Technical Manager
We acknowledge the land on which we gather, Mohkinsstsis, is the ancestral territory of the Siksikaitsitapi — the Blackfoot people — comprising the Siksika, Kainai and Piikani Nations, as well as Treaty 7 signatories, the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Îyâxe Nakoda Bearspaw, Chiniki and Wesley First Nations. This land is also the home of Métis Nation Region 3.
We acknowledge that there has been art, music, dance, storytelling and ceremony on this land since time immemorial and it is in the spirit of this land and its people that we do our work.
Job Summary
We are excited to announce that we are gearing up for our 24th annual Calgary International Film Festival. In order to further our operational capacity, we’re looking for a dynamic and engaged technical manager to join our team permanently. The technical manager oversees the operations of the CIFF year-round technical department, which is responsible for all cinema projection, audio/visual tech at live events, as well as overall festival production logistics.
This is a permanent, year-round position beginning July 1, 2023 (start date is negotiable).
Day to Day Responsibilities:
- Developing and implementing a technical plan for all audio-visual needs for the festival, inside and outside of the cinema.
- Keeping an organized and detailed spreadsheet of all technical equipment, budgets, and schedules.
- Oversee the work of the festival’s contracted screening tech provider (Binder Productions) in planning and executing all on-screen tech and print traffic.
- Oversee and/or perform stage management for galas and special events if requested by the special events associate.
- Maintain an accurate & up-to-date technical production schedule.
- Conduct post-mortem sessions and analysis with technical team members relevant to the position and the work accomplished.
- Hiring, scheduling, training & overseeing technical coordinator and industry technical coordinator.
- Hiring, scheduling, training & overseeing logistics coordinator.
- Hiring, scheduling & overseeing projection coordinators, projectionists and film testers.
- Provide detailed post mortem notes and archived files (hard and electronic).
- Collaborate with the operations manager in planning volunteer crews required for the support of technical operations, and oversee the training and work of these volunteers.
- Liaise with technical teams of third party venues.
- Oversee festival logistics including the tracking, movement, setup, strike and storage of festival materials and displays, including the rental of cargo vehicles if necessary.
- Proactively troubleshooting all technical issues arising with regards to screenings or events.
- Planning and managing all audio-visual equipment (projection, playback, sound, lighting, digital signage, etc.) required by the festival (both owned and rented), including sourcing, renting, installing, storage, and, if required, maintaining all equipment.
- Participate in hands-on projection or technical duties both year-round and during the festival.
- Other duties as assigned.
Job Qualifications
The successful candidate will have demonstrated the following in their cover letter and resume:
Must Haves:
- Proactive and effective problem solver.
- Outstanding collaborator and team player.
- Experience with databases, and the ability to keep accurate and detailed records.
- Knowledge of film and digital video formats and technical specifications of each.
- Ability to participate ‘hands on’ in set ups and strikes, such as lifting and pushing objects of up to 50 lbs.
- Knowledge of film and video presentation equipment (decks, projectors, etc.).
- Excellent working knowledge of A/V and lighting equipment (PA systems, mixers, mics, DJ gear, lights, etc.).
- Strong organization and attention to detail.
- Very quick learner and highly adaptable, even in high stress environments.
Assets:
- Experience with print traffic coordination.
- Knowledge of, and experience with, DCP servers (GDC, Doremi/Dolby, etc.).
- Professional stage management experience.
- Festival or live event experience, particularly in terms of production.
- Experience in developing training materials.
- Experience with managing staff.
During the interview, we’ll be looking for the following:
- A thorough understanding of your technical background and knowledge.
- What strategies and experience you have in managing large scale technical projects, particularly in relation to staffing, logistics and budget management.
- Examples of your approach to the demands of high-energy festival and event environments.
Approximate Hours of Work
An approximation of hours per week is below, dependent on operational needs and business flow. It is understood that shift work, weekend work and work on statutory holidays may or will be required.November-December: 2 days a weekJanuary-February: 3 days a weekMarch-October: Full Time
Why CIFF?
- Excellent opportunity to build experience and contacts within the arts community
- A health spending account
- Attendance to CIFF screenings for free
- A clear compensation growth plan
- A company provided laptop
- A group of team members committed to building a unique and memorable festival experience for new and seasoned patrons alike!
To Apply
Simply upload your cover letter and resume here: calgaryfilm.bamboohr.com/careers. We’ll be contacting everyone who applies to let them know their resume has been received. The hiring manager will reach out to those they deem most qualified to begin the interview process.
We thank everyone who applies.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
CIFF is committed to creating an employment opportunity that begins with respect, dignity and equity We welcome individuals to apply for all backgrounds including: of any race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, ability, citizenship, creed, sex, sexuality, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, same sex partnership, age, marital status, family status, immigration status, receipt of public assistance, history of mental health issues, health status, political affiliation, learning difference, level of literacy, accent, first language, body type, physical appearance and abilities, stature or socio-economic status. Further, we acknowledge that we are on a continuing journey of learning and unlearning. Our path to breaking down systemic barriers has begun but we by no means have arrived. We are open to feedback and continuous dialogue on how we can make the hiring process equitable for all.
