Festivals Manager

Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art   Indianapolis, IN   Full-time     Other
Posted on April 22, 2024
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Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Festivals Manager is an engaged, full-time team member responsible for spearheading the development and execution of Indian Market & Festival, Jingle Rails, and other public markets and events. This role involves close collaboration with various departments including public programs, facilities, advancement (marketing and development), and curatorial teams. Acting as a project manager, the Festivals Manager oversees project facilitation, budget management, contracting, and vendor relations. This position operates within a dynamic environment, necessitating flexibility in scheduling, including evening and weekend availability. Reporting to the VP for Public Programs and Beeler Family Director of Education, the Festivals Manager plays a pivotal role within the public programs division.

* Lead the conceptualization, planning, and implementation of festival projects, ensuring seamless execution from inception to completion.

* Foster cross-departmental collaboration to design, manage, implement, and evaluate major festivals, incorporating Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) principles throughout.

* Serve as the primary point of contact for festivals-related board councils and task forces, facilitating effective communication and collaboration.

* Develop and manage the operational infrastructure for festivals, assuming the role of operations director during event days to ensure smooth execution.

* Oversee comprehensive planning, timelines, budgets, and artist selection for festivals, proactively identifying funding sources and monitoring budgets in alignment with DEAI goals.

* Collaborate with departmental leaders and senior staff to devise revenue-generating strategies for festivals in line with institutional objectives.

* Negotiate vendor contracts and pricing structures, prioritizing DEAI considerations in all agreements.

* Partner with marketing and design departments to create on-brand festival elements, including signage, messaging, and digital content.

* Serve as the primary liaison between artists/vendors and the museum for Indian Market and Festival, fostering strong relationships and clear communication channels.

* Uphold meticulous artist and vendor record-keeping practices, maintaining databases and archives to ensure accessibility and inclusivity are integral to every facet of festival programming. Deliver exceptional customer service to all stakeholders, including internal and external constituents, team members, artists, community partners, and audiences, ensuring every interaction reflects our commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI).

* Engage in proactive and inclusive communication with staff, board members, volunteers, and other stakeholders to strategically position museum festivals in a creative and distinctive manner, amplifying diverse voices and perspectives.

* Lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams to oversee the seamless execution of pre-production, on-site installation, and tear-down activities, ensuring that accessibility and inclusivity are prioritized at every stage of the festival experience.

* Provide hands-on support to area leads during festival installation and strike, fostering an environment of teamwork and inclusivity while upholding DEAI principles.

* Take ownership of evaluating, reviewing, and reporting on various aspects of festivals, leveraging insights to continuously improve accessibility, inclusivity, and overall participant experience.

* Stay abreast of relevant festival trends and best practices through comprehensive research and benchmarking activities, integrating innovative approaches that prioritize diversity and inclusion.

* Supervise and mentor festivals interns, nurturing their professional growth while instilling a strong commitment to DEAI principles.

* Champion a culture of innovation and experimentation across departments, encouraging the adoption of inclusive practices and embracing diverse perspectives to drive success.

* Assume responsibility for managing any additional festivals or events within the scope of this role, leveraging the support and guidance of the VP for Public Programs and Beeler Family Director of Education to ensure alignment with DEAI objectives and organizational goals.

Required Skills/Qualities:

* High level of integrity, professional maturity, and sound judgment

* Knowledge of effective event planning, including program content, timelines, milestones, deadlines and logistics

* Collaborative team-oriented approach

* Demonstrate unwavering commitment to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) principles, exhibiting high levels of integrity, professional maturity, and sound judgment in all interactions.

* Apply comprehensive knowledge of inclusive event planning practices, including program content, timelines, milestones, deadlines, and logistics, ensuring events are accessible and welcoming to all.

* Cultivate a collaborative and team-oriented approach, fostering an environment of mutual respect and inclusivity among team members.

* Initiate tasks independently with strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail, while maintaining a holistic perspective of the project or initiative.

* Employ creative problem-solving techniques to review, analyze, and address challenges, prioritizing solutions that uphold DEAI principles and promote inclusivity.

* Demonstrate exceptional time and task management skills, effectively prioritizing work to meet deadlines within a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

* Manage multiple responsibilities concurrently, demonstrating proficiency in multitasking while maintaining a focus on quality and inclusivity.

* Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, utilizing clear and inclusive language to foster understanding and engagement across diverse audiences.

* Exhibit flexibility in working hours to accommodate strategic goals and the needs of diverse stakeholders.

* Adapt to working independently or collaboratively within a team environment, valuing diverse perspectives and contributions.

* Cultivate meaningful relationships and partnerships with individuals from diverse backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and collaboration.

* Provide outstanding customer service with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity, whether in person, over the phone, or in written communication.

* Foster a positive working environment characterized by teamwork, respect, and inclusivity, contributing to a culture of belonging throughout the museum.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

* Bachelor's degree with a minimum of three years related work experience or equivalent combination of education, training and experience

* Experience with project management, event production and design with logistics and coordination emphasis

* Experience with fine art markets and/or cultural organizations preferred

* Experience working with Native American artists and vendors is preferred

Physical Requirements:

* Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards

* Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards

* Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly on telephone

ADA REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be able to lift and move objects weighing 25 pounds without assistance and up to 50 pounds with assistance
  • Frequently moves about the museum and museum grounds to collaborate with colleagues and deliver programs/events
  • Able to climb stairs and stand or sit for extended periods of times
  • Must be able to bend, stoop and walk on uneven surfaces
  • Works regularly in outdoor weather conditions

General Work Competencies:

1. Interactions with colleagues, cooperation, and support of teamwork within the organization, communication with supervisors/peers/subordinates and comprehension of others ideas, and ability to motivate others and provide leadership in the organization

2. Patron relations; service and support of external constituents

3. Work habits and daily attendance

4. Valuing Diversity: Treats all individuals fairly and respectfully, works effectively with others, regardless of their background, position, or status; ensures that opportunities are equally available to all; respects different values and viewpoints.