FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Outfest Announces Executive Director Search
Kirsten Schaffer Named Interim Executive Director
LOS ANGELES – December 15, 2007 – Outfest, the world’s leading champion and steward of LGBT film across its entire life cycle from conception to preservation, is seeking a new Executive Director to replace long-time E.D. Stephen Gutwillig (for complete job description, click here). For 25 years Outfest has led the charge, spotlighting emerging talent, creating community between filmmakers and audiences and offering a world-class forum for stories that reflect and transform LGBT lives.
Kirsten Schaffer, previously Outfest’s Senior Director, will serve as Interim Executive Director while the Outfest Board of Directors embark on a national search for Gutwillig’s permanent replacement.
"Kirsten's leadership in the LGBT filmmaking community has been extraordinary, and the Outfest Board is thrilled that she will continue to offer Outfest her tremendous passion, artistic integrity and proven leadership during our search," said Stephen Macias, Co-President of the Outfest Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors is seeking a visionary leader with a demonstrable fundraising and management background. The ED must exhibit strong leadership skills and direct the successful implementation of the programs and activities of the organization.
"Looking to the future, we are committed to identifying top-notch, quality candidates, ones that share the vision of the organization and its goals of preserving, nurturing and broadening the reach of LGBT storytelling," said Angela Courtin, Co-President of the Outfest Board of Directors.
The ED will be responsible to the Board of Directors for the effective conduct of the affairs of the organization. S/he will supervise and direct the staff, programs and activities of the organization and will be responsible for execution of the organziation’s five-year strategic plan. These responsibilities include implementing Board policies; advising the Board regarding strategic direction, organizational development; fundraising; and overseeing day-to-day operations, including staff activities, budgeting and financial planning. Additionally the ED is the principle public face for the organization and represents Outfest in myriad public venues.
The Executive Director job posting is available here. Interested applicants may submit their resume and letter of interest to hiring@outfest.org.
About Outfest
Outfest is a leading showcase for diverse, international lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) film and video. Outfest produces the oldest continuous film festival in Los Angeles, the oldest LGBT screening series in the country (Outfest Wednesdays at the Egyptian Theater), the only multi-racial, gender-inclusive LGBT people of color film festival (Fusion) and the only program dedicated to preserving and protecting LGBT images (The Outfest Legacy Project for LGBT Film Preservation). Since 1982, Outfest has presented more than 4,200 film and video titles for audiences of well over half a million people.
Outfest protects our past, showcases our present and nurtures our future by fostering artistic expression of gender, sexuality and LGBT culture and its transformative social impact on the world.
Outfest
3470 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1022
Los Angeles, CA 90010
