The deadCENTER Film Festival today announced it will rebrand as the deadCENTER Film Institute, and has begun a search for a new executive director to lead the organization’s continued evolution.

The deadCENTER Film Festival is Oklahoma’s largest film festival, attracting more than 30,000 attendees this past June.

The name change reflects the festival’s programming expansion to provide year-round educational opportunities for film teachers and working professionals, along with its statewide high school and college education tour. The 15-year-old deadCENTER Film Festival will remain the cornerstone program of the deadCENTER Film Institute.

Current Executive Director Lance McDaniel will transition into the role of artistic director with a focus on expanding educational programs for the institute.

During his five years as executive director, McDaniel has established the filmmaker Distribution Forum, deadCENTER University for high school students, the Oklahoma Film ICON award and the Statewide Education and Festival Tour that won the 2014 Governor’s Arts Award for Education.

The new executive director will manage the business of the deadCENTER Film Institute, overseeing all finances, including expanding corporate and foundation partnerships and building an endowment. Candidates will be evaluated on their experience in fundraising and corporate business development in Oklahoma.

Experience in film and festival management is not a requirement.

Interested applicants are encouraged to send a resume and cover letter to jobs@deadcenterfilm.org by July 31. Interviews will be held in August with a goal of announcing the new executive director in early fall.