Seeking A New Christchurch City Manager - Vista Foundation 48Hours 2025

Christchurch City Manager – Vista Foundation 48Hours 2025 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Job Type: Contract / Part-time Duration: July – October 2025 Deadline for application: June 1, 2025 About Vista Foundation 48Hours The Vista Foundation 48Hours is Aotearoa's largest and longest-running filmmaking competition.
Filmmakers have just one weekend to write, shoot, and edit a short film, testing their creativity and endurance.
The competition is a high-energy, community-driven event that brings together filmmakers of all skill levels.
Role Overview We are looking for an organised, proactive, and community-minded Christchurch City Manager to oversee the successful execution of the competition in the region.
This role involves event planning, team support, social media engagement, and competition logistics.
The ideal candidate will have experience in event management, film, or media industries and a strong connection with Christchurch's creative community.
We would love someone who understands the 48Hours competition and who is passionate about getting other people making great films.
Key Responsibilities: Pre-Competition (July – August 2025) Promote registrations by engaging with local filmmakers, schools, tertiary institutions, and community groups.
Network with film industry professionals and organisations to increase awareness and participation.
Manage the local Facebook group and contribute to the official 48Hours social media channels.
Secure venues for city finals screenings and, if possible, community watch parties for heats.
Recruit a diverse panel of judges (5–8 judges) and submit to HQ for approval.
Liaise with the local council or film office regarding permits or filming restrictions.
Provide support and guidance to teams, helping them form connections and prepare for competition weekend.
Shoot Weekend (August 17–19, 2025) Be fully available for the online launch, shoot weekend, and online hand-in.
Maintain a visible online presence on social media to encourage teams, answer queries, and share updates.
Be on-call to troubleshoot issues, deliver spot prizes, and offer moral support.
Assist teams in understanding the online hand-in process and resolve any last-minute technical issues.
Post-Shoot Weekend (August – October 2025) Heats & Judging Verify all films have been successfully submitted via Digital Pigeon and resolve any missing files.
Organise and curate film heats, ensuring appropriate content categorisation (e.g., family-friendly vs. adult content).
Review all films for any offensive or non-compliant content and report issues to HQ.
Facilitate audience voting and distribute certificates for audience favourites.
Coordinate film judging, prepare judging materials, and ensure results are returned on time.
Submit finalist selections to HQ by the deadline.
City Finals Oversee the city finals event, ensuring a smooth and engaging experience for attendees.
Work with HQ to confirm awards, prizes, and sponsor acknowledgments.
Arrange for event photography and ensure proper social media coverage.
Other Responsibilities Act as an ambassador for 48Hours, encouraging a positive and inclusive environment.
Monitor social media for any harmful or brand-damaging content and report concerns to HQ.
Support national promotion of the Grand Final event.
Wrap up all city-based responsibilities and celebrate a job well done Who We're Looking For We need someone who is: A 48Hours fan - We are looking for someone who understands and loves 48Hours.
Committed to developing filmmakers - We want someone who wants to help other filmmakers build community and make great films.
Highly organised – able to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and communications.
Energetic & enthusiastic – passionate about filmmaking and able to motivate teams.
Connected to Christchurch's creative community – strong relationships with local filmmakers, media professionals, and organisations.
Social media savvy – confident engaging with online audiences and promoting the competition.
Event management experience – comfortable with venue bookings, logistics, and planning.
Problem solver – able to troubleshoot technical, logistical, and team challenges under pressure.
Time Commitment & Compensation This is a contract-based role running from July to October 2025, with part-time flexible working hours and could be done alongside another job.
The shoot weekend - August 15 - 17, and the week following the shoot weekend - August 18 - 24 will require full availability as you will need to be available for teams and to watch and sort between 60 - 100 short films.
You will also need to be available on the day of the city finals event.
Compensation will be discussed with shortlisted candidates.
How to Apply Please send us a cover letter telling us about yourself - we want to know about who you are, how you fit into the Christchurch film community and what you would do to build 48Hours there.
We would also like to see a CV with some references we can contact.
Email - #J-18808-Ljbffr