Festival Director

GAZE International LGBTQIA Film Festival

  • Dublin
  • €20,000 per year
  • Permanent
  • Part-time
  • 20 hours ago
Salary: €20,000The ideal candidate is an experienced programmer with a background in LGBTQIA film programming, experience working in a collaborative festival team and a passion for delivering thoughtful events to a high standard, which speaks to a multitude of communities.Role details
  • Part-time, variable hours throughout the year to be agreed between the successful candidate and the GAZE Board of Directors
  • 1 year contract for services, with opportunity to extend to by 2 years after the 2026 festival.
  • The role is paid for a period of 6 months’ work managed by the candidate, with a concentration of time expected in the lead-up to and during the festival (from spring 2026 until the end of summer). The successful candidate will also need to be available around key funding application dates, which typically cluster around the late autumn and winter months.
  • For more information on the role,
and if you would like an informal discussion on the role, please reach out to Evan Horan, GAZE Co-Chair, by email to .Role responsibilitiesKey Requirements:Programming:
  • Curate and oversee the selection and scheduling of all events within the festival programme, including feature films, short films, panels, Q&As and special events with the festival programmer, and in consultation with the festival manager.
  • Develop strong relationships with local and international distributors, sales agents and festivals in order to solicit films for the annual festival and create good international relations for the festival.
  • Negotiate with filmmakers, distributors and sales agents for screening rights for selected films.
  • Write all copy for the printed programme and website, with the festival programmer.
  • Develop good relationships with the festival's core cultural and programming partners, and the diverse range of communities for which the festival programmes.
  • Work alongside the festival manager and team on the programme launch and festival announcements.
  • Invite an annual festival jury to participate in the festival in consultation with the festival team and Board.
  • Programme the festival's outreach initiatives, including GAZE on Tour, and occasional out-of-festival screenings.
  • Represent GAZE at agreed film festivals and events.
  • Represent the festival in press requests and events as an ambassador for the festival.
Team:
  • Work closely with the festival manager on the effective execution of the festival workflow with the festival team, including:
  • Overseeing all programming, including the festival programmer's workload of programming short films, panels and select feature films.
  • Working closely with the festival programmer in building the vision of the programme, and supporting them in developing their experience.
  • Effectively managing workflow with the technical manager and marketing manager once titles are booked on next steps, including file delivery and collateral; communicating with the marketing manager, festival designer and publicity team on the artistic vision of the programme and translating that to promotional materials, press releases and other materials as required.
  • Working on the audience development strategy with the festival manager, marketing manager, festival programmer, and box office manager.
  • Work closely with the festival manager and festival coordinator on festival guests’ requirements, schedules and hosting during the festival.
  • Work alongside the festival manager to create a safe, fun, effective working environment for the team.
Secondary Requirements:Finance & Fundraising:
  • Work alongside the festival manager to oversee all programming budgets, including screening fees, festival guests and hospitality.
  • Work alongside the festival manager, year-round, to write and develop all funding applications, embassy relations and sponsorship packages in consultation with the Board.
  • Work alongside the festival manager and marketing manager to develop prospective sponsorship opportunities and execute any opportunities that arise.
Board Engagement:
  • Report on the development of the programme to the Board.
  • Report on projected and actual programme expenditure to the Board.
  • Create a box office income projection for the festival with support from the festival manager and festival programmer.
  • Work alongside the Board and festival manager on the strategic development of the festival.
Post-Festival:
  • Coordinate post-festival debriefs with each staff member and the Board of Directors.
  • Work alongside the festival manager on providing a full post-festival report of all activities to the Board and all relevant funders and stakeholders.
  • Coordinate post-festival communication with all festival guests, distributors, partners and collaborators.
  • Ensure final payments of all programme costs are received by the festival manager by the end of August.
  • Issue a callout for film submissions for the next festival edition in September.
Person specifications
  • A minimum of five years programming experience
  • Proven leadership, vision, and artistic judgment.
  • A deep understanding of the contemporary film landscape in Ireland and beyond.
  • Experience working with sales agents, distributors, programmers and filmmakers.
  • Experience and knowledge of the LGBTQIA community and sector.
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and ensuring this is considered across projects.
  • Exceptional leadership skills and the ability to manage and bring out the best in a team.
  • Experience in mentoring and supporting staff.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and networking skills, and a natural capacity to facilitate productive relationships.
  • Experience in overseeing the delivery of complex projects.
  • Ability to find proactive, creative solutions to problems.
  • Able to take accountability and ownership of complex situations.
  • Able to effectively multitask and work well under pressure.
How to applyThe role is offered as a contract for services for GAZE 2026, with the possibility of extending to 2028 after a review of the 2026 festival. The nature of the workload is such that certain points of the year, in the build-up to the festival and around funding deadlines, are busier than others. The successful applicant will be expected to manage this workload alongside any other commitments they have. The fee will be in the region of €20,000 for this part-time role, depending on experience, and a work plan will be agreed between the GAZE Board of Directors and the person appointed as Festival Director to provide clarity on expectations. The Festival Director will provide their own workplace throughout the year.Applicants should prepare a CV and Covering Letter (each max 2 sides of A4), outlining their relevant experience and how they meet the requirements of the person specification, and send by email to by 05:00 PM on Monday, 22nd September. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview during the week of 6th October, and should be available to start the contract in January 2026.If you would like an informal discussion on the role, please reach out to Evan Horan, GAZE Co-Chair, by email to .#LI-DNIThe closing date for this position is 22/09/2025 at 17:00

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