Current Opportunities

Northwestern University Opportunity (Job ID 30534):

Northwestern University seeks to employ a varied and diverse range of dynamic people who understand the importance of our mission and vision. When you consider a career at Northwestern University, you know that you are joining an institution with a deep history of academic, professional and personal excellence.

Currently, we have a career opportunity as a Pick-Laudati Curator MediaArts (Evanston Campus).

Job Summary:

Dynamic site for innovative film and time-based media programming as part of Block Cinema and in the galleries. The Film Curator forges strong interdisciplinary connections and draws upon the unique context and resources of Northwestern University by curating a quarterly screen series for Block Cinema; curating exhibitions in the Block's galleries, and developing other cinema-related programming.

Specific Responsibilities:

Artistic and Scholarly Responsibilities

• Working closely with the Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs, provides artistic leadership of Block Cinema programming, assuring a balanced and expansive program that presents film and other time-based media across genres, from classic to experimental, with a global perspective. Conceives and implements a quarterly film program; researches and selects films and organizes associated programs based on aesthetic merit; relevance to teaching and learning at Northwestern; and connections to the Block Museum's mission and through lines. Generates knowledge germane to the study of film and other time-based media through exhibitions, programming, research, publications, and the development of public programs.
• Advises and collaborates as requested on film projects for the museum's galleries; proposes and curates film and/or time-based media-related exhibitions for the museum's galleries.
• Collaborates as requested on engagement programs and publications related to film and other time-based media being executed by others.
• Collaborates with Northwestern University faculty in curating film and time-based art exhibitions and screenings.
• As part of the curatorial department, meets with other Block curators and with artists involved in museum projects regarding exhibition-related film or other time-based media programs. Identifies potential partners or venues for tours of Block Cinema programs.
• Identifies potential film series' organized by peer institutions for presentation at the Block.
• Maintains ongoing, active professional relationships with film curators, film writers, directors, producers, actors, etc. in the film community.
• Travels to film festivals internationally to view films and meet with industry professionals.
• Attends film programs and other events around the Chicago area to network, to represent the Block Museum, and to stay abreast of the field.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Is an integral member of the Block Museum's Curatorial Department, attending weekly and monthly meetings and contributing to the curatorial vision and initiatives of the museum as appropriate.
• Plans, assigns, and reviews the work of Block Cinema Coordinator, projectionists, and student workers.
• Creates and oversees a new Block Cinema Student Advisory Committee and, with the Block's director and Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs, defines its mission and vision.
• Supervisors the maintenance and usage of Block Cinema equipment.
• Oversees Block Cinema budget.
• Negotiates film rental rates and other terms with distributors and archives.
• Oversees traffic and projection standards in compliance with archival loan requirements.
• Assists in grant-writing or other fundraising for Block Cinema or film-related programming/exhibitions as requested.
• Researches print sources and copyright holders for Block Cinema, and/or supervises performance of this work by coordinator.
• Corresponds with film curators and programmers on films, print sources, and possible collaborations.
• Responds to queries from the general public.
• Orders projection booth and other Block Cinema-related supplies as needed.
• Supervises Block Cinema special events; is on site multiple evenings per week as required by Block Cinema schedule.
• Conforms to the AAM and Northwestern University code of ethics, conflict of interest policies, and professional practice guidelines.
• Maintains Block Cinema's schedule for screenings and participates on Block's Building Usage Committee to advise on use of auditorium for non-Block requests.

Engagement and Communications Responsibilities

• Working closely with the Associate Director of Engagement and her team, develops and implements a collaborative, integrated engagement program and communications strategy for Block Cinema that is connected to that of the Block Museum.
• Participates in the Block's engagement programs by giving lectures, attending symposia, organizing pro-seminars; and contributes to the museum's communications via electronic media such as the Block's website and other digital outreach media including the Block Muse the Block Museum's blog.
• Researches and identifies scholars and other experts to introduce and participate in Block Cinema programs; invites and hosts these guests.
• Embraces his/her teaching role in the classroom and in the museum.
• As part of curatorial team, participates in discussions that lead to increasing student involvement in the Block as well as the general public.
• Develops programs to involve students in Block Cinema.
• Creates opportunities to involve faculty and students in research, development, and implementation of Block Cinema programs.
• Oversees film programs curated by others and presented at the Block Museum, such as faculty (booking and logistics).
• Co-curates programs with students and faculty and provides oversight and guidance.
• Using the recent external review of Block Cinema as a guide he/she develops and implements a long-range strategy for Block Cinema, including audience development, in consultation with engagement department.
• Meets with Engagement Team to strategize the publicity and marketing for any given quarterly program, series, or individual program.
• Pitches Block Cinema programs to press as needed, often working with Block's publicist, and speaks to press on behalf of Block Cinema and the museum.
• Collects data, monitors, and evaluates audience participation.
• Prepares texts in support of Block Cinema programs, including press releases, website texts, brochures, catalogues, etc. as appropriate.
• Works with University Relations on monthly press emails and press releases.
• Assists Engagement with the development of documents promoting Block Cinema when asked.
• Provides texts as needed to various colleagues, for instance copy for the quarterly poster, press releases, annual reports, and for donor relations purposes.
• Works with graphic designer to produce quarterly calendars and with printers on a print production and delivery schedule.
• Oversees Block Cinema paper calendar delivery plan around Chicago, Evanston, and the Northwestern campus with coordinator.
• Serves as an ambassador for the Block and for Northwestern University on campus and beyond.
• Makes presentations to stakeholders.
• Mentors undergraduate and graduate students; advises students on career and educational opportunities.

