Festival Manager, Production Services

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Festival Manager, Production Services is an integral part of the Sundance Film Festival Operations team. This position is charged with managing the services sector of the Production Department for the Sundance Film Festival and Institute fall Labs. This includes overseeing and implementing all logistics, deliveries, theater, venue, events, and office set-up and strike. This position oversees 11 seasonal employees.

Working closely under the direction of Senior Manager, Production and Theater Operations, the Manager, Production Services supports Sundance Institute’s commitment to fulfilling the vision of a successful and positive in-person Festival experience for all artists and patrons.

This temporary position works full time from Wednesday, October 2, 2024 through Friday, February 28, 2025 and will be required to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends to meet key deadlines and respond to on-call needs. This position must be based within a commutable distance to our Park City, UT office in order to work onsite in a hybrid capacity throughout its employment. There will be ample opportunity for remote work leading up to the Festival in January.

Top priorities include but are not limited to…

• Reviewing and implementing procedures to receive, process, and execute production service related requests.

• Managing seasonal employees, including selecting, hiring, and training 11 Production Assistants, providing direction, feedback, and support to ensure employees understand responsibilities and are effective in their roles.

• Managing a schedule for the Production Assistants based on department timelines, service requests, and deadlines.

• Managing dispatch and execution of all service requests for Production Assistants pre-, during, and post-Festival.

• Providing production support and logistical needs for fall and winter Labs at Sundance Resort as requested.

• Scheduling and conducting meetings with internal departments to plan for procurement, load-in/out, etc. of Festival venues, theaters, events, and offices.

• Maintaining consistent communication with stakeholders regarding production related deadlines, changes, and plans.

• Overseeing functionality and safety of the Space Place and Temple storage units, ensuring they are clean, organized, and safe.

• Providing direction to the team and overseeing the load-in/out of all theaters, venues, offices, etc.

• Performing continual check-ins with theaters, venues, and events throughout the Festival to ensure production needs are being met.

• Responding immediately to any production related safety issues or problems as they arise and ensuring proper and timely resolution.

• Managing pre- and post-Festival inventory for Institute owned items and equipment.

• Managing reconciliation of receipts, applying proper budget codes, and communicating outstanding invoice issues to the Senior Manager, Production and Theater Operations.

• Meeting with departments post-Festival to review and gather wrap information while suggesting process improvements for next year.

• Completing a comprehensive written wrap report and project-based assignments as directed.

You have the following direct or transferable skill sets:

• Legal authorization to work in the United States.

• Valid driver’s license and successful completion of DMV background check.

• 3 years experience in managing large scale event production.

• Strong leadership skills with a background that includes demonstrated excellence in managing employees.

• Working knowledge of databases along with proficiency in Microsoft and Google Products.

• Outstanding verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills to work effectively with a wide variety of people.

• Excellent organizational skills including self-management of work schedule and the ability to prioritize in a fast-moving environment.

• Ability to maintain confidential information.

• Ability to move and lift items that weigh 50-75 lbs chest high to support with onsite set-up.

• Basic carpentry and painting skills preferred.

You will be successful in this role if you...

• Exude operational excellence, including the ability to problem solve within your work and the work of your team so change can happen quickly and efficiently.

• Effectively manage and motivate those you are leading and rally the team around common goals.

• Communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders of varying levels and positions.

• Provide stakeholders with turnkey spaces that facilitate their event vision.

• Effectively use project management skills and strong organizational skills to keep yourself and your team accountable for meeting deadlines and milestones.

• Successfully stay within the approved fiscal year budget for all areas of responsibility.

In addition to a weekly pay of $1,069.62, this position is eligible for benefits & perks, highlights include:

• Paid sick leave and Institute holidays

• Employee assistance program

• Employee Wellness Initiatives

• Sundance Film Festival passes and benefits (varies each year)