General and Artistic Director of the Plaza Centre Cinema

The Fondation Plaza is leading the renovation of the building housing “Le Plaza,” Geneva’s historic cinema, with the goal of creating a large cultural complex set to open in 2026. Plaza Centre Cinema will include various facilities, such as the restored cinema, an immersive room, exhibition spaces, a bookstore-shop, as well as a brasserie and a cinema-hotel (operated under separate management). Designed in 1952 by architect Marc J. Saugey, this heritage-listed building will also host professional structures dedicated to film and culture on its upper floors. Keeping cinema at its core, Plaza Centre Cinema will engage with a variety of cultural fields and offer a diverse program to a wide audience.

The Plaza Foundation is seeking a: General and Artistic Director of the Plaza Centre Cinema.

Mission
The General and Artistic Director’s mission is to carry out, develop, and promote the vision of the Plaza Foundation for the Plaza Centre Cinema, in collaboration with the Chairman of the Foundation Board on strategic aspects and in close consultation with the Executive Committee members for artistic programming and project implementation. In this capacity, the General and Artistic Director is responsible for ensuring the artistic excellence of the programming in order to position the Plaza Centre Cinema as a key player in the national and international cultural landscape.

Main responsibilities
–Define and establish the identity of a new cultural venue in Geneva, positioning it within a network of regional, national, and international collaborations.
–Design and oversee the implementation of a varied and creative program.
–Lead the Executive Committee with an open and collaborative spirit.
–Ensure excellent relations with the project’s structural partners and develop partnerships on a regional, national, and international scale.
–Ensure the financial balance of the Plaza Centre Cinema in accordance with the requirements of the Plaza Foundation, ensuring optimized and efficient resource management.
–Lead and strengthen the team, ensuring compliance with the Plaza Foundation’s Charter of Values.
–Harmonize the artistic and operational aspects of the various Plaza Centre Cinema structures and collaborate with the Plaza Foundation’s Hospitality Division (brasserie, coffee shop, and cinema-hotel).

Profile
The General and Artistic Director must possess extensive expertise in the field of cinema — including a strong grasp of its history and contemporary perspectives—and demonstrate an ability to create dialogues between cinema and other artistic disciplines.

They should demonstrate the following skills, qualifications, and experience:
–Deep knowledge of the professional cinema sector, particularly in the areas of distribution and dissemination
–Proven experience in a cultural institution related to cinema, with a demonstrated ability to lead innovative projects and develop a professional network
–Knowledge and interest in digital creation and immersive technologies
–Expertise in project management, including under pressure
–Recognized ability to establish and maintain strong professional networks
–Proven capacity to inspire and motivate teams through collaborative leadership
–Ability to delegate effectively while ensuring rigorous operational follow-up
–Strong adaptability, with clear and persuasive communication skills
–Fluency in both French and English (spoken and written), German is an asset
–A master’s degree in a related cultural field or an equivalent area of study

Unconventional educational and professional development paths will also be considered.

Working conditions
Location: Geneva / Employment rate: 100 percent / Start date: Spring 2025 / Application deadline: November 17, 2024.

The Plaza Foundation embraces all forms of diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Applications, including a cover letter, curriculum vitae, copies of diplomas, work certificates, and references, should be sent to: rh [​at​] fondation-plaza.ch.