Festival Manager Okanagan International Film Festival (OKIFF)

About OKIFF
The Okanagan International Film Festival (OKIFF) is a new international film festival, industry forum, and co-production market launching in October 2026 across Kelowna, West Kelowna, Penticton, and Vernon, British Columbia.
OKIFF is designed to position the Okanagan region as a growing destination for international film production, creative collaboration, tourism, and cultural exchange. The festival combines four integrated pillars:
International Film Festival
International Co-Production Market
Film Industry Forum
Next Generation Industry & Education Program
OKIFF’s mission is to connect global storytellers, emerging creators, industry leaders, investors, educators, and audiences while supporting Canadian, Indigenous, and international voices in film and media arts.
The festival aims to create meaningful cultural and economic impact through public programming, industry engagement, tourism partnerships, workforce development, and international collaboration.

About the Role 
The Festival Manager will provide operational and programming leadership for the inaugural International Film Festival, Industry Forum & Co-Production Market taking place across the Okanagan region.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Festival Manager will oversee festival operations, venue coordination, programming implementation, and cross-department collaboration to ensure the successful execution of all festival activities.

This role requires a highly organized and experienced event or festival professional with strong leadership, communication, and operational management skills.

Responsibilities Include 
Programming Oversight
Work closely with the Programming Director to support film programming execution
Oversee festival schedule development and daily run-of-show coordination
Coordinate screening timelines, filmmaker participation, and panel scheduling
Support integration of industry forum sessions, workshops, and networking events
Ensure all programming aligns with festival vision and audience experience goals
Festival Operations
Lead operational planning and implementation for all festival activities
Coordinate cross-functional communication between departments
Develop operational timelines, staffing plans, and festival procedures
Manage festival logistics during event week
Conduct daily operational meetings during festival period
Ensure smooth guest, delegate, and audience experiences
Assist with crisis management and problem-solving during live events
Venue Coordination
Coordinate with all participating venues across Kelowna, West Kelowna, Penticton, and Vernon
Oversee venue scheduling, setup requirements, and operational readiness
Liaise with venue managers, technical teams, and contractors
Ensure compliance with venue regulations, accessibility standards, and safety protocols
Coordinate signage, guest flow, registration areas, and festival branding installations


Qualifications & Experience 
Experience managing festivals, conferences, cultural events, or live productions
Strong organizational and project management skills
Experience coordinating multiple venues and stakeholders
Ability to manage teams, volunteers, vendors, and contractors
Excellent communication and leadership abilities
Ability to work flexible hours during festival preparation and event week
Knowledge of film festivals, arts organizations, or entertainment industry considered an asset
Preferred Assets: 
Film festival or arts event management experience
Sponsorship or partner coordination experience
Budget oversight experience
Familiarity with technical production environments
Experience working with public agencies, tourism organizations, or cultural institutions