Miscellaneous

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master's in an appropriate specialization or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired. OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• Three years film programming experience.
• Expertise in the history of film including diverse current practices and some knowledge of gallery-based film and video practices.
• Active connections with film distributors, film curators, film archives and film programming venues.
• Public programming experience germane to film programming, ie. organization of lectures, symposia, etc.
• Excellent writing and public speaking skills.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Adaptability – Works effectively in an environment in which the parameters may change daily; adjusts behavior to meet the needs of different people and situations.
• Assertiveness/Independence – Takes forceful stands on issues without being excessively abrasive; expresses own opinions even when adopting an unpopular position.
• Coaching/Mentoring – Trains people for current assignment and develops them for promotion; uses feedback and personal example to encourage higher performance.
• Collaboration – Facilitates open and effective communication, cooperation and teamwork within and outside of one's own team; respects the needs and contributions of others.
• Communication – Communicates effectively one-to-one, in small groups and in public speaking contexts; writes precise, well-organized emails, letters and proposals while using appropriate vocabulary and grammar.
• Customer Focus – Regularly monitors customer satisfaction; provides suggestions to improve quality and value to the customer.
• Diversity – Creates an environment of understanding and acceptance; solicits input from a wide variety of people and functions; challenges organizational policies and practices that may be exclusionary.
• Efficiency/Dependability – Effectively performs duties and responsibilities; displays attention to detail; supports organizational policies; anticipates demands/pressures of assignments and adjusts accordingly.
• Ethics and Integrity – Follows through on commitments; incorporates honesty, respect and fairness in daily actions; demands trustworthiness from others; demonstrates courage and objectivity.
• Initiative – Exhibits energy and desire to achieve; sets ambitious goals and acts decisively; takes action that no one has requested to improve or enhance job results and avoid problems.
• Innovation/Creativity – Explores alternatives to existing products and services; identifies opportunities to improve procedures and practices; shows imagination.
• Judgment – Demonstrates logic, rationality and objectivity; shows common sense; uses all available information to make educated decisions.
• Management Change – Seeks projects that initiate changes in the organization; informs team members of upcoming changes; creates clear time frames and involves those who will be affected by changes in the planning and implementation process.
• Multi-Tasking – Demonstrates ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Negotiation – Finds common ground to accommodate the conflicting needs and wants of different stakeholders.
• Organization – Plans, organizes and schedules in an efficient, productive manner; anticipates contingencies and pays attention to detail; targets projects or initiatives that require special attention and focuses on key tasks when faced with limited time and/or resources
• Planning – Devises and implements clearly defined strategies to achieve business objectives.
• Problem Solving – Formulates realistic plans and contingencies and establishes appropriate measurements of anticipated results.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• 5 years of related experience.
• Experience with film programming in a higher education environment.
• Distinguished record of film programming at the national level.
• Mentoring or teaching experience.
• Record of publications.

Working at Northwestern University:

Beyond being a place to learn and grow professionally, Northwestern is an exciting and fulfilling place to work! Northwestern offers many benefit options to full and part-time employees including: competitive compensation; excellent retirement plans; comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage; dependent care match; vacation, sick and holiday pay; professional development opportunities and tuition reimbursement.

Northwestern greatly values work/life balance amongst its employees. Take advantage of recreational, cultural, and enrichment opportunities on campus. Employees also receive access to childcare solutions, retail discounts, and other work/life balance resources.

Northwestern University is an equal opportunity employer and strongly believes in creating an environment that welcomes students, faculty and staff of all races, nationalities and religions. In doing so, we offer our students the opportunity to learn and grow in diverse communities preparing them for successful careers in an increasingly global and diverse work force.

For consideration, please click on the link below. You will be directed to Northwestern University's electronic recruiting system, eRecruit, where you will apply for current openings. Once you apply, you will receive an email confirming submission of your resume. For all resumes received, if there is interest in your candidacy, the human resources recruiter or the department hiring manager will contact you. Job Opening ID number for this position is 30534.

https://careers.northwestern.edu/psp/hr92prod_er/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&SiteId=1&FOCUS=Employee&JobOpeningId=30534&PostingSeq=1

As per Northwestern University policy, this position requires a criminal background check. Successful applicants will need to submit to a criminal background check prior to employment.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.

Apply Here

PI97479192