Office programs and content management systems.
- Experience with finance management, including creating and monitoring budgets, and working with spreadsheets to track festival finances.
- Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with team members
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while maintaining a keen attention to detail.
Personal Attributes:
- Passionate about film, culture, and creating inclusive festival experiences.
- Creative and innovative thinker with the ability to deliver exceptional festival experiences.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks under pressure, problem-solving and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion.
- Applicants should have permission to reside and work in the UK.
Working Conditions
- In-Person: Availability to work on-site during the festival and for key meetings.
- Online: Ability to manage remote teams and virtual event components.
- Hours: Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, particularly during the festival period.
Why Join the RAI FILM Festival Team?
This is an exceptional opportunity to play a key role in one of the world’s leading festivals focused on anthropological filmmaking. Join a passionate and supportive team who thrive on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and teamwork. You’ll be part of a mission-driven organisation dedicated to exploring connections, relations, and encounters of our shared world through film while gaining invaluable experience in festival management.
How to Apply
Please email applications, including a cover letter, CV and the contact details of two referees, to admin@therai.org.uk, by 27 October 2024 (12.00 midnight BST).
Referees will only be contacted for the successful candidate after interview.
RAI FILM Festival is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse working environment and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
