Festival Director

JCCs of North America•Rochester, NY

56d

About The Position

The Festival Director is a creative, strategic, and entrepreneurial leader responsible for curating and producing the JCC's two premier Jewish cultural events -- the Ames Amzalak Rochester Jewish Film Festival (RJFF) and the Lane Dworkin Authors + Innovators Festival (A+I) -- while serving as a central figure in advancing both the JCC's Jewish life and arts and cultural vision throughout the year. This role requires a dynamic balance of artistic sensibility, organizational management, and a deep understanding of the evolving Jewish landscape and the power of cultural expression to connect and inspire. The Festival Director views Jewish arts and culture not only as performance or exhibition, but as one of the most meaningful and accessible entry points into Jewish engagement. By applying best practices in community engagement and cultural programming, this position leverages the arts as a bridge -- inviting individuals of all backgrounds and levels of connection to explore Jewish identity, values, and contemporary issues. In today's rapidly changing Jewish world, where traditional structures and frameworks are shifting, the Festival Director plays a vital role in using film, literature, and innovation to spark dialogue, challenge perspectives, and create space for learning and connection. Through bold and thoughtful programming, the Director ensures that the JCC's festivals serve as platforms for reflection and conversation on the pressing issues facing Jewish life today -- ensuring that the arts remain a living, relevant, and unifying force within the community.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business Administration, Arts Management, Marketing, Communications or related fields.
Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in arts, festival or event planning, program management, or cultural/non-profit programming.
Demonstrated success in fundraising, sponsorship cultivation, and donor relations.
Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to oversee multiple events simultaneously.
Strong passion for and/or experience with Jewish Arts, Film and/or Literature.
Creative vision with a deep understanding of audience engagement, storytelling, and community impact.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with comfort speaking publicly and working collaboratively.
Availability for evening and weekend events, especially during Festival Season

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in digital marketing, budgeting, and database systems preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the full creative and operational direction of the Ames Amzalak Rochester Jewish Film Festival and the Lane Dworkin Authors + Innovators Festival, ensuring each event reflects artistic excellence, inclusivity, and cultural depth.
Curate engaging, thought-provoking, and diverse content -- films, authors, speakers, and interactive events -- that align with the JCC's mission and resonate with wide audiences.
Communicate and collaborate regularly with the Chief Jewish Life and Engagement Officer and the Jewish Life team, working towards programmatic synergies that create seamless JCC programming throughout the year.
Secure all required licenses, rights, and permissions for film screenings, author appearances, and related events.
Design and execute unique festival experiences, including Opening and Closing Nights, guest filmmaker or author appearances, Q&A sessions, receptions, and ancillary events.
Collaborate with internal JCC departments to ensure seamless execution across facilities, ticketing, hospitality, and production.
Recruit, train, and manage a diverse volunteer committee (2) of 10-20 members for film and author selection, hospitality, and event execution.
Facilitate regular committee meetings, screenings, and review sessions to guide program curation.
Supervise all on-site volunteer activity during festivals and related events to ensure a positive and professional guest experience.
Develop and oversee all fundraising efforts for RJFF and A+I in partnership with the Development Department.
Cultivate and steward donors, sponsors, and grantors to ensure year-round engagement and financial sustainability.
Create and manage sponsorship packages, benefit fulfillment, and recognition opportunities for individuals, corporations, and foundations.
Track donor activity, maintain accurate records, and support post-event acknowledgements and impact reporting.
Partner with the Marketing Department to develop and implement integrated campaigns that build awareness, drive attendance, and enhance the reputation of both festivals.
Collaborate on the design and production of all marketing collateral -- including print materials, festival brochures, websites, social media, and press materials.
Serve as a key spokesperson and ambassador for the festivals, engaging with press, community partners, and cultural organizations.
Ensure all promotional messaging aligns with the JCC's brand and values while amplifying each festival's unique identity.
Develop and manage annual festival budgets, ensuring responsible financial planning, accurate forecasting, and adherence to revenue and expense targets.
Negotiate and manage vendor contracts, venue rentals, and professional service agreements.
Coordinate scheduling, logistics, and technical production in collaboration with theatre management, technical staff, and facilities.
Provide post-festival evaluation, data analysis, and strategic recommendations for continuous improvement.
Collaborate closely with the Chief Creative Officer, Chief Jewish Life and Engagement Officer and Arts Department leadership to advance the JCC's cultural mission through strategic planning, audience development, and community impact.
Partner across departments -- Development, Marketing, Jewish Life, Facilities, and Patron Services -- to ensure cohesive operations and exceptional patron experiences.
Contribute to broader organizational initiatives that reinforce the JCC's vision of serving as a regional destination for Jewish arts, culture, and learning.