Position Title: Executive Director

Organization: deadCenter Film

Location: Oklahoma City, OK

Reports to: Board of Directors

Annual Salary Range: $80,000-90,000 (DOE) + performance-based bonus

Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision (50% of premium coverage, $3,300-$9,900 depending on elections), Simple

IRA Benefit (3% match), Regional Film Festival Travel/Lodging (est. value of $6,000/annually)

About deadCenter Film

deadCenter Film’s mission is to inspire, promote, and celebrate creativity and community through film. This mission is accomplished through our three pillars: Education, Continuum, and Festival. Now in its 25th year, deadCenter Film is Oklahoma’s largest and only Oscar-qualifying film festival. In addition to promoting independent cinema through its annual June film festival, deadCenter Film showcases diverse voices through year-round film screening events and fosters a vibrant creative community through its innovative education programs.

Position Overview

deadCenter Film is seeking a visionary leader to build on its legacy, expand its reach, and bring people together through the power of film. The Executive Director will serve as the driving force behind deadCenter Film, leading the organization to new heights of creative and operational excellence. Reporting to the Board of Directors, this role offers the opportunity to craft and execute a strategic vision that impacts filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals locally and beyond.

As the public face of the organization, the Executive Director will foster partnerships, secure funding, oversee programming, and ensure sound fiscal and administrative management. This position is ideal for a dynamic leader passionate about connecting communities, empowering artists, and advancing Oklahoma’s film and creative industries.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Management

● Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and execute a vision that maintains deadCenter Film’s legacy while growing its future.

● Recruit, mentor, and empower a dedicated team of professional staff in the areas of programming, development, education, and festival operations.

Operational Oversight

● Oversee the annual film festival and year-round screening events, curating inclusive, high-quality programs that prioritize local and regional talent.

● Ensure programming excellence, using data and audience feedback to measure success and inform future efforts.

● Implement organizational policies, ensuring compliance with legal and contractual obligations.

● Provide regular, transparent updates to the Board, leveraging their expertise to address challenges and seize opportunities.

Financial Management & Development

● Develop and oversee the organization’s annual budget in partnership with the Board of Directors.

● Ensure sound fiscal practices and alignment with strategic priorities, maximizing the impact of available resources.

● Lead comprehensive fundraising efforts to sustain and grow deadCenter’s programs.

● Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, and grant providers, securing funding from diverse sources, including private foundations, corporations, and governmental agencies.

Community & Industry Engagement

● Act as the primary spokesperson, strengthening connections with local businesses, media, cultural organizations, educational institutions, and government officials.

● Champion Oklahoma City as a premier cultural destination, fostering collaboration within Oklahoma’s growing film industry.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

● Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required; Master’s degree is highly preferred.

● Minimum of 5 years in senior management, ideally in a nonprofit, arts, or media organization.

● Familiarity with Oklahoma’s creative sector is strongly preferred.

Skills & Expertise

● Proven track record of successful fundraising and donor engagement.

● Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with board, staff, donors, community partners, and governmental agencies.

● Strong financial acumen, with experience managing budgets in a nonprofit setting.

● Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

● Adept at problem-solving and thriving in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

How to Apply

If you are a strategic, community-oriented leader with a passion for the arts and a vision for deadCenter’s growth, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume, cover letter, and references to resume@deadcenterfilm.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.