Job description

• Ongoing, Sydney-based. Competitive salary + super (based on experience)
• Full-time/part-time depending on festival timings
• Up to 8 direct reports (during festivals)
• Reports to Queer Screen Board of Directors

About Queer Screen

Formed in 1993, Queer Screen’s vision is to celebrate the diversity of sexualities and gender identities through queer storytelling on screen, by inclusive and respectful communities full of creativity, inspiration and pride.

As a vital part of Australia’s LGBTIQA+ cultural landscape, Queer Screen is committed to fostering community engagement and providing a platform to elevate the voices of emerging and established, queer filmmakers.

About thE ROLE

Queer Screen is seeking a dynamic and visionary CEO to lead the organisation, overseeing all aspects of operations and ensuring the continued growth and success of our festivals and broader initiatives.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will be the primary leader of Queer Screen, (in consultation with the Board), responsible for driving its commercial success, expanding its profile, and ensuring the organisation’s long-term sustainability. The CEO will work closely with the Board of Directors, staff and key stakeholders to align Queer Screen’s artistic and commercial objectives in delivering exceptional film festivals to the LGBTIQA+ community.

While the role will be responsible for high-level oversight of the festival programming, the CEO will delegate day-to-day programming decisions to the Programming Manager, focusing more on organisational growth, revenue generation, stakeholder management, and liaising with the Head of Partnerships to ensure obligations to our partners are delivered on successfully.

Please download the Position Description and submit a cover letter and CV outlining your experience and suitability for the role. Applications must be submitted by email to [email protected]

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and implement the strategic vision and direction for Queer Screen, working in collaboration with the Board to gather input and refine and execute long-term plans and report on achievements against the strategy.
• Develop and manage organisational priorities, ensuring a balanced focus on both artistic goals and financial sustainability.
• Oversee the organisation’s culture, championing Queer Screen’s core values of diversity, creativity, inclusivity, inspiration and pride.

Financial Management & Growth

• Develop and manage annual budgets and financial forecasts, ensuring financial sustainability and operational efficiency.
• Identify and secure diverse revenue streams, including philanthropy, growing membership, additional grants, donations and other commercial opportunities.

Marketing

• Responsible for the look and feel of the festival, overseeing festival branding and development and delivery of festival art (in consultation with the Board).
• Maintain and develop appropriate marketing channels, media partnerships and publicity materials to promote all of Queer Screen’s activities, festivals and industry initiatives, though this will be in conjunction with marketing staff.

Programming Oversight

• Support the Programming Manager, as necessary, to deliver high-quality programming, aligned with Queer Screen’s mission and values, escalating any programming which could cause reputational risk, to the board.

Stakeholder Management & Advocacy

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including sponsors, donors, government bodies, corporate partners, film industry leaders, and community organisations.
• Represent Queer Screen at industry events, media engagements, and public speaking opportunities to advocate for LGBTIQA+ representation in film and strengthen the organisation’s public profile.
• Ensure Queer Screen’s commitment to diversity, accessibility, and inclusion is reflected in its programming, staffing, and organisational practices.

Operational Oversight

• Oversee all day-to-day operations of Queer Screen, ensuring efficiency and smooth execution of the organisation’s activities.
• Ensure effective marketing and communications strategies are in place to raise awareness of Queer Screen’s festivals and initiatives, driving ticket sales, attendance, and brand recognition.
• Provide guidance and support to employees and key volunteers.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Significant experience in a senior leadership role within the arts, entertainment, or non-profit sector, with a focus on both commercial and artistic outcomes.
• Financial management skills, with a proven track record of managing budgets to achieve financial sustainability and growing new or diverse revenue streams.
• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and engage staff, partners, and stakeholders.
• A deep understanding of the LGBTIQA+ community, cultural trends, and the role of queer cinema in social change and representation.
• Experience in strategic planning and managing competing priorities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and public speaking skills.

Desirable

• Experience in festival or event management, ideally in a film festival context.
• Familiarity with the international film sector, (preferably LGBTIQA+ films) including key stakeholders, funding sources, and trends in film distribution and exhibition.
• A passion for and commitment to the LGBTIQA+ community and diversity and inclusion.

Employment Terms

• Permanent, part-time position with periods of full-time work around festivals. Exact hours to be discussed in the context of the requirements of the role.
• Competitive salary based on experience, plus superannuation and other benefits.

The successful applicant will be based in Sydney and be entitled to work in Australia.

For more information on Queer Screen, see www.queerscreen.org.au.

Position description for this new role is indicative and candidates should consider how they would shape the role.

Enquiries can be emailed to [email protected] using the subject line: Chief Executive Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Queer Screen is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and social inclusion.

A full position description is attached.