Job Title:
Director of the Cinematheque at Cleveland Institute of Art
Company: Cleveland Institute of Art
Location: Cleveland, OH
Created: 2026-03-10
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
Cleveland Institute of Art is seeking a collaborative, dynamic and entrepreneurial Director for our Cinematheque. The Director is responsible for the operations and programming of the Cinematheque at Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) film program, which presents specialty films to the CIA community and the general public building on the Cinematheque's history of showing quality films and CIA's history of art and design. This position is exciting and varied, and suited to an individual who thrives working with creative people and is motivated to connect with a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. The Director should have strong leadership and management skills, a deep knowledge of film and the industry, excellent communication, networking, and fundraising skills, and a depth of interpersonal skills. In addition to providing oversight of the staff and operations, this individual should be prepared to roll up their sleeves as needed, to get the job done. Knowledge A film lover who has a passion for the creative process and appreciates the power of film. Requires an in-depth knowledge of the film business, film history and aesthetics. The Director will have a deep knowledge of film and the industry, film history through work or other experience, will have the background to credibly speak for the Cinematheque and the Cleveland Institute of Art among filmmakers, the media, and others in the industry. Requires knowledge of print sources for all kinds of motion pictures and a basic understanding of technical aspects of film and digital projection. Requires general business management and experience needed to shape and deliver on strategy and plans, and capably oversee the programs, operations, and systems (financial, HR, data, facilities, etc.). Build a deep and productive partnership with other departments of the Cleveland Institute of Art and develop meaningful student engagement opportunities and co-curricular activities. Skills Requires the ability to develop original and creative film programs, and write about them clearly and concisely. Requires the ability to operate analog and digital audio-visual equipment, to negotiate agreements, and to develop supportive relationships with the media and the public. Demonstrated proven success in cultivating internal and external relationships. Be well prepared to represent the Cinematheque, and to maintain and broaden our relationships with funders, partners, and community and industry leaders. Due to the nature of the Cinematheque program, this position requires the ability to work flexible hours on a regular basis. The above knowledge and skills are normally acquired through a master's or an undergraduate degree in a related field, general knowledge or film history and aesthetics, and ten years' experience in the film business (e.g., film programming, motion picture promotion, theatre operation, grant writing). Compensation This is a full-time, exempt position. Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications. CIA offers a benefit package including; paid time off accrual, 13 paid holidays, as well as additional time off while the college is closed during winter break. CIA offers health and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, 403B retirement contribution, tuition remission, free campus parking, and inter-museum council discounts. Review of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until position is filled. CIA is committed to increasing diversity in our community and actively recruits individuals from all backgrounds. Additionally, CIA complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and provides equal opportunity in all educational programs and activities, admission of students and conditions of employment for all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender identity or national origin. ABOUT CIA CIA is also a great place to work, and manifesting a positive culture and sense of belonging is a big part of who we are. We work hard and are proud of our employees' collective contribution to our mission -- but we also play hard and like to have fun. We challenge and support one another, integrate our institutional values in our work in a meaningful way, celebrate our successes, embrace learning and continuous improvement in all that we do, and are driven by our students' success and the creative environment that inspires us every day. CIA is one of the nation's leading accredited independent colleges of art and design. Since 1882, the college has been an educational and cultural cornerstone in Cleveland, Ohio, producing graduates competitive as studio artists, designers, photographers, contemporary craftspeople, and educators. With approximately 600 students, CIA offers a personal educational experience with the benefits of a larger institution. CIA students can choose from 13 majors in fine and applied art, each leading to a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Students live and work in Cleveland's University Circle, one of the country's most unique cultural centers - recently named by USA Today as one of the Top 10 Best Arts Districts in the country. The mission of CIA is to cultivate creative leaders who inspire people, strengthen communities, and contribute to a thriving and sustainable economy through an innovative education in art and design. For more information, visit Pay Range: $65,000 - $70,000 per year