Executive Director, Mezcla Media Collective part-time (25 hours per week)
Salary Range: $48K - $58K
Location: Remote, but must live in Chicagoland Metropolitan area to attend events; no relocation funds provided
Direct Reports: Mezcla Board of Directors
Desired Start: FALL 2023
Application Deadline: Accepting applications through Summer 2023
About Mezcla Media Collective
Mezcla Media Collective is an emerging Chicago-based non-profit arts organization providing resources and equity to women and non-binary filmmakers who identify as part of AALANA (African, Arab, Latinx, Asian, Native American). Founded as an informal collective in 2017 by two filmmakers of color who saw a need for a centralized community, the organization currently has three types of resources offered: hyper-local connection, knowledge transfer, and career advancement. Members represent a diverse range of roles in filmmaking, including producers, cinematographers, directors, screenwriters, and video journalists, at various stages in their careers. Mezcla provides a safe and supportive community for over 700 members. Mezcla has been the recipient of grants from places such as The Field Foundation, Color Congress, National Endowment of the Arts (NEA), Puffin Foundation and the Illinois Arts Council. The organization also formed partnerships with Chicago DCASE, Kickstarter, IFA Chicago, Northwestern University, OTV, and many more.
Mezcla’s formally all-volunteer group has blossomed to the Leadership Circle, a group of 6-9 Mezcla members who manage the programming and overall inner workings of the organization. Earlier this year, Mezcla’s co-founder and Executive Director stepped down to complete her feature documentary. The organization is currently sustained by a 7 member Leadership Circle and an Interim ED. As the organization moves forward, Mezcla’s priorities include sustainable funding, expanding resources for members, and taking part in the local and thriving media landscape in Chicagoland.
Role
Mezcla seeks a new dynamic Executive Director who can usher the organization to its next chapter. Reporting to the Board of Directors, this role requires someone who can effectively fundraise for the organization’s longevity, strategize and implement the vision through supervising staff and programs, and using their position to get more resources for the greater Mezcla community. Creating an inclusive space, the Executive Director serves as a facilitator and guiding force to push the impact of the organization as a whole. The Executive Director must have experience working in collaborative teams, and have some experience in the film industry through programming, production, producing, and/or connected to the industry as a whole. Ideally, they should have some familiarity with the Chicago film industry, using their existing networks to amplify Mezcla members and their work to the greater community.
Responsibilities
Fundraising and Development (40%)
● Develop and execute FY24 and FY25 annual campaigns with a goal of raising between $30-50K per fiscal year
● Maintain relationships with current funders, as well as seek new funding partners to strengthen Mezcla’s chances for sustainability
● Actively participate in year 2 of the Color Congress cohort, along with future funding cohorts
● Increase Mezcla’s funding by 20- 25%
● Track funding impact
Strategic Planning and Marketing (30%)
● Year 1 priority - Lead strategic vision to maximize its potential impact on the learning and career opportunities of Mezcla members
● Implement a strategic plan to intentionally grow the organization as a national leading organization for women and non-binary filmmakers of color.
● Approve marketing and communications materials and dissemination for opportunities to reach entire Mezcla community
● Cultivate and solicit contributed revenue and provide stewardship for donors in order to sustain Mezcla for decades to come
Management (15%)
● Supervises Mezcla’s core staff to ensure their own success and impact in their respective roles
● Builds strong relationships with board members and Leadership Circle to ensure transparency
● Establishes quantitative and qualitative metrics, guidelines, and standards by which the organization’s efficiency and effectiveness can be evaluated; identifies opportunities for improvement
● Conduct regular check-ins with Mezcla’s core staff + formal quarterly reviews
● Manages budget and financials to keep organization running smoothly and in line with its priorities
Partnerships (15%)
● Attends regional and statewide meetings, conferences when necessary and appropriate to bring visibility to the organization
● Fosters innovative partnership development with local businesses, organizations, and educational institutions for business development, fundraising, and awareness
● Liaises with the Chicago and national film community to bring access and opportunities back to Mezcla membership
● Represents Mezcla through speaking engagements and in the press to garner support and visibility for the organization as a whole.
Requirements
● Must live in the Chicagoland area
● Have an interest in advancing the interests of BIPOC women + non-binary filmmakers
● 3-5 years of experience in management
● Strategic planning experience
● Strong knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control procedures
● Strong communication skills - written and oral
● Strong organizational skills
● Comfortability conveying messages to staff, funders, board, volunteers and donors
● Able to attend local events related to Mezcla and/or film industry; some travel outside of Chicagoland may be required for conferences, film industry events, or events/training related to non-profit coalitions
Desired Experience
● Bachelor's Degree in related field such as: Media, Communications, or Nonprofit Management Leadership
● Connection to the film community within Chicago or other mid-to-large cities within the United States
● Management experience in arts related fields
● Strong connection to the Chicago/Midwest film community
● At least 2 years of grant writing experience in film/media
● At least 2 years of non-profit arts experience, including managing programs
In lieu of a standard cover letter, please answer the following questions (150 words max for each question)
● Please give a high-level overview of your management experience, with a focus on direct reports.
● Why are you interested in this role and this organization?
● Tell us a bit more about your fundraising experience and approach.
Instructions
Candidates should submit their resume and answered questions to:
careers@mezclamediacollective.org with the subject line: Executive Director Application.
