Festival Director Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

At SCADshow, you'll help coordinate exciting events, including SCAD TVfest and SCAD AnimationFest, celebrating the latest in television, streaming, and digital media. Here, stars, guests, and patrons connect through arts, culture, entertainment, and conversation at our two state-of-the-art theaters. Equipped with industry-leading projection and sound production technology, SCADshow offers the best in high-quality cinema and live-show experiences.

As part of the SCADshow team, you will:
Build and maintain relationships with industry leaders, filmmakers, artists, sponsors, donors, alumni, and community partners
Confidently engage high-profile guests and stakeholders to advance strategic partnerships, support fundraisers, and sponsorship initiatives
Enhance the visibility and reputation of SCAD through exceptional hospitality, public engagement, and initiatives/programs that foster community partnerships
Present world-class art, entertainment, and educational experiences that inspire audiences and support the university's mission; develop and implement a comprehensive, future-oriented strategy for SCADshow's programs
Foster strong relationships with local art organizations, community partners, and industry professionals to strengthen the university's presence in the regional arts and culture landscape

As an executive director, you will:
Curate a calendar of screenings, performances, lectures, festivals, industry conversations, educational events, and cultural experiences
Plan programs months in advance to ensure alignment with the SCAD academic mission, strategic priorities, and audience engagement goals
Identify opportunities for collaboration with various internal departments and industry partners
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with local and national entertainment industry leaders, studios, streaming platforms, networks, distributors, artists, producers, and more
Oversee daily operations at SCADshow and associated venues to ensure the seamless planning and completion of performances, screenings, festivals, rehearsals, rentals, and special events

In this dynamic and fast-paced department, you will:
Manage venue scheduling, operational logistics, guest services, and building readiness; develop opportunities for exclusive screenings, premieres, special events, industry conversations, and collaborative partnerships
Support SCAD festivals and elevate the university's reputation within the entertainment and creative industries
Partner with various internal community members and stakeholders to develop and deliver programs that enhance the student experience and advance the university's strategic goals and overall mission
Foster collaboration across departments to maximize opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement, partnerships, and community outreach
Manage the theater operations budget to ensure efficient allocation of resources; oversee implementation of contracts, lease agreements, and theater rentals

Strong candidates will demonstrate the ability to:
Connect effortlessly with elite audiences and influential stakeholders
Meticulously plan events well in advance

Candidates should demonstrate:
Exceptional leadership, organizational, interpersonal, and team management skills
A poised and polished demeanor
A proven track record of establishing and nurturing relationships with industry leaders and influential entities across various sectors

Minimum qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in art, theater management, arts administration, business, or a related discipline
Distinguished career spanning at least 10 years in theater operations, cultural events, arts programming, and business partnerships
Demonstrated history of crafting and implementing multifaceted, high-caliber event schedules for a discerning and cultured audience
In-depth knowledge of the performing arts landscape, entertainment industries, and the cultural nuances of Atlanta
Ability to work nights and weekends

Preferred qualifications:
Master's degree
Film festival or entertainment industry experience

Certificates, licenses, and registrations:
Valid driver's license
Access to a vehicle

Travel required:
10-20%

Work hours: The university work week is Sunday through Saturday. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. To accommodate business needs, employees may be assigned to other workdays and/or hours, including weekends and evenings.

ADA tag: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and minimum qualifications listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and/or meet the minimum qualifications.