Cultural Affairs Coordinator II - Film Office - DCASE

The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago's 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city - to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city's most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city - serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago.
The Cultural Affairs Coordinator II position in the DCASE Chicago Film Office Division will serve the needs of the local film and media industry and be its advocate. This includes reviewing and facilitating film permit applications and city services requests for film and television productions and serving as a liaison between city departments, aldermanic offices, location departments, sister agencies, and other government, community, and industry stakeholders. In addition, the position will support other activities of the Chicago Film Office as needed, including programming, events, and serving as an industry resource for the local film community.  In this capacity, the position performs the following:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Review and facilitate film permit applications - review applications, prioritize production requests, troubleshoot conflicts, evaluate feasibility, build consensus among city departments, and expedite permit approvals 

• Evaluate and coordinate city services to provide producers authorized access to city facilities, property, and assets under proper supervision and support

• Correspond and meet directly with producers and production teams to discuss overall filming plans, schedules, locations and logistics

• Conduct site surveys and meet with production teams on location in advance of filming and during production to evaluate community impact and determine parking and traffic plans

• Manage governmental and community relations by notifying and/or engaging aldermanic offices, civic organizations, residents, businesses, and other community stakeholders of production schedules and impacts (parking restrictions, traffic reroutes, hours of filming operations) in advance of filming, and by attending ward and other community meetings to report on area film activity and address community concerns

• Provide industry resources to producers by responding to requests on how to access industry resources and vendors, including soundstages, crew, equipment rentals, locations and city-owned facilities for filming, and other government and sister agencies for permits and authorizations 

• Provide professional resources to the public by responding to public inquiries via phone, email, or in-person about job and career opportunities such as casting calls, crew hiring, job training, and networking events

• Provide event production support for the Chicago Film Office's schedule of programs in the Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park and other sites when directed.

• Provide support for industry programming and special initiatives when needed

• Attend industry events such as industry conferences, film festivals, and organizational events

• Assist with other DCASE events, programs, and activities 

• May oversee and/or supervise temporary staff, including student interns

• Perform related duties as required

Additional duties may be required for this position.