The purpose of the post is to have a dedicated staff member responsible for liaising with and organising press trips and coverage for the Festival. This is to support both the lasting legacy of the Festival and ticket sales in the Festival lead-up period.
* Fixed-term contract, Nov 2024 – Apr 2025
Role responsibilities:
* Identify key campaign moments and write up to six press releases/short press announcements in the lead-up to and after the Festival.
* Lead on identifying suitable critics and publications.
* Attend regular meetings with the Communications Manager and Catalogue Editor.
* Provide regular information to local, UK-wide and international press to encourage attendance.
* Approval and provision of press passes.
* Maintain press contacts using the Festival database, Filmchief.
* Manage communications via Filmchief and the press inbox.
* Update our existing press list, and build relationships with new publications and press contacts across commissioning editors and writers.
* Identify and coordinate key contacts for supported Festival attendance, including Early Career Critics, working with Guest Services to manage their trips.
* Work with the Festival Director and Programming team to identify and pitch suitable films for reviews and interviews.
* Brainstorm ideas for complementary advertising, listings and general marketing opportunities with the Communications Manager.
* Ensure Festival is included in relevant listings.
* Attend the Festival.
* Coordinate interviews between press and attending filmmakers over the Festival period.
* Coordinate and respond to ad-hoc needs of press attendees over the Festival period.
* Manage communications and participate in contingency planning around unexpected events.
* Send film screener links and relevant materials for publication to interested press and manage embargos as needed.
* Work with the support of the Communications Manager on the creation and dissemination of a Press Kit.
Role requirements:
* Strong and clear written and oral communications skills, including excellent and accurate copywriting.
* Excellent time and workload management with the ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines.
* Up to date knowledge of IT with experience of using email, Google Drive applications and databases.
* Strong visual sensibility, with attention to detail when providing high-resolution images for digital and print publication.
* Demonstrable interest in independent film and visual arts, and supporting the work of artists, filmmakers and critics alike.
* Confident, personable attitude with the ability to communicate with a wide range of people.
* The ability to deal confidently, courteously and discreetly with all levels of the media and the public (both in person, over the phone and on email) with experience of building successful relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
* Good understanding of the changing media landscape.
* A confident and professional manner, with an interest in connecting people.
* Ability to work independently and use initiative.
* Contribute to BFMAF’s understanding of equality, diversity, and work with knowledge of company policies including Dignity at Work, Safeguarding and Code of Conduct.
* Work within BFMAF’s policy around environmental responsibility.
* Experience working with film and/or visual arts festivals.
* Prior experience creating and managing dynamic, wide-reaching and inclusive press campaigns.
* Ability to commute to our office in Berwick-upon-Tweed.
* A motivation letter (up to 1 A4 page or about 500 words) letting us know:
o Your specific interests in the Press Officer role and Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival at this time;
o How your experience, skills and knowledge match up with the person specification and job description;
* A CV that demonstrates how you fit the person specification and job description.
* Details of one referee, who will be contacted should a job offer be made.
We understand that women and people of colour can avoid applying for jobs if they do not feel they meet each criteria listed. If you feel you do not fulfil the entirety of the person specification, we still strongly encourage that you apply.
We are especially interested in hearing from people with strong writing and communication skills.
Please contact us at hr@bfmaf.org to discuss the role and any aspects of your application.
Application Deadline: 10:00 Monday 04 November 2024
Interviews: Friday 08 November 2024, online. Questions will be provided in advance.
The closing date for this position is 04/11/2024 at 10:00
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