
Director of Programming
A Museum Experience for the Modern World, in 2010 Fotografiska was founded in Stockholm and in late 2019 opened its newest outpost in NYC’s Flatiron District. These locations are complemented by expansion in Tallinn, and our forthcoming museums in Berlin, Shanghai, and Miami. Fotografiska showcases the greatest photographers, whether they’re emerging artists or already established internationally.
Slated to open in 2023, Fotografiska Berlin is located at Oranienburger Strasse 60 inside a unique historic and cultural landmark and home to an unexpected mix of world-class art, vibrant cultural programming, and exceptional dining experiences. Housing 5,500 square meters, the architects Herzog & de Meuron have been assigned to carry out renovations to the cultural heritage site.
Further information can be found here: https://www.fotografiska.com/berlin
Responsibilities
- Develop and present culturally relevant and socially compelling events and content, proving ROI by building the Fotografiska Berlin brand voice, driving audience growth, securing press and publicity, and manifesting our museum as a destination for culture, community, art, and hospitality.
- Conceive, pitch, develop, and execute new programming concepts and experiences for Fotografiska Berlin.
- Build, grow and maintain relationships with key cultural protagonists from the various fields mentioned above in collaboration with our community team
- Develop and propose concepts, strategies and ideas to engage with potential sponsors, brands, corporate organizations across relevant fields including, but not limited to culture, entertainment, sports, technology, food & beverages, digital, consumer goods, automotive, mobile communication, film & television, etc.
- Help recruit the programming team, full time and/or contracted employees, to support the Programming initiatives and in relation to year-to-year growth and revenues.
- Responsible for leading the programming team to produce programs from inception to execution, including coordinating all logistical details with talent, collaborators, sponsors, and internal Fotografiska departments.
- Stay up to date with current trends and new talent, and conduct competitive analysis, to curate compelling and relevant programs designed for target audiences.
- Work closely with leadership to develop and manage their business unit budgets
- Develop and execute engagement strategies in partnership with Museum-level, Marketing & Brand, and associated teams, to create an atmosphere and palpable sense of cultural and community-building “magic”, including membership programming initiatives and budget.
- Make introductions between members for both social and professional purposes, recording the success of the interactions by sharing data & insights with Community, Marketing and Membership teams.
- Overall responsibility for the programming calendar of Fotografiska Berlin ensuring overall calendar is scheduled and content is balanced through the month, regularly counter-balancing and complementing local programming with peers at other Museums.
- Work with Marketing & Brand team to:
- Drive maximum impact for all events
- Organize and approve marketing collateral, compile info from talent and submit designs for invitations, monthly newsletter, programs, elevator board, digital content, etc.
- Responsible for overseeing and managing the event production with the support of production and AV teams
- Ensure production team finalizes timeline of events (ROS), arrivals details, hospitality requirements, AV/tech needs, etc.
- Ensure that day-of-event coordination, set-up, and execution is going according to plan with the production team
- Participate in walk-throughs with partners and talent
- Talent gifting & thank you notes/gifts
- Adapt to new tasks and responsibilities as the business grows and changes.
Requirements
Sitting with our Berlin team, the Director of Programming is one of the most visible and connected/connective roles within Fotografiska. Reporting to the Museum General Manager and working closely with the Executive Director, the role collaborates closely with other units such as exhibitions, marketing, community and private events sales, to create, guide and supervise cultural programming in the entire venue cohesively.
Primary spaces dedicated to be used for cultural programming include the beautiful ballroom with large capacities for events such as experiences extending our exhibitions program, conferences, talks, panels, hybrid live-shows, celebrations, galas, event-dinners, art-performances, augmented reality events, as well as our rooftop bar (Chapel Bar). Besides, all other areas of our house including the restaurants, lounges, exhibition spaces, our store, café and bistro can be used for cultural programming in alignment with the respective teams.
The role is also contributing to the programming of our digital spaces, such as our website, social media platforms and 3rd party platforms, to further evolve the interconnection between the virtual, social, augmented and our real-life-museum space. The Director of programming will facilitate relationships with communities and talent (artists, cultural protagonists, creatives, collectives, entertainers, thought leaders, and third-party collaborators, etc.) from a variety of industries and fields including, but not limited to, contemporary arts with focus on photography, activism, politics, music, fashion, design, architecture, marketing, brands, agencies, film & television, tech, publishing.
In collaboration with the Fotografiska team, the role will be responsible for unique and innovative programs that enhance the guest, member and team experience. Inspire dialogue surrounding current photography exhibitions and museum offerings and drive important societal and cultural discourse.
- Minimum 8+ years of experience in Cultural Programming
- Minimum 3+ years of experience in producing Events and Event production
- Minimum 3+ years of people leadership experience
- Fotografiska values diverse educational and training backgrounds in consideration of the role.
- Demonstrated ability to generate innovative and unique programming ideas with the relevant contacts and experience working with relevant talent.
- A passion for popular culture and contemporary art, and interest in photography, with a proven ability to identify new and upcoming trends and talent. Demonstrated ability to generate innovative and unique programming ideas.
- Ability to manage detailed projects from conception through to delivery and evaluation.
- Proficiency in the use of both on-line tools and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to work on multiple projects, simultaneously.
- Experience working in a start-up environment where systems and processes are not fully formed.
- Knowledge of live event production and ability to meet deadlines.
- Writing and copywriting skills with an editorial touch.
- Proven project management ability.
- An established network in hospitality, design, and/or creative industries is encouraged.
- Full English and German language proficiency