SYMPOSIUM DIRECTOR
DURATION: March 5 to October 19, 2012
STATUS: Contract

PURPOSE OF JOB:
The Symposium Director will be responsible for programming, organizing, budget management, partnership building, execution and onsite management of the five-day Symposium, (conference) as part of the POP Montreal International Music Festival, September 19-23, 2012.

ABOUT POP MONTREAL:
POP Montreal International Music Festival is an annual not-for-profit grassroots organization that champions independence in the arts by presenting emerging and celebrated artistic talents from around the world.  Now entering its 11 year, POP’s main event is a five-day music and arts festival taking place in the early fall, featuring over 400 bands as well as films, art, fashion, conferences, workshops, crafts and special events. In addition to the main festival, POP presents over 100 multidisciplinary events locally and internationally throughout the year.

ABOUT THE SYMPOSIUM:
POP Montreal’s Symposium aims to empower, educate, and inspire by offering intimate access to the ideas and forces at the heart of today's music world. The Symposium brings together a diverse range of artists, community stakeholders, industry specialists, funding organizations and festival representatives under the banner of music, in the broadest sense.  All sessions focus on the relationship between art, culture, and creativity, with the aim of encouraging our community to build movements, strategize, and create.

For the 2011 edition, the Symposium presented 27 unique events (panels, artist conversations, workshops, screens, installations, a record fair and meet and greets) featuring a remarkable set of participants including: R. Stevie Moore, The Raincoats, Gary Lucas, Marcel Dzama, Joe Bataan and Babukishan Das Baul.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Working closely with the Creative Director, research, confirm interest and availabilities of participants, and propose programming for the 2012 Symposium.
• Works with the Public Funding Manager to submit all relevant information regarding the Symposium to granting agencies in order to secure public funding.
• Working with the Executive Producer, suggests, builds and maintains partnerships with private funders and key stakeholders in order to secure private funding.
• Expands and maintains the Symposium’s relationships with community based organizations and local partners.
• Directs development and implementation of programming plans, oversees panelist contacts, and reports regularly to General Manager to ensure that objectives are being met.
• Acts as the primary contact for all participants and presenters, meets all logistical needs including transportation and accommodation.
• Presents budgets to the Executive Producer for approval, monitors financial results, and expense on a regular basis.
• Directs development and implementation of marketing plans, as established by the Marketing Director, and monitors regularly to ensure that objectives are being met.
• Creates a staffing / volunteer plan that meets the on-going operational needs and presents candidate needs for key staffing positions to the General Manager.
• Writes bios, event listings and all required information for all Symposium events, activities, panelists and participants.
• Maintains and updates the Symposium section of popmontreal.com
• Develops, maintains, and represents the Symposium in important external relationships with major sponsors, suppliers, partners and the public.
• Participates in staff meetings, and advises the General Manager on matters affecting the operations of the Symposium.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintains an awareness of current trends in the music industry.
• Participates in the planning and direction of any extra-Symposium activities held in conjunction with the
• Symposium such as cocktails, workshops; ensures that they are carried out in an integrated manner consistent with the Symposium’s goals and objectives.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

• 3 – 5 years project management, creative direction and/or coordination experience; BA in a related field a plus.

SPECIALIZED SKILLS:

• Demonstrated curatorial or creative programming experience.
• Broad general knowledge of the entertainment and music industry;
• Skills in general and strategic management and planning, analysing and decision making, effective leadership, communications and public outreach. Strong writing, graphic design and web skills a plus.
• Experience creating and managing budgets.
• Fluency in English and French mandatory.
• Drivers License an asset.

EFFORT and WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Office environment.
• Extended working hours.
• Some lifting.
• Frequent pressure to meet deadlines.
• Frequent high stress levels associated with managerial functions.

COMPENSATION:
$12,000.00

HOURS:
Symposium Director will be required to work an average of 25 hours per week in the POP Montreal office, with some periods requiring a commitment of 40+ hours per week. Schedule to be set in consultation with the General Manager.

TO APPLY:
Please send a CV and a cover letter including the following information to emploi@popmontreal.com

In no more than 200 words please provide us with any themes or ideas you have for programming the symposium. These can be specific or general and can include panel topics, keynote speakers or workshop ideas.

Applicants will be accepted up until Thursday, March 1, 2012
Please note, while we appreciate all interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

THANK YOU!

POP