SFFILM

The Bay Area's home for the world's finest films and filmmakers.

Uncategorized > Programmer

Programmer

We are no longer accepting applications for this role.

Overview

The Programming Department seeks a thoughtful, dynamic, and energetic programmer to join the curation and programming team at SFFILM. This individual will join an established team committed to bringing fresh, bold, and exciting new films to the Bay Area. They will support and participate in the collaborative work necessary to present media in a non-profit exhibition, education, and artist development environment. The programmer will contribute to a variety of public exhibitions on behalf of SFFILM, including the San Francisco International Film Festival, Doc Stories, SF Presents, as well as other year-round programs and opportunities.

The ideal candidate has a minimum of four years experience curating for another festival or film program, is fluent in feature film pipelines, has established relationships with sales agents and filmmakers, and is well versed in the festival landscape and execution responsibilities.

Application review begins July 16, 2024 and preferred start date is Late August/ Early September 2024. Salary range for this position is $67,000.00–$70,000.00 and benefits include full monthly premium with the organizations’ health insurance policies, PTO/Sick Leave and expanded annual paid holiday schedule.
SFFILM currently supports a hybrid-remote schedule, with an average of 3 days in the San Francisco offices, as well as time onsite throughout the Bay Area supporting SFFILM events.

Responsibilities

  • Curate titles, negotiate fees, and manage asset delivery under the direction of the Director of Programming.
  • Submit thoughtful written evaluations and support generation of promotion materials as related to public programs.
  • Track industry and festival trends and make programming recommendations on a weekly basis.
  • Oversee specific relationships with rights holders and sales agents to ensure SFFILM has exposure on all desired titles.
  • Develop partnerships and collaborations with other appropriate film festivals, arts organizations, distributors, and industry professionals.
  • Present SFFILM program to members, the press, and the public.
  • Introduce films, moderate Q&A sessions, lead panel discussion and other public programs.
  • Identify, research, invite, and host films and filmmakers, and other participants for public programs.
  • Support the management and oversight of SFFILM seasonal staff within the programming department when necessary for department goals and workflows.
  • Work cross-departmentally to develop strategies to promote programs and increase awareness of SFFILM.
  • Support Program team involvement with cultivation and fundraising efforts
  • Maintain an orderly and informative database.
  • Assist and collaborate with other departments as needed.
  • Participate in departmental and cross-departmental meetings and planning sessions as appropriate to the role.
  • Work within and towards all budget goals as communicated by the Director of Programming.
  • Work with and support SFFILM’s Education and Artist Development program goals when necessary for mission alignment
  • Manage ad hoc projects as assigned by the Director of Programming to support the functionality of the department.

Qualifications

  • 4-5 years of demonstrated experience in film programming or curation with solid film knowledge and expertise.
  • Knowledgeable about key filmmakers, producers, talent, distributors, with demonstrated and established industry relationships.
  • Must have strong critical writing and interpersonal skills, and ability to work as part of a team.
  • Self-driven and motivated. Works well under pressure.
  • Comfortable speaking in public is essential.
  • Presenting festivals and film events is demanding work that can occasionally require long hours and weekend work. Candidate should understand the demands of this industry and be willing to occasionally work nights and weekends.
  • Fluency in additional languages is a plus.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate professionally with volunteers, colleagues, and donors.
  • Strong work ethic, professional manner, and ability to represent SFFILM.
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload in a timely manner to complete assignments when faced with many deadlines and competing requirements.
  • Experience with non-profit organizations is highly desirable.

SFFILM is deeply committed to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) in both its internal management and external programming. Since 2018, the organization has actively been working in collaboration with two Advisory Boards focused on accessibility and inclusivity and officially began work with a DEI consultant in 2019 to further invest in and build on that work. Candidates are invited to discuss their interest and involvement in DEAI practices in their cover letter, and ask us more about our DEAI process in their interview.

SFFILM, in accordance with federal and state law, is an equal-opportunity employer. SFFILM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy/childbirth, medical condition, disability, age, ancestry, marital status, citizenship or veteran status. This nondiscrimination policy covers all candidates, staff members, interns, and volunteers.

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